MEET THE TEAM

Anurika “Rika” Onyenso (she/her) joined the board in the spring of 2026. She currently works as Operations Lead at the Pembina Institute. A community builder, youth advocate, and emerging social impact leader, Anurika has worked across the nonprofit, public, and grassroots sectors to advance equity, civic participation, and systems change.

Anurika is inspired by interVivos' commitment to mentorship, meaningful dialogue, and community-driven engagement. Through her work in youth engagement, digital rights, financial literacy, and community wellbeing, she has seen how creating inclusive spaces empowers people to share their experiences, strengthen relationships, and contribute to positive change.

"Community engagement creates spaces where people feel seen, heard, and empowered to contribute. I've seen how meaningful connection inspires confidence, strengthens communities, and encourages people to take action."

Favourite Local Business: Aradia Fitness

Bumo Mgabe (she/her) joined the board in the spring of 2026. She currently works as a Student Recruitment Specialist at NAIT (Northern Alberta Institute of Technology). Before joining the board, she participated in the interVivos Mentorship Program as a protégé in March 2020 and returned for a second mentorship program after the experience left a lasting impact.

Bumo is inspired by interVivos because she has experienced firsthand the difference mentorship can make. With the support of two mentors, she navigated important personal and financial milestones, including purchasing her first home and paying off her car. Their encouragement reinforced the value of investing in others and continues to shape how she supports her own community.

"Community engagement is about showing up for one another. When people invest their time, knowledge, and encouragement, they create stronger, more connected communities where everyone has the opportunity to grow."

Favourite Local Business: Vi’s for Pies, closely followed by White Rabbit

Charvi Dhamija (she/her) joined the board in the spring of 2025. She currently works as a Management Consultant at KPMG. Before joining the board, she served as the board's University of Alberta Non-Profit Board Student Intern from the fall of 2023 to the spring of 2024 and participated in the interVivos Winter 2024 Mentorship Program as a protégé.

Charvi is inspired by how intentionally interVivos brings its mission to life through mentorship, dialogue, and community engagement. From her experience as both a protégé and student intern, she has seen how the organization creates opportunities for people to build lasting relationships, exchange ideas, and grow as leaders while making a positive impact in their communities.

"Community engagement has shown me the importance of connection and belonging. Bringing people together, supporting one another, and working toward shared goals creates stronger communities and lasting impact."

Favourite Local Business: Tiramisu Bistro

Elsie Rebecca Osei (she/her) joined the board in the summer of 2026. She previously served as a University of Alberta Non-Profit Board Student Intern with interVivos during the 2024–25 academic year and participated in the interVivos Summer 2026 Mentorship Program as a protégé. She is currently pursuing a PhD in Human Ecology at the University of Alberta.

Elsie is inspired by interVivos because it reflects the kind of practical, community-driven change she studies. She values the organization's commitment to mentorship and collaboration, creating opportunities for people to learn from one another and transform ideas into meaningful action that strengthens communities.

"Community engagement transforms knowledge into action. By listening to and learning alongside the communities we serve, we build stronger relationships and create solutions that have lasting impact."

Favourite Local Business: Blenderz Garment Recyclers

Fea Gelvezon (she/her) joined the board in the spring of 2023 and previously served as Secretary. She is currently a law student at the University of Alberta. Through her volunteer and professional experiences, Fea has developed a strong appreciation for mentorship, collaboration, and building relationships that strengthen communities.

Fea is inspired by interVivos' commitment to creating positive, supportive networks where people can connect, learn, and grow together. She values the organization's ability to bring people from different backgrounds together through mentorship and community events that foster belonging and meaningful relationships.

"Community engagement creates opportunities to learn from one another, build meaningful relationships, and celebrate the diversity that strengthens our communities."

Favourite Local Business: Garden Bakery South Common

Leen Meqdadi (she/her) joined the board in the summer of 2026. She currently works with the City of Edmonton, where she supports entrepreneurs and community initiatives focused on inclusion, accessibility, and reducing barriers. Through her work, she is committed to creating environments where people feel welcomed, supported, and able to succeed.

Leen is inspired by interVivos because it creates meaningful opportunities for people from different backgrounds and experiences to learn from one another. She appreciates the organization's commitment to mentorship, dialogue, and fostering connections that strengthen individuals and the broader community.

"Community engagement connects programs and services to the people they are meant to serve. By listening to diverse perspectives and creating opportunities for participation, we build trust, reduce barriers, and strengthen our communities."

Favourite Local Business: Bianco

Navneet Chand (he/him) joined the board in the spring of 2024. He currently works on public policy focused on ethics and legislative development for the Government of Alberta. Before joining the board, he served as the board's University of Alberta Non-Profit Board Student Intern from the fall of 2022 to the spring of 2023 and participated in the interVivos Winter 2022 Mentorship Program as a protégé.

Navneet is inspired by interVivos' ability to create meaningful connections through dialogue, mentorship, and community engagement. His journey from community event participant to protégé, student intern, and now Treasurer reflects the organization's commitment to developing leaders and creating opportunities for people to contribute in different ways over time.

"Community engagement builds trust, strengthens relationships, and helps organizations remain accountable to the people they serve. Strong communities are created when people listen, collaborate, and grow together."

Favourite Local Business: Padmanadi

Nikki Chau (she/her) joined the board in the spring of 2023 and previously served as Treasurer. She currently works as a Manager in Audit & Assurance and Consulting at Kingston Ross Pasnak LLP and is both a CPA and MBA. Through her professional and volunteer experiences, she has developed a passion for mentorship, leadership, and supporting the next generation of professionals.

Nikki is inspired by interVivos because it brings together people from different backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives to learn from one another. She believes leadership can be developed by anyone and values the organization's commitment to creating opportunities that encourage collaboration, learning, and personal growth through mentorship and community engagement.

"Community engagement creates opportunities to build relationships, share knowledge, and strengthen our communities. Those connections help develop leaders who inspire positive change within their own networks."

Favourite Local Business: La Bosco Bakery & Cafe

Zohreh Saher (she/her) co-founded interVivos in 2006 and has served as its President since 2009. She currently works as a Senior Intergovernmental Officer in International Relations for the Government of Alberta, focusing on the Indo-Pacific and Middle East regions. Through both her professional and volunteer work, she is passionate about building partnerships, strengthening communities, and creating opportunities for people to connect.

Zohreh co-founded interVivos to create a welcoming space where people could build meaningful relationships through dialogue, mentorship, and civic engagement. She continues to be inspired by the organization's volunteers, whose passion for elevating diverse voices and fostering authentic connections has helped interVivos grow into a vibrant, community-driven organization.

"The greatest impact of interVivos has always been the connections it creates. Seeing emerging leaders learn from one another, build lasting relationships, and become mentors themselves is what continues to inspire me."

Favourite Local Business: Olia