Board of Directors
Nardos Berhe
Director | Serving Umoja since 2020
Nardos Berhe is a dedicated advocate for community engagement and social inclusion. Having recently graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Honours Philosophy from the University of Calgary, she brings a thoughtful and analytical approach to her work with Umoja Community Mosaic. Nardos has been actively involved in initiatives that celebrate cultural diversity and support immigrant communities, reflecting her commitment to fostering a sense of belonging for all.
Her participation in events like the Calgary African Community Collective’s graduation celebration and the YW Calgary YWHISPER Gala underscores her passion for uplifting marginalized voices and creating inclusive spaces. Through her role on Umoja’s Board of Directors, Nardos contributes to strategic planning and program development, ensuring that the organization’s mission aligns with the evolving needs of the community.
Education:
Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Honours Philosophy, University of Calgary
Current and Past Job Positions:
Board Member at Umoja Community Mosaic
John Buller
Board Chair | Serving Umoja since 2022
John Buller brings a wide range of expertise through co-founding and managing Legacy Kitchens, a successful and ongoing 40+ years medium sized construction related family business. In addition to being Co Founder of Legacy in 1984, he served for 35 years as CEO and CFO. Now in his third year as Board Chair he has contributed to Umoja through counsel, fundraising, and financial leadership.
Education:
BSc University of Manitoba 1969
Current / Past Employment :
John is currently also board chair of Legacy Kitchens and of Investing Hope Foundation, a charity in Colombia that is involved in poverty alleviation through entrepreneurship and savings training, currently serving over 9000 youth and adults.
Jody Draude
Director | Serving Umoja since 2015
As a non-practicing lawyer and risk management professional, Jody has worked with Umoja since the grassroots days of the organization providing commercial, legal and risk management guidance. Jody has an interest in languages, travel, and is an avid runner – proudly holding numerous Alberta and Canadian Masters road running records.
Education:
1991 -Bachelor of Arts (French) Magna Cum Laude
2004 – Bachelor of Laws
Current / Past Employment:
Jody had a career in law from 1994-1999. From 1999 to present, Jody has worked in a Risk Management Consultant role with Marsh Canada limited. At Marsh, he has held holding numerous roles and titles including: Canadian Energy Leader; Managing Director; and Senior Client Executive responsible for large muti-national complex risk accounts.
Weldon Dueck
Director | Serving Umoja since 2024
Weldon Dueck brings expertise in technical and financial analysis, business development and strategic planning through his 40+ years of employment in the Calgary petroelum industry. He has also served in various leadership positions in his local church.
Education:
Bachelor of Applied Science – Queen’s University 1982
Current / Past Employment : Weldon is a retired professional engineer. He held management and executive positions in a number of oil and gas companies and specialized in reservoir analysis and business development. He worked as an independent consultant the last 6 years before retiring in 2023.
Lucas Graboski
Director and Executive Compensation Committee | Serving Umoja since 2022
As a BI consulting leader who works with Fortune 500 companies, Lucas brings expertise in technology strategy to Umoja, as well as synthesizing data to facilitate informed decision making and ensuring vendors are delivering value to the organization. Lucas travelled to Rwanda with Jean-Claude Munyezamu, Umoja’s founder, in 2022. Lucas is a former Academic All-Canadian student-athlete and competed in the Swimming Trials for the 2016 Rio Olympic Games.
Education:
BComm Finance – University of Calgary Haskayne School of Business
Current / Past Employment:
Director of AI and Insights at OvareGroup Inc, the parent company of several well-known firms across North and South America. In addition to overseeing all data and AI across the company’s network of firms and agencies, Lucas works directly with several Fortune 500 clients through OvareGroup’s Toronto-based BI consulting practice, Reunion Inc. Prior to joining OvareGroup, Lucas held pricing analytics roles at Finning Caterpillar, the world’s largest Caterpillar dealer.
Bernard Lachance
Director | Serving Umoja since 2016
Bernard Lachance brings over 30 years of expertise in supply chain management, logistics, data analytics, and business development to Umoja Community Mosaic. His diverse background in project management, sales, marketing, and IT has allowed him to make meaningful contributions to Umoja’s growth and impact.
