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.