Our Team

Dilip Chinnakonda, a seasoned professional with 27+ years experience in international development, operations and finance. Trained in Agriculture and International Development, he combines technical and financial expertise. Joining CECI in 2007, he has led innovative initiatives for women’s rights and the strengthening of their economic power, such as integrating technology for citizen engagement. Beginning as a Project Manager, he progressed to develop a humanitarian aid unit, overseeing operations in Asia and Latin America. As Director of Finance, Admin and IT, he dedicates himself to the organization's success through financial insights, risk management and key decision support.

Koumba Anouma, Executive MBA graduate, is a specialist in women’s economic empowerment and impact investing. With over 20 years of experience across the public, private, and international development sectors, she has pioneered innovative financing solutions to promote the economic inclusion of women and youth in sub-Saharan Africa. Her work spans agriculture, access to finance, education, employment, and entrepreneurship. In 2022, she co-founded the Women’s Investment Club in Côte d’Ivoire, mobilizing funds to support women entrepreneurs and grow their businesses. Committed to equal opportunities, Koumba Anouma continues to champion women’s economic empowerment through strategic, high-impact initiatives.

Silvia Cotton is a Guatemalan professional with more than 20 years of experience in international cooperation projects in Central America. As the Director of CECI in Guatemala since 2010, she has built close relationships with community-based organizations to implement multiple initiatives focused on closing inequality gaps. Her commitment to social justice and environmental conservation has led her to work for and with underrepresented populations in Guatemala. She works towards strengthening women’s economic power and helping communities adapt to climate change.

Lina Demnati holds a master’s degree in Political Science and Feminist Studies. Passionate about community development and social justice, she has 19 years of professional experience in Canada, Africa, and Asia. She has strong expertise in managing collective projects with high social impact, focused on reducing inequalities through an intersectional, inclusive, and human rights-based approach. Currently, she serves as the Lead Thematic Advisor for Inclusive Governance and Humanitarian Action at CECI. In this role, she leads major projects in fragile contexts affected by conflict and protracted crises, working to strengthen social cohesion through citizen participation and the promotion of an inclusive and equitable civic space.

Abdourahim Herico Diallo, Country Director of CECI-Guinea, is a seasoned expert in sustainable economic development, planning, and organizational development. He holds a degree in agricultural engineering and a master’s in nonprofit management. He has been with CECI for over 25 years. Throughout his career, he has held several strategic positions: consulting engineer, coordinator of large-scale projects, procurement and contract management specialist, as well as program and monitoring-evaluation officer. He also brings valuable experience gained with UNDP/UNV, the African Development Bank Group, IDA, and the private sector, particularly in local content management.

A development program manager in Sub-Saharan Africa, Martine Esther DJEIGO brings over 20 years' experience of both difficult and transitional contexts to enrich CECI's programming in Benin and worldwide. Martine Esther Djeigo has extensive experience managing development programs in sub-Saharan Africa. She is dedicated more specifically to strengthening the economic power of women in Benin.

Philippe Dongier is the Executive Director of CECI, renowned for his leadership that delivers tangible results and his dedication to sustainable and inclusive development. With nearly 20 years of experience at the World Bank, he held various leadership roles in different regions (including Afghanistan, East Africa and South Asia) and sectors (such as community development, digital development, infrastructure and climate change). He also boasts extensive private sector experience, having served as General Electric's Managing Director of Government Affairs for Africa and then globally (excluding the USA), as well as working as a corporate strategy consultant with McKinsey & Company. Philippe holds a BA in Economics and Anthropology from McGill University and an MBA from INSEAD.

Deepak Khadka is the country representative for Nepal and has over a decade of experience in non-profit management. He holds a master’s degree in Cooperation and Development and an international diploma in Humanitarian Assistance, which enhances his strategic approach to humanitarian and development project management, partnership and business development, all aimed at the socio-economic empowerment of women and marginalized groups in Nepal. Deepak's expertise encompasses strategic planning, new business development, strengthening partnerships, ensuring program quality, and managing operational risk, all of which contribute to the effectiveness of country programs. His commitment to business development and project effectiveness has established him as a leader in the non-profit sector, greatly impacting communities across Nepal.