Education:
Management Information Systems and Services, UQAM – Université du Québec à Montréal
College Degree in Computer Science and Information Technology, Cegep du Vieux Montreal
Current and Past Job Positions:
Vice President & Unit Leader, Canada at Savage
Vice President, Business Development at Savage
Director of Marketing at CN
Director of Marketing, Petroleum and Chemicals at CN
Sales Director, Purchasing Director, Operations Manager at CN Worldwide
Board Member, Canadian Propane Association
Nicholas Milliken
Director | Serving Umoja since 2025
Nicholas Milliken is a lawyer with extensive experience in both the legal and political spheres. He has held key roles in government and has founded a successful legal recruitment company.
Education:
Bachelor of Arts in Economics – University of Alberta
Bachelor of Commerce with Distinction – University of Alberta
Juris Doctor (Law Degree) – University of Saskatchewan
Current / Past Employment:
Nicholas began his legal career at an international law firm before founding a Canada-wide legal recruitment company. He served as the Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA) for Calgary-Currie from 2019 to 2023, where he held pivotal positions, including Minister of Infrastructure and Minister of Mental Health and Addiction. Nicholas currently serves as the Director of the Alberta Human Rights Commission, a role appointed by Alberta’s Lieutenant Governor.
Kim Moback
Board Vice-Chair | Serving since 2024
Kim brings expertise in operations, strategy development and implementation, organizational problem solving and continuous improvement. She enjoys building teams, organizing people and tasks, and coaching and mentoring emerging leaders.
Education:
BA, UBC
Blackbelt, Lean Manufacturing
Executive Certification in Lean Strategy
Current / Past Employment:
Country Fresh / Sun Rich – 25+ years experience in the food manufacturing & produce industry. Held various Director roles in Continuous Improvement, New Product Development & R&D, Quality Assurance & Food Safety.
Barlin Nairobi
Director | Serving Umoja since 2015
Barlin Mohamed has been dedicated to Umoja Community Mosaic since its inception, beginning as a volunteer and now serving as a community inclusion worker and board member for over two and a half years. With nearly sixteen years of experience in community engagement, Barlin brings a deep understanding of trust-building, problem-solving, and helping individuals access the support they need.
Her passion for empowering others stems from her own experiences as an immigrant, driving her commitment to show up with empathy and a willingness to share whatever she can. Barlin plays an integral role in Umoja’s women and family programs, ensuring that everyone feels welcomed and supported in their journeys.
Outside of work, Barlin enjoys traveling—whether it’s a long trip or a short drive to discover something new. She cherishes time with family and her broader community, finding balance and grounding that she brings into her work at Umoja.
Current and Past Job Positions:
Community Inclusion Worker at Umoja Community Mosaic
Board Member at Umoja Community Mosaic
Anabelle Munyezamu
Director | Serving Umoja since 2014
Anabelle Munyezamu brings a unique blend of academic rigor and community engagement to Umoja Community Mosaic. As a JD/MA candidate in International Affairs at the University of Ottawa Faculty of Law and the Norman Paterson School of International Affairs at Carleton University, Anabelle combines legal expertise with a deep understanding of global issues.
Her commitment to community development is evident through her active participation in initiatives like the “Sharing Knowledge” project, which aims to amplify East African voices in Calgary.
Anabelle’s dedication to social impact is further demonstrated by her contributions to KRD Consulting Group, where she has authored practice briefs on strategic planning and organizational development.
Education:
JD/MA (International Affairs) candidate, University of Ottawa Faculty of Law and Carleton University’s Norman Paterson School of International Affairs
Past Job Positions:
Research Associate at KRD Consulting Group
Project Lead at CBC
Sales Associate at Joydrop
Jean Claude Munyezamu
Executive Driector & Founder
Jean-Claude Munyezamu is a Rwandan Canadian who escaped the genocide in 1994 and volunteered in refugee camps in Somalia and Sudan before moving to Canada in 1998. In 2010, learning that children in his neighbourhood were getting into trouble, Jean-Claude took some soccer balls to a nearby green space on a Saturday morning resulting in the children starting to play together and build friendships. He continues to nurture community relationships with each participating kid and parent, while directing our growing organization.
