Board of Directors
The board of directors ensures that AJOI's activities allow at all times to achieve the organization's mission and objectives, while respecting its values. It determines, in collaboration with the general management, the strategic orientations.
Members of the AJOI Board must:
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Have a sincere interest in the work of the organization;
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Be able to perform their duties and achieve the objectives of the organization;
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Represent the diversity of the members of the organization and the community it serves;
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Represent the different sectors of activity of the organization.
President
Michel Wilson
Michel Wilson is responsible for human resources and quality assurance as a consultant at Valgui transport inc.
He is also an expert in the use of force at MP Canada inc. for more than 6 years.
He was a policeman and commander of the police department of the City of Montreal for more than 31 years.
Vice-president
Howard Nadler
Howard Nadler, B.SC., MSW, now retired, has chosen to dedicate much of his time during retirement to enhancing the work of community organizations.
He currently serves as the board chair of International Social Services Canada, is a member of the Governing Board of International Social Service, located in Geneva, a cofounder and long standing board member of AJOI and now Ricochet.
Howard is also a board member of the Table de quartier Sud de l'Ouest-de-l'Île de Montreal, vice president of the board of Maison Elizabeth House and immediate past president, a member of the Comité régional pour les programmes d'accès à des services de santé et des services sociaux en langue anglaise de la région de Montréal and a long standing member of the board of directors of REISA, Le Reseau du l'Est de L'ile pour les services en anglais.
Secretary
Martine Haines
Martine has been a member of the Board of AJOI since 2020 and of Ricochet (Hébergement · Homes) since 2023.
With a bachelor's degree in industrial relations and an MBA, she brings her HR vision and her great knowledge of governance to her fellow administrators and management.
Having worked for more than 15 years in the health network, including 10 years in a mental health institute, Martine is well aware of the issues that users of both organizations may experience.
Today, she works as a consultant at Raymond Chabot Grant Thornton and supports companies in achieving their goals.
With her experience and mother of two boys, she is involved in the Board of Directors of both organizations to give back to the community and ensure a healthy and safe environment for users and employees.
Administrator
Véronique Babin
After working for 22 years in the construction, architecture and design industry, Véronique Babin has been a real estate broker since 2015 in the West Island of Montreal.
Very involved with various non-profit organizations for many years; the pleasure of helping lives there.
Véronique was a candidate for Realtors Care 2023, a program that recognizes the volunteer commitment of brokers in Canada who have distinguished themselves with charities in their community.
Administrator
Jag Nara Simha Devara
Retired IT professional who worked for the Government of Canada, Government of Nunavut, and other various high tech companies. Enjoys volunteering and being a part of the community.
Presently on the board of AJOI and Ricochet. Past president of Lakeshore Kiwanis and present president of Lakeshore Kiwanis foundation.
Administrator
Ann Francis
Ann is a former lawyer, having obtained two law degrees from McGill University.
After a successful legal career at a large multinational corporation, she is now a licensed financial advisor with a boutique private wealth management firm.
Ann was also a candidate for the Conservative Party of Canada for Lac-Saint-Louis in the 2019 and 2021 federal elections.
She has served on the boards of several not-for-profit organizations and is very involved in her church as a Youth Leader.
Administrator
Virginie Tourte
Virginie Tourte is currently Senior Manufacturing Engineering Manager at Morgan Schaffer Ltd, a company in the electrical power sector.
She has over 20 years' professional experience in manufacturing operations, mainly in supply chain management but also in engineering.
With a degree in plastics engineering, a master's degree in strategic purchasing management and a green belt in lean six sigma, Virginie Tourte is well versed in business processes, project management, strategic planning and continuous improvement approaches.
Very interested in governance issues, she is currently preparing a certificate in governance with the Collège des administrateurs de société.
Joining the Board of Directors of AJOI and Ricochet (Hébergement/Homes) gives her the opportunity to share her knowledge of governance with the organization, and to give back to her community while working for a cause that is close to her heart, as it has a great deal to do with the well-being and development of young people.
Administrator
Nell Owusu
Nell is passionate about human relations. Her desire to improve people's quality of life has grown stronger over the years. She holds a Bachelor's degree (major in women's studies and minor in human rights), a diploma in Specialized Education and certification as a Mental Health Specialist. She also has training in suicide prevention, enabling her to assess dangerousness, evaluate the level of disorganization and offer immediate help for people in crisis.
She currently works as an outreach worker with people with special needs, and as a psychosocial worker with victims of criminal offences.
She describes herself as compassionate, resourceful, skilful and loving.
Employee representative
Athéna Quesnel
Athena Quesnel has been a street worker at AJOI since 2021. Bursting with ideas and caring, she has a gift for reaching young people and marginalized people and she aspires to improve the quality of life of service beneficiaries as well as the working conditions of colleagues.
Her role as employee representative within the Board ensures transparency in the orientations presented by the council. His experience with young people and his understanding of the practice of street work benefit the CA.
Athena also sits on the AJOI social committee.
A lover of nature and animals, Athena stands out for her blue hair and her very dynamic personality. Of Greek origins, she is always smiling and despite appearances, she has a soothing calm for those who meet her.