Executive Director
Kimberly Gibbons
Kimberly Gibbons (she/her) has been the Executive Director of OCIC since 2005. Kimberly believes in supporting community-led development and an enabling environment for civil society organizations, and in mobilizing Canadians to achieve universal sustainable development. As an active contributor to the Inter-Council Network of Provincial and Regional Councils for International Cooperation (ICN) and Cooperation Canada (formerly CCIC), a member of the Humber College International Programs Advisory Committee, Ontario Institute for Studies in Education (OISE) Programs Advisory Committee, Knowledge for Change Toronto Hub, and Global Affairs Canada Civil Society Partnerships Policy Advisory Group (CPAG), Kimberly is a vocal advocate for small and medium-sized organizations (SMOs) and their potential to strengthen local to global connections, transformative partnerships, and solidarity. Kimberly has worked in many formal and non-formal education settings with youth and adults of diverse backgrounds in Asia, Central America, Europe and Canada. She holds a Masters of Education in Adult Education and Transformative Learning from OISE, University of Toronto, and studied human rights at the graduate level at the Commonwealth Institute, University of London, England. Kimberly also has a Bachelor of Arts in International Development and Rural Extension Studies from the University of Guelph and completed her final undergraduate year of study at SNDT Women’s University, Mumbai, India. Throughout the pandemic period, Kimberly’s love of plants and community gardening have grown as she has spent countless hours with her hands in the dirt in her balcony pots, and while connecting with neighbours and passers-by the Hopewell Community Garden.
Director of Operations
Lisa Swainston
Lisa Swainston (she/her) has worked at OCIC since 2008 in a number of capacities. In her role as Director of Operations, Lisa is responsible for developing and implementing operational processes and procedures that will better enable the staff and Council to achieve our strategic directions and funded programs. Lisa also supports financial and administrative management of all operations; oversees membership renewal and development; and provides direction on operational and member service activities. Outside of OCIC Lisa is a Board Director for Amnesty International Toronto, and is an advocate for human rights, social justice, equality and inclusion, with a strong interest in Indigenous rights and corporate accountability. Lisa has an Honours B.A. with majors in Criminology and Sociology and minors in French and Indigenous Studies (formerly called Aboriginal Studies) from the University of Toronto, and Certificates in Project Management from Humber College; Fundraising and Volunteer Management, and Practical Management Strategies from George Brown College. Lisa has taken several courses in Organizational Management and Human Resources from Ryerson University. She also enjoys camping and hiking, watching films, listening to music, reading, traveling and crocheting.
Membership & Administration Coordinator
Mishka Watin
Mishka Watin (she/her) holds postgraduate certificates in International Development and Marketing Management from Centennial College and a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from the University of the Philippines. Before joining OCIC, Mishka co-founded a volunteer group in the Philippines and led various community-centered initiatives focused on permaculture, education, mental health, environmental conservation and rehabilitation, and cultural preservation. Her work included leading advocacy campaigns, providing expressive and eco-therapies to street children and victims of abuse and trafficking, creating therapeutic and educational spaces for underprivileged youth, and teaching social sciences. Mishka is also an experienced graphic designer and has served as a communications and CSR officer for Permaculture-inspired hotels and museums while acting as the lead conservation educator at a nature sanctuary. She is dedicated to using her skills in development work and supporting causes close to her heart. In her free time, she enjoys hiking, birdwatching, taking photos, creating art, making music, cooking for family and friends, travelling, and taking long walks in her neighbourhood.
Communications & Content Specialist
Sarah Judd
Sarah Judd (she/her) joined OCIC in November 2022 as the Communications and Content Specialist. Sarah has a Bachelors of International Development from Humber College. During her time at Humber, she led a campaign for Humber to become designated as a Fair Trade Campus by committing to sourcing Fairtrade certified products. She has 5 years of experience working in the fair trade and social enterprise sector, with a focus on communications, marketing and partnerships. She also worked as a Youth Program Coordinator at a community environmental non-profit, supporting youth and educators to take meaningful action for the environment. She is an advocate for climate justice, human-centered development, and a fair and just economy. She is currently learning how to play piano (and stating it publicly to hold herself accountable). She also enjoys spending time with her two boys, going on outdoor adventures and experimenting in the garden.
Community Engagement & Gender Equality Specialist
Pragya Tikku
Pragya Tikku (she/her) is a development professional with 4+ years of experience in the sector and has largely worked for the civil society and the United Nations. Her most recent work experience has been with UN Women India as a Consultant for Inter-Governmental processes, Humanitarian Action, Women, Peace and Security. She is a recent Public Policy graduate from McGill University, where she worked on her capstone project exploring gender and climate change and worked part-time as a Research Assistant for the Research Network on Women, Peace and Security. Pragya also holds a Masters in Human Development and Childhood studies from University of Delhi and a diploma in Child Rights law from the National Law School of India University (NLSIU). Leveraging her educational background and work experience, her interest and expertise lies in the development and policy issues relating to women and children, especially gender equality, women’s empowerment, child rights, women, peace and security.
Learning & Impact Specialist
Shehara Athukorala
Shehara Athukorala (she/her) (she/her) is a development professional with over 10+ years of experience in the field. She has worked with various donors, government institutions, non-profits, electoral management bodies, civil society, and community-based organizations in areas such as governance and advocacy, electoral reform, human rights, and inclusion of gender, disability, and youth in Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, and Papua New Guinea. Shehara is a lawyer by profession and holds an Honours degree in Bachelor of Law from the University of Staffordshire, United Kingdom. She recently completed a post-graduate Certificate in International Development from Humber College. Prior to joining OCIC, Shehara worked for the International Foundation for Electoral Systems (IFES) in Sri Lanka in various capacities, including as Program Manager for six years. At OCIC, Shehara provides support in capacity building programming and monitoring, evaluation and learning. She is strongly interested in mission-driven work in development and advocacy around global justice, peace and reconciliation, human rights, youth, gender, and disability inclusion. Shehara enjoys watching TV series and movies, going on long walks, reading, traveling, hunting for great restaurants and trying new food.
Accountant
Eric Plato
Eric Plato (he/him) has been the Accountant at OCIC since the fall of 2019. Eric is a CPA, CMA who has worked in the charitable sector for nearly 30 years. He has experience working in organizations with budgets ranging from under $50,000 to over $100 million. Eric is an excellent trainer, speaker and facilitator in nonprofit financial management. He currently teaches financial management for NGO’s at Centennial College. His goal has always been to assist people to feel more confident and comfortable in managing their finances. Eric has served on several boards and is currently the Treasurer at North York Community House. Outside of work Eric enjoys running, travelling and cooking for friends.
