Meet the Team

Nalini Andrade has over 15 years of experience developing and implementing innovative solutions in skills training, livelihoods, gender empowerment, community development, and social entrepreneurship. Drawing on her knowledge and lived experiences, she has supported and expanded Humber's presence in the global development sector. Nalini holds a Master's in Social Policy and Development from the London School of Economics, a Bachelor of Social Work from Mumbai University, and a Diploma in Human Rights Law from the National Law School of India.

Jorge Montoya Blandon has over 16 years of experience as an applied education specialist in financial services, systems design, and international project management. He has extensive experience in planning, change management, and monitoring and evaluating international development projects. Jorge holds a bachelor's degree in International Commerce and Global Development from Niagara College. He is also a certified Project Management Professional (PMP) and is pursuing a Master's in Higher Education with a focus on Leadership at the University of Toronto's OISE.

Atousa Hosseini has over 10 years of experience in accounting, financial planning, and analysis across various sectors, including the pharmaceutical industry, non-profit organizations, and accounting firms. She holds a Bachelor of Engineering from the Iran University of Science and Technology, where she worked on feasibility studies, technical studies, and detailed engineering for several years. Atousa later continued her education in Business and Accounting at the University of Toronto, earning a Certificate in Business Management.

Clarisse Estebar's experience in international development and education is reflected in both her academic and professional background. She is a Humber Polytechnic alum with a Bachelor of International Development and obtained her Master of Education in Higher Education Leadership from the University of Toronto's Ontario Institute for Studies in Education. Clarisse has volunteered and served on boards for civil society organizations, focusing on education and skills training in East Africa. She also has extensive experience working in the public sector, having held positions with the Ontario Provincial Government under various ministries in operations and administration. In addition, Clarisse holds a Project Management Certificate and is a certified Project Management Professional (PMP).

Vidushi Sanghadia has previously managed IDI’s projects in East Africa. She also worked with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees in India as a Refugee Status Determination Officer, assisting asylum seekers from Asia, the Middle East, and North Africa. Vidushi has a legal background, holding a Bachelor’s Degree in Arts and Law from the National Academy of Legal Studies and Research in Hyderabad, India, as well as an Ontario Postgraduate Certificate in International Development from Humber.

Marjan Alipur has seven years of experience developing and implementing initiatives focused on women's empowerment and promoting gender equality in Afghanistan through a bottom-up approach. She also has eight years of experience as an entrepreneur, leading a nationwide business in Afghanistan, and holds a Master's Degree in Gender and Social Justice from McMaster University.

Dr. Chithra Purushothaman has a decade of experience in research, policy, and grant writing across academia, government, think tanks, and non-profits. She has written extensively on international development, climate change, and energy security, and has experience conducting field research in Asia and Latin America. Chithra holds a PhD in International Politics from Jawaharlal Nehru University, India, and was a Postdoctoral Fellow at the School of Public Policy and Administration at Carleton University.

Laura has extensive experience in international development, having volunteered in several Southeast Asian countries and Colombia, where she implemented gender-responsive programs in Latin America and supported project implementation in the Caribbean and Africa. Her involvement with the Refugee Education Council at Global Affairs Canada helped advance education for refugee children and youth worldwide, fostering learning and growth. Laura holds a degree in Professional Communications from Malaya-Wales University in Malaysia and is multilingual in Spanish, English, and Mandarin.

Kent has over 25 years of development experience as a practitioner, academic, and senior executive. He has worked in Asia, Africa, Eastern Europe, the Caribbean, and the Canadian Arctic. Kent has written and published widely on alternative development models, governance and well-being, and participatory development. He has a PhD from the University of Guelph in the collaborative Political Science/International Development Studies Program.

With over 15 years of experience, Akmal has led more than 35 evaluation studies and trained over 500 professionals in research, data analysis, and MEL systems across Asia and Africa. His expertise includes designing baseline, midline, and end-line evaluations, developing M&E frameworks, and using data to drive program improvements. Akmal holds a Master of Public Health (MPH) from Johns Hopkins University and has published peer-reviewed articles in The Lancet Global Health and Vaccine.

Mauro Mazuera has over 12 years of experience in graphic design and advertising with companies in Colombia, Argentina, the United States, and Canada. He holds a degree in Marketing and Advertising from F.U.A.A. University in Colombia and a Diploma in Advertising and Graphic Design from Humber Polytechnic.

Tiffany Duong has led and supported various communications and marketing initiatives in Canada, Bhutan, East Africa, and Peru. She holds an Ontario Graduate Certificate in Professional Writing and Communications from Humber Polytechnic and a Bachelor of Arts in English from York University.

Lucia Linares Arbelaez has supported international development projects in Kenya and Peru. She has gained experience in stakeholder communications, internal processes and procedures, project implementation, and project management.