KEY PEOPLE
Pure Professionalism
FISSEHA YACOB BELAY, PhD
Director
Dr. Fisseha Belay brings over 15 years of extensive experience in higher education, social policy and project management. He has a PhD in Curriculum Studies & Teacher Development with a Collaborative Program in Comparative, International and Development Education from Ontario Institute for Studies in Education/University of Toronto
He is passionate, enthusiastic, and dedicated educator with remarkable knowledge of cross-cultural education systems and sustainable development. He is a firm believer in life-long learning, equity and access to quality of education for all
SCHLAICH, PhD
Training and Curriculum Specialist
Dr. Schlaich is an international learning specialist, with extensive experience in teaching and training instructors, teachers, parents and students on learning and improving learning environments and pedagogy. Lisa has a Master’s degree specializing in Curriculum Studies and Teacher Development with a Collaborative Degree in Comparative, International and Development Education from OISE at the University of Toronto. She is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Leadership, Higher and Adult Education, within the Educational Administration program
MR. EVERTON GODRON PhD (c)
Trainer and Director of Operations
Mr. Everton Gordon brings more than 30 years of solid experience in the field of social services and education.
His expertise knowledge includes anti-racism teaching, clinical expertise in mental health and addictions incorporating a trauma informed approach to practice.
His depth and breadth of knowledge and skills came from the many leadership positions he has held such as Director at Good Shepherd non-profit homes, Managers in roles as for Shelter and Housing at Sojourn House, Mental Health and Justice, Community Engagement and Outreach, Respite and Drop in at Margaret’s Housing and Community Support Services and as the Interim CEO of the Jamaican Canadian Association (JCA) and also the Executive Director of Caribbean African Canadian (CAFCAN) Social Services. As well, Mr. Gordon has considerable experience in teaching in anti-racism, social justice and equity in educational settings. He has also held teaching assignments with Seneca College, York and Ryerson Universities
He is presently working on finishing his doctoral studies in Education at OISE/UT in the Department of Humanities, Social Science and Social Justice Education at the University of Toronto, Ontario, Canada and focusing his research studies in the area of Refugee Studies using Discourse and Policy Anaysis of Systemic and Instituional forms of racism and other forms of oppressions in the Immigration and Refugee Determination Processes in Canada, Europe and the United States of American Contexts.
Gelila Tilahun, PhD
Director of Communications
Dr. Gelila Tilahun is a research data scientist specializing in textual analysis, natural language processing, and digital humanities. She has also worked on applying textual analysis methods in the field of genetics. At the University of Toronto, she has mentored many work-study students, guiding them through their academic and professional journeys. Dr. Tilahun brings years of extensive experience and leadership skills to Praxispeace, providing critical support and innovative solutions for conflict resolution and peace building. Additionally, she has published numerous research papers in prestigious journals and presented her work at international conferences, contributing significantly to her fields of expertise.
Tessema Bekele Woldegiorgis, PhD
Founder and CEO of Emmanuel Development Association (EDA)- East African Partner
Dr. Tessema Bekele Woldegiorgis, DBA (Honor) and MA in Organizational Leadership, is a seasoned development and leadership expert with over 26 years of experience in nonprofit management. He is the founder and Executive Director of Emmanuel Development Association (EDA), a leading Ethiopian charity that has transformed the lives of thousands of disadvantaged children, women, and communities. Recognized nationally and internationally, Dr. Bekele has served as an advisor, Certified Manager, and appointed ambassador for the African Union Commission Simulation (AUCS) on Agenda 2063.
A strategic thinker in organizational development and change management, he has authored four books, published over 20 research papers, and developed training manuals. Dr. Bekele also lectures at the graduate level and represents the Global Development Group (Australia) as In-Country Representative & Consultant.