Shakya Abeywickrama is a business leader in the community, passionate about female empowerment, gender equality, and diversity in both the workplace and society. A first-generation Canadian, she immigrated from Sri Lanka with her family more than 15 years ago. She holds a Bachelor of Commerce from the University of Saskatchewan and a Bachelor of Business Administration from Edith Cowan University in Australia. Shakya currently serves as VP and General Manager of Marketing Services at Vendasta, where she leads one of North America’s largest white-label digital agencies, overseeing teams across Canada, the United States, and South Asia.

Beyond her professional role, Shakya is deeply committed to community service. She has been part of the Saskatoon Open Door Society Board since 2020 and continues to support newcomer programs within the community and local organizations. A proud mother of two young children, she is inspired to help build welcoming and supportive communities for future generations.

Her lived experience as an immigrant, together with her passion for empowerment and inclusion, strongly aligns with the mission of SODS.

Cynthia Hernandez is a community leader and currently serves as the Manager of the Local Immigration Partnership Saskatoon. She is a multidisciplinary professional with experience in the nonprofit sector, finance, project management, strategic operations, and change management. She is internationally educated, holding bachelor’s degrees in both Accounting and Arts. Born and raised in Mexico, she has lived in three countries over the past 20 years and speaks English and Spanish fluently.

Since arriving in Saskatoon in 2008, Cynthia has deeply valued the importance of community support. The resources and connections she found through local organizations helped her feel welcomed and fostered a strong sense of belonging. Over the years, she has volunteered with several organizations in Saskatoon and enjoys engaging with people from diverse backgrounds. She is a passionate advocate for community building, diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Tyler Nguyen is a second-generation immigrant born and raised in Saskatoon to parents who immigrated from Vietnam almost 40 years ago. He graduated from the University of Saskatchewan, earning his Bachelor of Commerce degree in Finance from the Edwards School of Business. Tyler now serves as the Economic Intelligence Manager at the Saskatoon Regional Economic Development Authority (SREDA), where he drives Saskatoon’s economic voice and empowers informed decision-making through data and information.

Beyond his professional role, Tyler is deeply involved in community engagement. He has served as a mentor with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Saskatoon and actively volunteers for local events in curling and dodgeball. Tyler also sits on the Board of Directors of BGC Saskatoon.

Tyler’s commitment to valuing people’s uniqueness is why he serves on the Board at SODS. He is dedicated to creating an inclusive and supportive environment in Saskatoon where individuals are appreciated for their unique contributions and identities. Tyler aspires to continue his leadership journey, driving positive change and fostering a community that embraces diversity and collaboration.

Nikita Rathwell is a lawyer and partner at McKercher LLP in Saskatoon, practising in the areas of Indigenous and Aboriginal law and litigation. Her focus is on Aboriginal law and insurance litigation and Indigenous governance issues.

Nikita’s mother’s family immigrated to Canada from India in the 1960s, when there was almost no support system in place for New Canadians. This background has made Nikita understand the importance of an organization such as SODS and its mission to help New Canadians make Saskatoon feel like home. Nikita previously sat on the SODS Board of Directors from 2021-2023. After taking a break to welcome her first child, Nikita is eager to rejoin the Board.

Kiela Caudillo has been a member of the SODS Board of Directors since 2020. Originally from Mexico, Kiela moved to Saskatoon 12 years ago to pursue a Master’s degree at the University of Saskatchewan. She has worked with the university in various roles, including Research Assistant, International Student Recruitment Officer, and International Partnerships Specialist. Currently, Kiela works at the Saskatchewan Polytechnic, Saskatoon Campus as an International Project Coordinator and manages international opportunities for underrepresented students.

Kiela is also a multi-entrepreneur and has co-founded three small businesses in Saskatoon. She participates in multiple community events to support fundraising initiatives, from volunteering to planning and performing. Kiela believes in the importance of helping and supporting the community in every way possible.

In addition, Kiela co-founded the Latino Canadian Cultural Association Inc., which is a not-for-profit organization that promotes and preserves culture and identity within the Latin American community while sharing it with the rest of the citizens of Saskatchewan.

Kiela is committed to supporting women in business and promoting higher education for new immigrant women. Volunteering with the SODS Board of Directors has allowed her to be directly involved in initiatives and programs that benefit newcomers, while improving the local economy and social services.

Biswa Patra is a distinguished researcher, mentor, and entrepreneur with a passion for addressing global challenges. He currently serves as a Project Manager at EnviroWay Manufacturing and holds an M.Sc. in Chemical Engineering from the University of Saskatchewan. As the founder of Algal Earth, a startup focused on combating climate change and reducing greenhouse gas emissions, Biswa facilitated its merger with King Tide Carbon. His work has fostered international collaborations across Colombia, the United Kingdom, West Africa, and India.

