About
We are devoted to the advancement of individuals and their families towards reduced inequality and a prosperous society at home in Canada and abroad.
The not-for-profit Immigrant Development Organization was established in 2017.
We develop programs, implement initiatives and enter into global collaborations to improve lives and raise awareness and understanding of the consequences of economic, social, and political inequality.
The power of diversity in our staff, research and faculty members — experts and distinguished academics, business strategists, journalists and marketers — ensures that we deliver on our commitment to growth and prosperity.
We bring together the brightest global minds tackling the most significant social, political, and economic challenges of the 21st century.
In alignment with our Vision, Mission, and Values, we are committed to delivering our best to fulfill the expectations of our partners, members, advisors, supporters, sponsors, partners, participants, speakers, academics, researchers, journalists, writers, policymakers, business, social and political leaders, clients, suppliers, staff and volunteers.
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Sustainable Development Goals
We are aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals call for action to promote prosperity by 2030.
The Goals are the blueprint for achieving a better and more sustainable future for all.
They recognize that ending poverty must go hand-in-hand with strategies that build economic growth and address various social needs, including education, health, social protection, and job opportunities, while tackling climate change and environmental protection.
Seventeen Sustainable Development Goals set out a global development agenda for 2030 with objectives for social, economic and environmental dimensions.
The United Nations' 17 Sustainable Development Goals are "a call for action by all countries – poor, rich and middle-income – to promote prosperity while protecting the planet. They recognize that ending poverty must go hand-in-hand with strategies that build economic growth and address a range of social needs including education, health, social protection, and job opportunities, while tackling climate change and environmental protection."
ImmDev has embraced Goals 1, 4, 5, 8, 10 and 16 of the SDGs, focusing our efforts on promoting gender equality through education, to promote inclusive economic growth and employment.
Giving women and girls more opportunities to complete training and education makes it easier for them to find decent work and reach their full potential.
When women are able to develop their full economic potential — whether as agricultural producers, employees, entrepreneurs or business leaders — economies thrive and the benefits of growth reach more people (FIAP, 2017).
In our View
MIGRANT
Migrant is a broad term more associated with refugees, asylum seekers or workers moving from job to job within seasons for economic reasons, or have been forced to flee their countries because of the threat of persecution or armed conflict, and because they have no protection from authorities at home. They are unable to return home unless and until conditions in their native lands are safe for them again.
IMMIGRANT
Immigrant is the term mostly used for people willingly leaving their countries to settle in another country legally; someone who makes a conscious decision to leave his or her home and move to a foreign country with the intention of settling there. It includes investors and professionals. Immigration law typically describes Immigrant as a person with “lawful permanent-resident status”.

Immigrants often go through a lengthy vetting process to immigrate to a new country. Many become permanent residents and eventually citizens. Immigrants research their destinations, explore employment opportunities, and study the language of the country where they plan to live. Most importantly, they are free to return home whenever they choose.
With information from The International Rescue Committee: www.rescue.org
VisionMission
Vision
To develop a prosperous society by reducing inequality.
Mission
To foster the advancement of individuals to build prosperous communities.
Our Values
Transparency
Fostering a culture of transparency is our primary responsibility to stakeholders, which builds trust, solid relationships and helps achieve organization-wide goals.
Integrity
Holding ourselves to the highest standards of ethical behaviour and honesty.
Accountability
Acknowledging and assuming responsibility for our actions, products, decisions, and policies.
Empowerment
Encouraging our members to embrace initiative and to give their best.
Ownership
Valuing the care of the organization and its stakeholders as we would our own.
Commitment
Committing to providing excellent products, services, and other elements that impact lives within and outside the organization.
Innovation
Pursuing initiatives that have the potential to transform our communities, our country, our world.
