Cooperation Canada Expands in 2024 and Welcomes New Team Members

Aislynn Row, Senior Manager, Programs

Aislynn has taken on the role of Senior Manager, Programs since May 2024, and is excited to continue her career at Cooperation Canada. She has been with Cooperation Canada since 2019, starting as the HRN coordinator, then Digna Program Manager, and most recently the Executive Coordinator. Prior to Cooperation Canada, Aislynn worked for over 3 years at WUSC, following the completion of her Masters in International Development Management at the London School of Economics.

Alex Li, HR Administrative Assistant

Alex Li has extensive experience in the field of mechanical engineering. She also gained valuable experience in human resources and procurement management with a state-owned enterprise in China. Since arriving in Canada, her passion for the not-for-profit sector has blossomed, as she devotes much of her time to supporting young newcomer women.

Alex is currently an MBA candidate at the Telfer School of Management and is due to graduate in August 2024. Actively involved in her university community, she participates in various case study competitions and is a keen supporter of the MBA Student Association.

In her spare time, she enjoys hiking and swimming, and hopes to start cycling this summer.

Augusta Acquah, Director of Membership and Outreach

Augusta Acquah was recently the Manager of Sections at the Canadian Bar Association (CBA). She managed a team that supported 39 specialty groups or Sections that represent communities or substantive areas of the law. Augusta was with the CBA for almost 10 years in various roles, assisting volunteer members to implement engagement initiatives, develop tools and resources, organize professional development and outreach opportunities to bring value to the membership. Augusta has also held positions with non-profit organizations in Ottawa and Montreal serving members and community partners from diverse backgrounds.

Augusta has lived in Sierra Leone, the United Kingdom and various provinces in Canada. In 2005-2006, Augusta took part in the Canada World Youth (CWY) intercultural exchange program between youth from Canada, Botswana and South Africa and served on the organization’s board of directors, an experience that had a profound impact on her life and career aspirations. Outside of work, Augusta enjoys spending time with her family and exploring the outdoors.

Augusta holds a Master of Arts in Globalization and International Development from the University of Ottawa.

Emma Proux, Manager of Events and Community Development

Emma moved to Canada three years ago and has since been actively involved in event planning and community development. Prior to joining Cooperation Canada, she successfully led major events for the Association for Canadian Studies / Metropolis Institute such as the Metropolis Canada conference, handling everything from logistics to partner relations. Before her current engagements, she worked in London (United Kingdom) as an independent consultant program evaluator with Minority Rights Group international (MRG), focusing on international projects that advocated for minority rights and promoted inclusive dialogues. Emma also contributed to advocacy efforts at the Welsh Refugee Council.

Emma holds dual Master’s degrees in International Development and International Relations from Université Laval and Sciences Po Bordeaux (France). She has been actively involved in migration studies, notably her Master’s thesis exploring the intersection of migration paths and cultural geographies at the US-Mexico border. Her insights are enriched by her bicultural British and French upbringing, which has deeply influenced her approach to international relations and cultural studies.

Paul Farran, Director of Policy and Advocacy

Paul joins Cooperation Canada with 18 years of experience working with the United Nations and other internationally focused organizations. He has worked in crisis, conflict, and development contexts, including Vietnam and Zimbabwe, where he served as Head of the UN Resident Coordinator’s Office, as well as under other functions at UN Headquarters and in the Comoros, Afghanistan and Rwanda. Paul also had the opportunity to work as team lead for Global Affairs & Strategic Partnerships with the Climateworks Centre in Australia.

Paul is fluent in English and French and holds a Master’s degree in International Studies from the Université de Montreal as well as a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science and Legal Studies from Concordia University.

Samantha Searle, Communications Assistant

Samantha recently graduated from the University of Ottawa with her Bachelor of Social Sciences degree in International Development with a minor in Feminist and Gender Studies. With an interest in communications and content creation, Samantha has acquired experience across various communications positions, and she is excited to bridge her educational knowledge with her skills to her role as Communications Assistant. Passionate about intersectional feminism, minority rights and accessibility, Samantha hopes to bring unique and creative new perspectives to the team. She is thrilled to be coming home to Cooperation Canada, after briefly working with us as a co-op student in 2021.