Nancy Lafrance brings over 19 years of experience as an experienced international development jurist, both in Canada and abroad. She has been with CECI since 2008, where she has played a key role in piloting partnerships with organizations and institutions across diverse sectors, and spearheading innovative initiatives in women’s rights, women’s economic empowerment, gender equality and innovative financing. Currently serving as the Director of the CECI Volunteer Cooperation Program, she provides inclusive leadership in transitioning to a more horizontal model of cooperation between the North and South. Her unwavering commitment to women’s and youth rights and empowerment has made a significant impact on communities in Latin America, Africa and Asia.

Mouhamadou Leye, Director of CECI-Senegal, brings extensive experience in international cooperation, focusing on sustainable development, poverty reduction, humanitarian response and resilience building.  With a diploma as a senior technician in accounting and finance and a master's degree in management sciences, he has previously served as the country representative and technical supervisor in West Africa for COFACE-SICR Senegal, as well as the country representative for the Canadian Organization Assistance Service (SACO, now Catalys), before joining CECI in 2010. He has demonstrated a strong leadership in developing initiatives and forging strategic partnerships with local community organizations, NGOs, the private sector and public institutions.

Bachir Maman is a specialist in environmental and hydroclimatic modeling with several years of experience in about fifteen countries in Africa (Sahel, West, Central, and East Africa), the Caribbean, and the Middle East; as an engineer on hydraulic infrastructure projects, an environmental/CCA specialist, sustainable agriculture expert, and in the management and design of large-scale projects and programs. He holds an engineering degree in environmental engineering (Bac+5) and an MSc in Engineering in hydroclimatic modeling from the international and interuniversity program (KU Leuven & VRIJE Brussels) and is currently pursuing a PhD. For nearly 20 years, he has contributed to improving the living conditions of the most marginalized populations and to the development of sustainable agro-sylvo-pastoral sectors with high economic value.

Holder of an engineering degree and a master’s in applied science from École Polytechnique de Montréal, Mr. Matte began his career as a volunteer in Burkina Faso, where he worked in environmental engineering. He brings over thirty years of experience in international cooperation within our organization, having served as Country Director in Burkina Faso, Regional Director for Africa based in Dakar, Director of the Uniterra Volunteer Program, Director of Innovation and Special Projects, and Senior Strategic Advisor on Inclusive and Sustainable Economy. Throughout his career, he has built bridges between the development cooperation and private sectors, supporting numerous CECI initiatives that have strengthened the economic empowerment of women and youth.

Marcel Monette manages CECI’s projects and ensures their quality. He holds a master's degree in economics and a diploma in environmental management. He has been involved in the field of international solidarity since the early 1980s and has been with CECI since 2005. Throughout his tenure, he has worked across all geographic regions where CECI is active. In addition to his role as a project manager, Marcel has played a key role in shaping CECI's International Network and has contributed to the development of CECI's sustainable development policy.

Stephanie (she/her) is a dynamic communication senior leader with 13 years of experience in storytelling, developing engagement strategies, managing digital platforms, designing innovative projects and building relationships and partnerships.  With a strong track record in fundraising and resource mobilization, Stephanie has put her creative thinking to work for different non-profit organizations in international cooperation, sustainable development, social innovation and film. Most recently, she was the Director of Communications and Fund Development at Equitas, where she specialized in human rights education. Stephanie holds a Master’s degree in Communications from Université de Montréal, a Bachelor’s degree in Communications from Concordia University, and spent time studying at the Université des Antilles in Martinique.

Paola Patti brings over 20 years' experience in human resources, including international experience. She has led branch openings in Europe, South America and projects with First Nations communities in Quebec. From strategic management to union negotiations, she has shaped positive corporate cultures, and her commitment to inclusion and innovation has driven significant change within many organizations.

Claude Phanord is an agronomic engineer specialized in rural engineering, natural resource management, and supporting local development dynamics in Haiti. He has dedicated his professional career of over 25 years to international cooperation, supervising, coordinating and managing development projects in Haiti for international NGOs, United Nations agencies and international donors. Currently, he holds the position of Regional Director for CECI in Haiti.

