Blaine Lambert
Blaine Lambert, CPA, CMA has a Bachelor of Commerce with a concentration in accounting from UBC. Born in the Yukon, his enthusiasm for the North led him to build a travel agency specializing in BC, Yukon, and Alaska. He recently sold his agency and now manages it as a branch for Merit Travel Group. His passion for the outdoors includes hiking, running, and most recently he has begun cycling to work. 'I have been very fortunate to visit so many wonderful places and really appreciate what each destination has to offer with respect to history, architecture, and culture. No matter how amazing the trip, I always love coming home to this wonderful country of Canada. We take for granted the freedoms and opportunities afforded to us'.
Laurel Murray
Ryan Plano (He/Him)
Having served on the Board, Ryan supports the Grants Committee application review and follow-up reporting processes to ensure the continued success of our community partnerships. Born and raised in the United States, Ryan previously worked for a boutique law firm in Vancouver that provides legal and policy advice to First Nations and Indigenous organizations. With a BA from McGill, Ryan got his MSc in International Migration and Public Policy from the London School of Economics and Political Science. He currently lives and works in Paris, France.
David Salter
David is a native British Columbian, although he has lived in 3 other provinces as well as in Europe. Following graduation from the University of Alberta, David became a banker, first in commercial lending and then as an economic analyst based at its head office. He is now “semi-retired” having recently sold his strata property business which he managed for more than 20 years. As a keen supporter and volunteer with Rainbow Refugee Society since 2013, David brings vital expertise, enthusiasm, and diplomatic skills to the Board.
Warley Silva
Flavia Silveira (They/Them)
Flavia always had a passion to give back to their community. Being part of the RFOH Social Media team has been an opportunity to do so. The vision of making the world a safer space for the LGBTQ+ community is in alignment with their own. Therefore, they feel grateful for the opportunity to volunteer in a place where we can support a safer migration of LGBTQ+ refugees and newcomers to Canada. Flavia was born in Brazil and is currently completing their Masters in Counselling Psychology at Adler University. Flavia has been working with the LGBTQ+ community for the past 5 years, since before their arrival in Canada. It’s their purpose to continuously provide a safer space for the LGBTQ+ community.
Chad Wilkinson (He/Him)
As an original LGBT+ refugee co-sponsor and RFOH co-founder, Chad is a full-time law student enrolled in the world's first joint law degree in common law and Indigenous legal orders at the University of Victoria. Chad is a professional biologist and environmental advisor, having obtained his Master of Science in Zoology (UBC) and Bachelor of Science in Biology (Hons) and Environmental Studies (UVic). He is an advocate for human rights, anti-racism, ecosystem and biodiversity protection, sustainable development, and non-violence.
Foundation Board Alumni
Carl Meadows, Founding President (2014 - 2018)
Hasan Abdessamad, Co-Founder (2014 - 2015)
Patrick Rmeily, Co-Founder (2014 - 2017)
Paul Tolnai, Co-Founder (2014 - 2017)
Nardia Brown (2015 - 2019)
Darcie Clarke (2019 - 2021)
Todd Clarke (2019 - 2021)
Aleksandra Djordjevic (2016 - 2021)
Jeffrey Fisher (2014 - 2016)
Patrick Galasso (2018 - 2020)
Namir Hallak (2014 - 2015)
Landon Krentz (2014 - 2015)
Aniss Lotfy (2018 - 2020)
Catarina Moreno (2015 - 2017)
Eka Nasution (2016 - 2018)
Mark Patterson (2018 - 2019)
Chad Walters (2015 - 2017)
