About Us

About Us

MISSION STATEMENT

VANSDA’S mission is to improve the quality of life for African Nova Scotians and other citizens in the Annapolis Valley by creating Partnerships in Employment, Training and Economic Development. Our focus is on increasing employment opportunities for marginalized and other community members.

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

The organization is guided by a number of volunteer members that make up its’ Board of Directors. These individuals come from various parts of the Annapolis Valley, representing communities or organizations with an interest in the development and growth of the African Nova Scotian community. Each Board member plays a vital role as a contact person from the community to the organization.

2021-2022 Executive Members:
Chair- Mr. Devon Adams
Vice Chair –
Secretary-

Board of Directors Recruitment

The Valley African Nova Scotian Development Association- VANSDA is seeking highly skilled individuals to join our Board of Directors.

Are you interested in advancing community development opportunities in the Annapolis Valley for persons of African descent and other marginalized person?

Would you like to work with a dynamic team who are passionate about building a culturally diverse and welcoming community for all?

Are you able to volunteer to help ensure that our efforts supporting community members are successful and that we continue to provide a voice for residents across the region.

If you answered YES, please download and complete our Board of Directors Application Package by clicking on this link.

Community Development

By developing and implementing a wide range of programs and initiatives (including justice, tourism and education) along with providing access to the various employment programs, VANSDA continues to be a leader in the integration of African Canadians and other marginalized persons into all aspects of life in western Nova Scotia and beyond. The organization strives to develop the whole community by continuing in its efforts to break down barriers and by partnering with others ensure that a strong, welcoming and healthy communities throughout Nova Scotia exists.

Since its inception in 2000, the organization has grown and extended employment and accompanying services to the community in the areas of justice, health, education, community development, immigration, heritage/ tourism and more. All these initiatives and upcoming projects have had a wide ranging impact on the region.

Partnering with other organizations throughout Nova Scotia, VANSDA continues in its efforts to build relationships which will advance its mandate and transition marginalized community members into the labour force. This involves more than just developing skills and processes, it is a way of being and a way of thinking.

Our Staff

Robert Ffrench

Chief Executive Officer

Now in his 23rd year leading the organization, Under his guidance VANSDA has grown in prominence and continues to expand its services offered. Through development and offering programs dealing with issues related to Employment, Justice, Immigration, Entrepreneurship, Education, Tourism and more, the organization continues to strive towards eliminating the challenges encountered by many seeking the security of stable meaningful employment and community development. “The real challenge remains however, to advance the community forward to a point where diversity becomes the norm.”

Lisa Diggs

Operations Manager/ Case Manager

Lisa has been part of the organization since its inception. As a certified NSCDA Career Practitioner, she is one of the most experienced employment professionals in the region and has developed strong working relationships throughout the Annapolis Valley. Lisa has become a fierce advocate for the smooth integration of marginalized clients whose numbers continue to grow in the region into the labour force. Lisa’s role includes that of Operations Manager at the NS Works – VANSDA location in Kentville.

Amoy Miles

Information Resource Specialist

As the first point of client contact, Amoy serves a uniquely important role for the organization and client alike. As our Information Resource Specialist, she is responsible for assuring client service is both efficient and effective. Being the first contact person for community members, her role is to ensure that client needs and goals are evaluated accurately and that interventions, recommended by the Case Managers are maintained.

Cindy Robinson

Comptroller

As organization Comptroller she is accountable for the financial reporting; coordination of financial planning; budget processes; payable/receivable; payroll and other duties pertinent to the organizations’ finances. With over 30 years’ financial experience, she ensures that the Board of Directors and funding partners receive accurate financial results, ensuring they comply with generally accepted accounting principles.

Maria Rodrigues

Employment Support Specialist (Youth)

In her role, Maria exercises the passion necessary to ensure successful transition from unemployment to employment for youth in the region. As the staff for youth and businesses seeking to hire, she provides a knowledgeable, committed advocate. Her position as Employment Support Specialist provides a unique opportunity to navigate and match employment opportunities to job seekers. Working collaboratively with the VANSDA School Liaison, her role is to assist and build a seamless transition from school yo work.

Jackie Rhynard

Case Manager

Jackie has been a member of VANSDA staff in various roles for 18 years. She assumed her current role in 2021 and is utilizing her wide level of experience as an IRS, to assist her transition to that of Career Practitioner. Jackie brings a wealth of knowledge and experience in delivering directed client services to those in need. She adds another passionate voice advocating clients to the organization and employer community.