Julie Théroux-Séguin holds a master’s degree in Political Science (Feminist Studies) from UQAM, with one year of study in Mexico and another in France, as well as a DEA from EHESS/Université Paris 8. With nearly 20 years of experience in international development, she has worked in Asia, Africa, and Latin America. As the Lead Thematic Advisor for Women’s and Girls’ Rights, she specializes in gender integration, strategic planning, and the design of transformative impact projects.

Marcela Vallejos is CECI's Director for Bolivia and Latin America. She has dedicated herself to the cause of women's and young people's rights, economic empowerment and climate change adaptation since the beginning of her career. In particular, she has acted as Country Manager for EQWIP HUBS, a start-up that provides young people from vulnerable communities with entrepreneurship training and access to financing. She was also coordinator of the Water and Gender program in Bolivia and Peru for the UK's Catholic Overseas Development Agency. The initiative aimed to link Indigenous communities with local governments and transnational corporations in a process designed to resolve water and environmental conflicts arising from mining and energy production.

Having joined CECI in 2016, Bonaventure Wakana brings over 25 years of experience in international organizations and private foundations across Africa, the UK and Canada.  Holding a Master’s degree in Rural Economics and Development, he owns a unique expertise in developing and managing complex projects, as well as scaling up solutions in various areas, including women’s rights and economic empowerment, entrepreneurship, youth employment, resilient agro-food systems, local governance and conflict management.  Known for his passion, he has provided leadership in the organizational transformation of several organizations committed to advancing the agenda of localization and reshaping power dynamics between the Global North and South.

Holder of a Master's degree in Development Studies with a specialization in Microfinance, Mrs. Olive Ingabire Zimulinda is deeply passionate about the well-being of vulnerable populations. With over 20 years of experience, she has collaborated with government institutions, private sector entities, local civil society organizations, international NGOs and development partners. Her areas of expertise include women's and youth empowerment, gender equality and women’s rights promotion, entrepreneurship and business development, cooperative promotion, cross-border trade in the Great Lakes Region, business for peace and conflict sensitivity, project management and partnership development.  Mrs. Olive has made significant contributions to the elaboration of Rwanda's gender policy and GBV policy. As a team leader, she has played a pivotal role in developing strategies for enhancing women and youth access to finance through microfinance institutions and banks across Rwanda. Currently, Mrs. Olive is responsible for coordinating the Volunteer Cooperation Program and other development initiatives of CECI in Rwanda.

Fayçal Boureima is a Senior Environmental Expert with over 18 years of experience in environmental life-cycle analysis of products and services, as well as sustainability analysis of agricultural, livestock, and aquaculture value chains. He worked for five years with the International Labour Organization as a specialist in green jobs, blue economy, and just transition. He has supported various African and Western Indian Ocean countries in developing their national policies and strategies for job creation in the green and blue economies. Fayçal holds a Ph.D. in Engineering Sciences from Vrije Universiteit Brussel and a Specialized Master’s in Eco-design and Environmental Management from ENSAM Chambéry. Currently serving as CECI’s Global Thematic Leader in Climate Change Adaptation, he co-leads the transition toward a sustainable and inclusive economy.

Ekué Séssi Afanou is a Director in Data Analytics at the international consulting firm KPMG. He holds a master’s degree in finance from the Université d’Évry Val d’Essonne (France) and a master’s degree in financial engineering from the École nationale des sciences appliquées (Morocco). He spent several years at the National Bank of Canada, where he held positions in project management, data analysis and business intelligence. A member of Concertation Montréal’s 2021 third cohort of the Group of Thirty, he is deeply engaged in several organizations dedicated to newcomer integration, youth leadership, entrepreneurship and technology. He is the founder of the Énogné platform, which promotes data use across the African continent, and the initiator of the Finkekeli association supporting orphaned children in Togo and Benin.

A graduate in agri-economic sciences from Ohio State University, with a specialization in rural finance and microfinance, and from the Crimean Agricultural Institute in economics and agricultural production management, Mr. Biteye is a recognized strategic leader. He currently serves as the Executive Secretary and Chief Executive Officer of the African Capacity Building Foundation. With more than ten years of experience at Oxfam Great Britain as Regional Director for West Africa, he has also held senior positions at Visa Inc. and the Rockefeller Foundation. His expertise spans international development, and he has an in-depth understanding of both the public and private sectors in Africa.

