About

Meet Our Executive Director

EFFAT GHASSEMI, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

With a fierce commitment to the empowerment of immigrant and refugee communities, Effat Ghassemi has strived to create a beacon of hope through NCP since 1988. Her journey is rooted in a profound dedication to enhancing the lives of newcomers in Canada. It is a narrative of relentless service, advocacy, and leadership. At the core of Effat’s mission, lies the dream of shaping a welcoming community in Mississauga, a dream that she continues to bring into reality through her innovative strategies for settlement and integration. Effat’s story is one of courage and challenge, similarly faced by thousands of immigrant families seeking a new beginning. Through compassionate guidance, Effat has developed an agency that is proficient at steering newcomers towards fulfilling futures in Canada. Aiding in employment, entrepreneurship, education, and settlement, families are able to build a sustainable future for generations. Her commitment extends beyond the tangible, as she champions the causes of gender equality and racial harmony, tirelessly working to knit the fabric of social inclusion and innovation. Her leadership and foresight have earned her esteemed positions on advisory committees that shape the future, including the Ontario Council of Agencies Serving Immigrants (OCASI) and the Peel Newcomer Strategy Group (PNSG). Effat’s influence is a testament to her belief in collaboration and shared vision, making her a revered mentor and an inspirational figure in immigrant communities and beyond. Holding a master’s degree in Immigration and Settlement Studies, Effat’s academic background provides a solid foundation for her pioneering work. Yet, it is her unwavering spirit and genuine empathy that truly define her legacy. Effat Ghassemi is not just an Executive Director; she is a visionary and leader, propelling NCP toward a world where every newcomer is greeted with opportunity and open arms.

Meet Our Board of Members

CHARLIE X.T. MA, J.D., CHAIR OF THE BOARD

Charlie is a lawyer and founding partner of Lee & Ma LLP. He focuses on residential and commercial real estate purchases and sales, financing and leasing. Charlie received his B.Sc with honours from the University of Waterloo and J.D. from the University of Toronto Faculty of Law.

NATE O. FUKS PHD, TREASURER

Dr. Nate Fuks is the founder and chairman of Pride Psychotherapy Team and a private practice psychologist at the Argyle Institute of Human Relations in Montreal, specializing in working with LGBTQ people, immigrants, refugees, and ethnic minorities. Prior to joining the Argyle, Nate pursued an MBA from the Schulich School of Business at York University, and has established himself in a number of challenging and evolving leadership roles, in both the public and private sector. He offers service to clients in four languages, and during his career was involved in a variety of international and multi-cultural ventures. Nate’s industry observations and experiences raised his awareness of the importance of newcomer and minority integration, and inspired his interest and ongoing involvement in both research, as well as community initiatives pertinent to these issues. As a result, Nate has completed his PhD in Counselling Psychology at McGill University. After graduating, Nate continued as a course lecturer at McGill; his research these days revolves mostly around identities and mental health of LGBTQ immigrants and refugees.

VICTORIA BARBARIC, BOARD MEMBER

Victoria brings a wealth of experience with over 13 years in the banking industry where she has developed a strong desire to bring people together, unlocking their potential, and helping them achieve their goals. Having a strong passion in working with newcomers, she’s inspired in assisting newcomers to navigate the challenges that come with settling in a new country. Coming from a family who were newcomers to Canada, she understands these challenges that are faced, and she takes great pleasure in sharing her knowledge and experience for the good of the community that she both works and lives in.

SATISH PATHAK, BOARD MEMBER

Satish has been involved with immigration settlement for over two decades. He specializes in employment trends and labour adjustments and is actively involved in the community. His vast experience and skill has earned him numerous awards and recognition over the years, including an award for community services from the Governor-General of Canada.

DAVID FISHER, BOARD MEMBER

David is a senior facilitator and performance consultant with 20 years experience developing customized learning solutions for major North American corporations. His work, spanning a wide range of industries and subject matter, has received several prestigious awards including the 2008 Award of Excellence through the International Society for Performance Improvement.