Dr. Melanie Katsivo

President and Chair of the Board of Directors

president@acfola.ca

Biography

Dr. Melanie Katsivo moved to Canada from Kenya in East Africa with her family in 1997, where they selected London, Ontario as their new home. Her deep desire to learn about her new home-town led to Melanie taking up jobs with three community service organizations as well as volunteering on a Board of Directors, within the first 3 years of arriving in London, Ontario. This was a crucial orientation and transitioning process that contributed to a fairly quick integration into the Canadian society.

In addition to her day jobs at the Lawson Health Research Institute and Western University, Melanie has continued to volunteer in various leadership roles with community-based not-for-profit organizations in London and area, as well as in Ontario. She has served on the Board of Directors of the African-Canadian Federation of London and Area (ACFOLA) since 2015, as Secretary and President.

Melanie’s great desire and therefore drive is to see full integration and inclusion of ACFOLA Youth and New Comers into the Canadian social fabric; where their personal and collective potential and contributions are fully acknowledged, appreciated and rewarded.

The President is entrusted to run the federation with equity, fairness, team work and vision. She works with accountability for the general well-being and advancement of the ACFOLA’s mission. She is responsible for presiding over all General and Annual meetings of the Federation. The president may also serve as ex-officio member of committees and attend their meetings when invited.