Daniel Caramori is currently Vice President, Chamber Network Engagement, Canadian Chamber of Commerce. He holds a Bachelor's degree in Business Administration from the University of São Paulo and a Master's degree in Political Science, Public and International Affairs from the University of Montreal. His interest in international cooperation first manifested itself through his contribution as a training advisor to the Uniterra program and his participation as a volunteer in Mongolia. His professional career has taken him from management positions to those of advisor and policy researcher in Canada, the United States, and Brazil.

Inès Chalala, Director of Knowledge and Partnerships at Philanthropic Foundations Canada and member of the Réseau québécois des femmes en environnement, brings over 10 years of experience from various international organizations, including the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). Her expertise spans across multiple regions worldwide, focusing on sustainable development with a particular emphasis on governance and innovative environmental financing policies and mechanisms. Inès is particularly passionate about promoting sustainable land management practices and enhancing the involvement of civil society and local communities in decentralized governance of natural resources.

Aïssatou Diouf holds a master’s degree in information and communication on Environment and Sustainable Development from Côte d'Azur University. She also earned a master’s degree in business administration from the Institute of Business Administration at the same university. Additionally, she has a diploma in Journalism from the Science and Information Technology Education Center. Currently, she oversees international policies and climate-energy advocacy at Enda Énergie, in Senegal, and is a managing director at Clim'Act. As coordinator of the Climate Action Network West & Central Africa, she is also a trainer in climate policy and diplomacy, deeply committed to social action, civil rights, and the fight against poverty.

Marie-Claire Dumas is an accomplished corporate administrator. Passionate about international cooperation and women's rights from the start of her career, she previously served as Executive Director of Concertation Montréal and led the Montréal Regional Conference of Elected Officials. Over nearly 20 years with the City of Montréal, she held key roles, including Director of Research and Communications at the Office de consultation publique de Montréal, Director of the Bureau of Intercultural Relations, and Head of the Social and Community Development Division. During her time with the city, she helped launch the Congé solidaire program in partnership with Uniterra and developed the On ne joue pas avec les droits program in collaboration with Equitas. Holding a Master’s degree in Communication from UQAM, she also worked at the YWCA Montreal and in research and communications, including as a columnist for Châtelaine magazine, where she wrote the monthly feature Femmes d’ici et d’ailleurs from 1980 to 1988.

Chloé Gaudet, an organizational development consultant, brings over 20 years of experience in change management, training and communications, gained through roles at prominent organizations such as BRP, Ivanhoé Cambridge and Cirque du Soleil.  Known for her energy and innovative approach, she excels in implementing strategies that facilitate team progress towards their goals, particularly in complex transformational environments. Fluent in three languages, Chloé holds both a master's and a bachelor's degree in communication sciences. Recently, she furthered her studies in organizational development at HEC Montréal, demonstrating her commitment to professional growth and development. Additionally, Chloé has volunteered with Oxfam-Québec in Lima, Peru, showcasing her dedication to social impact initiatives.

Ana Carolina González Espinosa holds a Ph.D. in Political Science, along with two master’s degrees from the Paris Institute of Political Studies (Sciences Po), one in Development and the other in Comparative Politics. Additionally, she holds a bachelor’s degree in finance, Government, and International Relations from Externado University of Colombia, and is a research associate at the same university. She is currently a senior global program director at the Natural Resource Governance Institute (NRGI). Her research contributions span several organizations, including UNDP, IDB, and Transparency International, as well as philanthropic entities, such as the Ford Foundation. Her expertise includes development, resource governance, community engagement, climate change, and energy transition.

Executive Director of Société du réseau ÉCONOMUSÉE (SRÉ), he oversees the organization's development in Quebec, Canada and internationally. He obtained a bachelor's degree in forest engineering in 1993 from the Université Laval (Quebec, Canada), and began his career as a forest engineer abroad as a volunteer cooperant in Mali. In 1997, he obtained a master's degree in forestry science from the same university, in the field of forest policy and community forestry. After 15 years working for professional associations in the forestry and forest products sector, he joined the tourism industry in 2013.

