Our Staff

Doug Piquette, Executive Director

[email protected] | 780-884-0568

Doug has been with ERIEC for 10 years and in that time has worked to establish, manage, and advance the strategic priorities and direction of this Edmonton-based organization.

Doug is a founding and current board member of the Edmonton Business Diversity Network (EBDN) and the current Chair of the WorkForce Development Committee with the Edmonton Chamber of Commerce.

Kariem Reda, Networking Program Director

[email protected] | 780-222-0396

Kariem is an accomplished professional with a Master's in Business and experience in marketing management, project coordination, and student representation across various cultural landscapes. Kariem possesses a unique blend of skills, experience, and passion in connecting international professionals with local businesses.

As a new immigrant to Canada with international qualifications, Kariem intimately understands the challenges of entering the Canadian job market and is driven by a strong desire to help others overcome obstacles and achieve their goals, making him a compassionate and driven advocate for newcomers. Inspired by the Edmonton Region Immigrant Employment Council's (ERIEC) mission to tackle labour market integration challenges head-on, Kariem is eager to contribute his expertise to ERIEC's impactful initiatives and to make a tangible impact in the lives of immigrant professionals.

Shashi Shashikanth, Career Mentorship Program Director

[email protected] | 825-459-4988

Shashi has completed Bachelor’s degree in Commerce from Bangalore University and Postgraduate studies in Human Resources Management from Georgian College, Canada. She has been in a leadership capacity for more than 20 years and has rich experience of study and working abroad. Started as an entrepreneur, Language trainer and facilitated group workshops for newcomers in India, Canada, Philippines, Bangladesh, and Dubai and has facilitated virtual workshops for adult learners( immigrants) all over the world. She has extensive experience working with immigrants to Canada and is passionate about helping them integrate and succeed in Canada.

Vidyashini Thamodharan, Connector Program Coordinator

[email protected] | 709-689-2823

Actively involved with non-profit organizations, Vidyashini has contributed to environmental initiatives and participated in various volunteer activities that promote community engagement and empowerment. Her commitment to making a positive impact extends to the successful planning and execution of fundraising events, emphasizing community well-being. Joining the 'Mighty ERIEC Team,' she is eager to leverage her skills, experiences, and passion for community engagement to enhance ERIEC's mission of integrating internationally trained professionals into the Edmonton regional labor market. Being an immigrant to Canada, she possesses a deep understanding of the obstacles encountered by newcomers. This, coupled with her strong desire to make a significant impact, has motivated her decision to join ERIEC.

Jacky Kyomukama, Career Mentorship Facilitator

[email protected] | 825-461-8327

Jacky is a dedicated Mentorship Facilitator at ERIEC and a former educator with over a decade of experience at an international school, where she fostered an inclusive and diverse learning environment for students and staff from over 27 countries. Since joining ERIEC, she has applied her passion for supporting newcomers, guiding skilled immigrants through the Canadian workplace, and helping them grow their professional networks.

With a blend of administrative expertise and a commitment to trust-based relationships, Jacky offers mentorship that empowers newcomers to realize their full potential. Known for her welcoming approach, she creates environments where people feel valued, heard, and inspired to achieve their goals. Through her work, Jacky continues to champion ERIEC’s mission of helping immigrants succeed and is honored to be part of the "Mighty ERIEC Team.

Lara Diab, Program Assistant

[email protected] | 226-503-8273

Lara holds a master’s degree in Ecology and Sustainability. With a rich background in project coordination within the non-profit sector, she is passionate about empowering individuals and fostering vibrant communities. A committed volunteer, Lara has supported various organizations, offering guidance to newcomers as they adapt to life in Canada. Her hands-on involvement has provided her with a profound understanding of the challenges faced by many, further driving her commitment to fostering welcoming spaces where all can thrive.

At ERIEC, Lara channels her passion for community building and her belief in the strength of collaboration to ensure that everyone feels welcomed, valued, and equipped to succeed in their new journey.

Our Board

The Edmonton Region Immigrant Employment Council (ERIEC) is comprised of senior executives that provide leadership and guidance to this initiative. ERIEC was established in the Edmonton region to offer support to the business community in finding those individuals with the right combination of skills, abilities, and experience needed to maintain a competitive business advantage.

ERIEC is “Ready, Willing, and Capable” of helping Edmonton employers resolve their workforce shortages while letting our skilled new neighbours contribute to the Edmonton economy to their full potential.

Board of Directors

Working Committees

Board Governance Committee

Employer Programs and Engagement Working Committee

Marketing and Communications Committee

Sustainable Funding Committee

Get involved!

Build the careers of skilled immigrants and promote a global perspective in Edmonton's business community.