Valerie Carruthers – Co-Founder, Project Manager
Valerie has extensive experience designing and delivering national, provincial, and regional projects, specializing in equipping diverse populations through capacity-building activities so they can make informed choices and reach their social and economic goals. Valerie has 20+ years experience working as an Executive Director and 8 years experience serving as a board director, also in a corporate secretary role. While management, facilitation and training has been a focus of her work, her favorite activities are mentoring, problem-solving and connecting people. When not working with the co-op, you can find her in her garden getting her hands dirty, experiencing nature and listening to the birds.
Roxana Fazli – Project Manager
Roxana Fazli is currently serving as a project manager with Collective interchange. Her project is focused on addressing systemic barriers impacting immigrant women’s success in businesses and employment. She also serves as a project manager with the Women’s Economic Council. She has a master’s degree in science from her home country and a master’s degree in Employment Relations from Memorial University of Newfoundland and comes from a research background. She led the research activities for the WEC’s “Her Own Boss” participatory research Project which was delivered by Collective interchange in St. John’s, NL during 2020-2021. Roxana is committed to inclusive, equitable and anti-racist designs and enjoys collaborating on generating feasible solutions to social problems
Amparo Montoya – Project Coordinator
Amparo graduated in bacteriology in Colombia. She is founder and manager of Dinamica Corporativa SAS (2002), a quality control and food safety consulting company. Since 2013 she has lived in St John’s, Newfoundland. Amparo has volunteered and worked in the non-profit sector, discovering her passion for helping the community. Between 2019 and 2023 she was a member of the board of directors of Collective Interchange. Amparo is working with Collective Interchange as a project coordinator, using her experience and point of view as an immigrant to contribute to the economic and social development of communities in the province, including the Latin American community.
Maryam Masaeli – Project Outreach
Maryam Masaeli initially joined the Collective Interchange team as a volunteer, and now works as the Project Outreach for the team. She holds a master’s degree in Human Resources and is currently completing a Master of Employment Relations Degree at Memorial University of Newfoundland. She has experience in human resources and customer service. Maryam is committed to social justice, gender equality, and women’s empowerment. At Collective Interchange, she works to help immigrant women educate themselves about different services in the community, and find their path to better career success.
Victoria Whitten – Communications
Victoria Whitten began her time at Collective Interchange as a volunteer with the Communications Team, and currently works for the organization on this team. Victoria holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Communication Studies from Memorial University of Newfoundland. She has experience in communications, hospitality, and insurance. She is an active volunteer and coach within the community. As a person who is committed to women’s empowerment, Victoria feels the mandate of Collective Interchange aligns well with her personal values.
Sandra Estevez – Project Assistant
Sandra earned a degree in Chemistry from Colombia. She has dedicated over 15 years to research in the environmental field. In 2002, she moved to Newfoundland to pursue a Master’s in her science field. Since then, she has applied her research and science background in different industries. Currently, she is engaged in two projects with Collective Interchange as a Project Assistant. Sandra is passionate about supporting the Latin American community and empowering immigrant women to flourish in Canadian society. Beyond her professional life, Sandra is an advocate for mental health initiatives and volunteers her time with the Sashbear Foundation. She is also an avid hiker, swimmer, and forager, exploring the picturesque landscapes of Newfoundland.
Collective Interchange 