MOSAIC’s 2014 Annual General Meeting took place on September 11th at the Van Dusen Botanical Garden, where 90 attendees, including board members, members, special guests, volunteers and staff came out for the early evening event.A traditional welcome by Musqueam Coast Salish Elder, Larry Grant, opened the session. MOSAIC’s Executive Director Eyob Naizghi delivered his annual report which detailed the highlights of the year and outgoing Board President Gabrielle Smith provided a report on behalf of the Board.Victor Porter was this year’s keynote speaker. He provided a passionate and insightful narration of his personal journey, which included 17 years of experience working at MOSAIC. Porter shared his experiences growing up in Argentina during the military dictatorship of the 50’s, 60’s and 70’s. He became an activist and was jailed as a political prisoner for four years, after which he came to Canada as a refugee. Eyob Naizghi said about Porter’s speech, “it was very inspiring and touching – there were many teary eyes in the room and I hope those in attendance were inspired by his journey.”The Kinbrace Community Society is this year’s recipient for MOSAIC’s Human Rights Award in recognition for their work with refugee claimants. Salim Zitouni was the recipient of the Kes Chetty Education Award and the 2014 Employer Recognition Award went to Fairmont Hotels and Resorts who work with MOSAIC Employment Programs.In addition to the announcement that Gabrielle Smith is leaving MOSAIC’s board, Bark Kong is also retiring and both were acknowledged and thanked for their contribution to MOSAIC over the past years. Mehran Kiai was confirmed as the incoming new Chair of the Board, and four new members will be joining the board as well. Also confirmed at the AGM was the following: Cheryl Nelms as the Vice-Chair, Maia Tsurumi as the Secretary, and Hariprasad Suvarna as the Treasurer. Gabrielle Smith will serve the Board as the Past Chair, and Adam Policzer and Jeff Brooks as members at large.
