Message from the Chair of HCCI Governing Council
It is with regret that I announce the departure of Yohana Otite as Executive Director of the Hamilton Centre for Civic Inclusion (HCCI), effective August 31, 2018. Since 2015, Yohana has played a critical role in the development and success of HCCI. While we will miss her leadership greatly, we wish her the best in her new endeavor as the Human Rights and Equity Officer at the Hamilton Wentworth District School Board.
On behalf of the HCCI Governing Council, I would like to thank Yohana for her contributions as Programs Manager and Executive Director of HCCI. Yohana’s accomplishments at HCCI involved many noteworthy undertakings, including ensuring the successful implementation of our flagship programs, strengthening our community partnerships and ensuring the sustainability of HCCI funding.
Although Yohana is departing from HCCI as a staff member, we have invited her to join HCCI’s Governing Council as a member and she has graciously accepted. The Council will benefit from her leadership and grass-roots experience to continue the development and growth of the organization.
Over the next few weeks, the Governing Council will make arrangements to find a new Executive Director for HCCI. In the meantime, all of HCCI’s programs will continue as planned.
To oversee and lead HCCI’s staff in accomplishing the successful continuation of our programs, we are also pleased to announce the hire of Kojo Damptey as the new Manager of Programs, effective August 27th 2018.
Kojo is no stranger to the Hamilton community. As a long-time community organizer on human rights and anti-poverty issues, Kojo has a deep understanding of the challenges our community faces. He is an interdisciplinary educator, facilitator and community organizer with leadership experience in spearheading initiatives that promote social justice. Kojo is also a singer/songwriter with musical works that capture his passion for social justice. He has been a Regional Animator at the Canadian Catholic Organization for Development Peace and is also a member of the President’s Advisory Committee on Building an Inclusive Community at McMaster University. Kojo has an interdisciplinary Master’s Degree, specializing in Leadership Studies and Intercultural & International Communications. I welcome and congratulate Kojo on his new role as the Manager of Programs at HCCI.
If you have any questions or concerns during this transition process, please do not hesitate to contact us at info@hcci.ca
Best regards,
Milé Komlen
Chair, HCCI Governing Council