Cécile Mukarubuga is a development leader with more than 30 years of experience within governments, the United Nations and international NGOs. She has served as an international gender expert in the Office of the President of Togo. Prior to this, she was UNFPA Resident Representative in Togo and Regional Director for UN Women in West Africa. Before joining the United Nations system, she worked in the private sector and with international NGOs across Africa, including the Agency for Cooperation and Research in Development (ACORD) and the African regional office of the International Planned Parenthood Federation. For more than ten years, her work focused on national and regional peacebuilding initiatives, including community reconciliation and the psychological and economic reintegration of women survivors of armed conflict. She has published books and articles on peace and conflict transformation. Throughout her career, she has held high-level representation and advocacy roles at governmental and international levels, and has contributed to resource mobilization, institutional development, management, strategic planning, international programming and peacebuilding.

Sylvie-Marianne Rhugenda is a Research Development Advisor at Université Laval. She has extensive experience in the telecommunications sector in sub-Saharan Africa, where she held roles in risk management, regulatory compliance and fraud prevention. She holds an MBA, a master’s degree in sociology and a graduate diploma in gender studies. She supports researchers in implementing partnership-based research projects and has a strong interest in issues related to the economic empowerment of women and girls. She has also served on the Board of Directors of the Caisse Desjardins at Université Laval, where she held the position of Vice-President and contributed to the governance, ethics and audit committees. She is actively involved in initiatives related to equity, diversity and inclusion, as well as sustainable development.

A graduate of Sciences Po Paris in political science with studies at the University of Chile, Patricio Scaff currently serves as the head of the external relations office of the Development Bank of Latin America and the Caribbean (CAF) in Peru and Colombia, a position he has held since 2017. Prior to this role, he worked for the French Ministry of Europe and Foreign Affairs, where he served as an international expert in democratic governance in El Salvador for Central America and the Central American Integration System (SICA). He has also played a significant role in developing international partnerships, particularly in higher education and research in France. Additionally, he has been actively involved in Sciences Po's Observatoire Politique de l'Amérique latine et des Caraïbes and contributed to the establishment of the National Committee for UN Women in France, where he served on its board of directors between 2013 and 2015.

Jude Saint-Natus est chef de projet pour le Programme d’appui à l’amélioration des services publics en Haïti. Il se consacre à rendre les services administratifs et de l'État civil accessibles pour les citoyens, contribuant ainsi à la gouvernance inclusive et à la consolidation de la paix. Juriste de formation et expert en décentralisation, il a joué un rôle clé dans le renforcement des institutions locales en Haïti. Il a occupé des postes de haute responsabilité, notamment en tant que directeur général du ministère de l’Intérieur et des Collectivités territoriales, ainsi que représentant par intérim du Programme des Nations Unies pour les établissements humains/ONU Habitat. Ses réalisations notables incluent l'introduction des premiers corps de métiers municipaux et l'amélioration des finances publiques locales.

Cecilia Valdes Canales holds a master’s degree in international Affairs, with a specialization in Economic and Sustainable Development, from the Paris Institute of Political Studies (Sciences Po), and a bachelor’s degree in International Business from the Technological Institute of Monterrey, Mexico. Currently responsible for innovation and sustainability in Mexico and Central America at Yara, she previously held the position of global director, ESG [Environmental, Social, Governance] & Impact at Orbia, among other positions in France and the UK, including with the consulting firm Deloitte. With more than fifteen years of experience, she participates in system transformation with a focus on food security, climate resilience, regenerative agriculture and sanitation. She has also authored publications on sustainable tourism and climate change.

Milder Villegas has been working for over 30 years in community economic and social development, particularly in the creation and management of development funds targeting women's and immigrant entrepreneurship, among other areas. He contributes to CECI's priorities through his expertise in management, business start-ups, and financing. He holds a bachelor's degree in social work, with a focus on community organization, and a master's degree in business administration (MBA) from UQAM. He has held various strategic positions with different financial institutions in Canada. He has many years of experience in governance through his various roles as a director on various boards of directors.