Biswa plays a pivotal role as an advisory board member for King Tide Carbon, advancing oceanic CO2 sequestration, and provides his expertise to Cellular Goods PLC in the UK. His leadership extends to prominent community roles, including Board Member of the Saskatoon Open Door Society (2023–2025), President of the Rotary Riverside Club, and Board Member of TCU Place. He previously served four years on the board of the India Canada Cultural Association (ICCA), holding positions as Treasurer, General Secretary, and Vice President. Additionally, he has served as Vice President of Operations and Finance for the India Students’ Association and Director of Fundraising for Engineers Without Borders.

A committed advocate for education and community service, Biswa has volunteered as a Let’s Talk Science ambassador, inspiring high school students through science engagement. He also supports ASHA for Education, Canada, raising funds to provide educational opportunities for underprivileged students in rural India. Biswa’s dedication to driving positive change underscores his commitment to both local and global communities.

Madhurja Ghosh (he/his) moved to Saskatoon 10 years ago as an international student and has since made connections with people from diverse backgrounds. Madhurja finished his Bachelor of Commerce in Accounting, with distinction, at Edwards School of Business. He is currently working as an Auto Claims Adjuster at SGI. He has volunteered with the University of Saskatchewan Alumni Association, Saskatoon Sharbojonin Puja Porishod (SSPP), USASK Connects Mentorship Program, and in various spheres of the society in his own limited capacity.

In his journey, the focus is to engage with the community and create cross-cultural relationships with communities, organizations and groups that will make him a true global human being. Madhurja’s aim in life is to touch as many lives as possible in the profoundest ways imaginable. Madhurja was presented with the Queen Elizabeth II Platinum Jubilee Medal in 2022 in recognition of his social service to the community.

David Camarador has always striven to bridge the inequities in communities he serves in, aiming to create a space for anyone and everyone to succeed. Growing up in Swift Current, he saw firsthand the challenges of visible minorities, 2SLGBTQ+ individuals, and Indigenous people in a rural setting. He recognizes the intersectional lens required to strengthen inclusivity, ensuring a holistic approach to target the root cause of issues and not only the symptoms.

He completed his Bachelor of Commerce at the University of Saskatchewan and is currently a Human Resources Business Partner at the Saskatchewan Health Authority. He has been heavily involved in non-profits and volunteering with organizations like Big Brothers Big Sisters Saskatoon, JDC West, the Canadian Cancer Society, and the Multicultural Council of Saskatchewan (MCoS). As a member of the MCoS Board of Directors, David sits on the governance and risk mitigation committees, working on strategic priorities, succession planning, and overall board responsibilities.

Echo Qin is a CPA, CMA, and MBA with extensive experience in financial management, working with various organizations and industries. Currently, she is with Deloitte, serving multiple clients in the capacity of a fractional Controller or Director of Finance.

Echo has helped all the organizations she worked for or with to improve efficiency, internal controls and compliance in the accounting and finance function. In addition, she offers insights from her experience and technical expertise to help organizations develop meaningful and value-driven strategies that achieve long-term sustainability and growth.

As a wife and mother of two young boys, Echo enjoys travelling and participating in local events with her family. She has also led various initiatives at Deloitte to support local charities.

Fran Moran’s commitment to community is rooted in his history. Born in El Salvador, his family immigrated to Saskatchewan in 1986. His family was welcomed by Regina Open Door Society, providing a firsthand experience of the impact the community can make for newcomer families striving for a better life. Fran Holds a Bachelor of Business Administration from the University of Regina. While new to Saskatoon, having moved in here in 2024, he has spent his career in Saskatchewan. He currently serves as the Communications Manager for Saskatoon Co-op, overseeing communication and community investment strategies for the co-operative. Fran’s passion for community extends to his volunteer work with youth programs like Co-op Camp and charities like United Way.

Moved to Saskatoon from Iran in 2016. He graduated from USASK College of Law in 2023, and became a lawyer in 2024. Sam has a deep appreciation for the vibrant and diverse communities in Saskatoon and he is passionate to serve them through his volunteer work, such as providing pro bono legal services. Sam is training to become a collaborative lawyer and a mediator to achieve his dream of helping people resolve their conflicts peacefully and outside of the court. In his free time, Sam likes to take a walk around the city, go to different restaurants to try new foods, and watch the new movie hits at the Cineplex. Sam is also an avid Harry Potter fan and has won any HP trivia contest he has participated in so far.