Faculty
Personal Development
Sandra
Riaño
REGISTERED PSYCHOTHERAPIST,
CRPO, OACCPP
Colombia
More than 15 years of social-work experience counselling at various cognitive and emotional levels in diverse populations including youth, adults, and families providing Cognitive Behavioural Therapy and Supportive Counselling. Knowledge and Experience working with immigrant challenges. Her academic background is based in CBT and Neuro-linguistic techniques.
Horacio
Bigolin
REGISTERED PSYCHOTHERAPIST,
CRPO, OACCPP
Argentina
Graduated from the University of Buenos Aires in 1985 with an honors degree in Psychology. After receiving titles of Professor and Psychology Professor from the Institute of Aerospace Medicine Institute and the Ministry of Education, he spent 12 years practicing Psychoanalysis and expands in the fields of Health and Education.
Lucía
Gallegos
REGISTERED PSYCHOTHERAPIST,
MA, RP(Q)
Mexico
Specialized in treating women, using therapeutic models to address depression, chronic pain, anxiety, grief, trauma, and life transition. Trained in neurofeedback and biofeedback to teach the brain anxiety reduction techniques.
Uses meditation, compassion and mindfulness techniques to help individuals to achieve well-being and balance.
Rosa
Cervantes
COUNSELLOR IN PSYCHOLOGY,
OACCPP
Mexico
Twenty years experience in one-to-one personal counselling in Psychology in México and Toronto. She has counselled individuals and groups to achieve effective personal, social, vocational development and adjustment. In 1998 she received the Xochiquetzalli Medal for her altruistic work in favor of women's rights, by the Congress of the State of Morelos.
Business Growth
Sergio
López, MBA
Colombia
Senior Manager, Strategy Wealth Management at TD Bank.
Over ten years of experience analyzing and solving complex business problems and leading strategic initiatives. Proven track record in conducting research and guiding cross-functional teams to drive efficiencies and revenues.
Luisa
Rodríguez
Colombia
Advisor at Sun Life Financial.
Social Worker at The Lighthouse. Community Engagement Coordinator and lawyer.
María Lorena
Núñez
Ecuador
A trilingual Project Manager and multi-disciplinary professional with over five years of experience in diverse sectors of industry and academia. An enthusiastic and energetic individual with a passion for sustainability initiatives and economic development projects. Proven expertise in streamlining processes, developing procedures/policy manuals and managing operational structures.
Carlos
Sanabria
Colombia
Financial Services Manager at Bank of Montreal
Marketing Communications
Salvador
Alanis
Mexico
Has optimized the marketing efforts of companies across the world. Has worked with high-profile banks and financial agencies to enhance their digital branding efforts.
Founded polka.work — a digital marketing agency that offers creative storytelling services that maximize the impact of brands on their target audience.
Victor
García
Argentina
Helps clients maximize technology investments and returns, address complex business, governance, or growth issues, and drive profitable results through effective execution, pragmatic innovation, vision simplification, adaptability, and transformational leadership.
Miguel
Mendoza
Venezuela
A digital marketing strategist with over 18 years of international experience at the management level. His experience features a blend of geographical and traditional marketing communications and in-depth social/digital marketing in the B2C and B2B sectors with strong analytical and strategic thinking skills.
Luz Dary
Madronero
Colombia
Outreach community strategist. Senior Communications and Public Relations professional, with masters in journalism and economics and a diploma in Online Community Management. Was responsible for the economic sections for Colombia’s most prominent media outlets Canal Caracol, El Tiempo, and El Espectador. She holds the position of Community Outreach and events coordinator at the Consulate General of Colombia in Toronto.
Leadership
Jairo Arango
Co-founding Member of the Board of Directors
President
Jairo Arango is a business, brand and marketing strategist with "Brand Management and Product Marketing" and "Marketing Communications Leadership" master's certifications from the Schulich School of Business, York University.
He is a veteran broadcast, print-news publications, and ad-agency creative director experienced with top-tier international brands, who introduced and launched the Canadian Citytv brand in Colombia. His passion for design and the creative process fuelled him to publish VISUAL magazine — an English language premium quarterly distributed in North America.
Jairo's Website