Ateliers précongrès

Danai Bélanger (she/her/elle) is a Zimbabwean-born, trilingual (Shona, English, and French) student services and immigration professional who currently serves as the Vice-Principal Student Affairs at Bishop’s University in Sherbrooke, QC.
She’s spent the last 17 years navigating Canada’s many immigration and social systems for various institutions in five of Canada’s provinces. She has a master’s degree from The University of British Columbia-Okanagan in Diversity Education. Her research was on the important role that post-secondary leaders have in creating community for students, as well as how community-building can create stronger institutions. She also has a Bachelor of Arts (Hons) in English Language and Literature, and was one of the earliest Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultants (RCIC) in Canada – obtaining her designation in 2015.

As a Black woman and immigrant, she has first-hand experience as both a user and educator of Canada’s immigration programs and the challenges that marginalized folks face – experiences that have enabled her to provide the highest level of service to some of the most vulnerable people in post-secondary institutions. This experience has informed her research in community building and public policy, as well as her inherent desire to advocate for improved immigration systems in the post-secondary sector.

She has educated Royal Newfoundland Constabulary police recruits and local RCMP about racial bias amongst Black people and has advocated for supported a wide spectrum of student groups within Student Services.

Danai is an active community member. She has served as board chair for the on the Atlantic Council for International Co-operation (ACIC), is a regional representative on the Canadian Bureau for International Education (CBIE) Immigration Advisory Committee (IAC), and the Student Advising/Conseiller aux étudiants (SACE) committee.

She has worked as a consultant for the ISIEP-PEIEI creating and editing course content and developing cross-cultural modules for new advisors and regularly sits on panels as a subject matter expert on student issues, BIPOC representation, the Black/African experience, and immigration policy.

In her free time Danai enjoys spending time with her family and is a co-creator and regular contributor on the podcast Mixed Motherhood – a podcast about raising biracial and multi-racial children in Canada.

Rania Ghaly (she/her/elle) is the Executive Director of Apex Language and Career College (ALCC), an esteemed English language institute located in Halifax, Nova Scotia. With over 20 years in the education sector, Rania has cultivated a rich career spanning various roles and educational levels.

Born in Montreal and raised in Halifax, Rania’s upbringing as a daughter of immigrants has shaped her unique perspective on Canada’s evolving cultural landscape. Growing up in Canada with Egyptian heritage has given her a profound appreciation for multicultural dynamics and an awareness of the biases and stereotypes prevalent in our society.

Rania holds a Bachelor of Science from Dalhousie University and initially worked as a Research Scientist before pursuing her passion for education. She began her teaching career as an Elementary homeroom teacher, then focused on teaching Science. Her 15 years in K-12 education encompassed roles as a teacher, Academic Coordinator, Department Head and Vice-Principal.

In 2015, Rania transitioned to Adult Education and has since dedicated nearly a decade to Higher Education. At ALCC, she has served in various capacities, including EAP/UBP instructor, Academic Coordinator, Registrar, and Director. She is committed to helping students meet their language learning goals and navigate the challenges of studying in Canada.

Rania is actively involved in the educational community, serving on the boards of TESL NS and TESL Canada, and participating in the Immigration, Student Recruitment, Language Sector, and Operations Committee of EduNova. She is also a member of the TESOL International, Canadian Association of Second Language Teachers (CASLT), Atlantic Provinces Association of Communication Teachers (APACT) and Centre of Women in Business (CWB).

A passionate advocate for professional development and collaboration, Rania is dedicated to supporting schools in fostering global citizenship and student success. Outside of her professional life, she volunteers locally and supports youth initiatives. Her personal connection to the international student experience, as the daughter of a former international student, informs her deep commitment to providing the skills and support necessary for students to thrive in Canada.