New staff announcement

COCo is excited to announce three new members of our staff team!

Melis Cagan joined our team in  early August 2023 in the role of Technology Coordinator.

As a social researcher turned web developer, Melis is very passionate about the intersection of technology and anti-oppression. The combination of their experiences working in social justice organizations, developing websites for a variety of community organizations and teaching computer science at the CEGEP level enables them to accompany and train groups around complex technological needs. They are excited to contribute to community organisations to fulfill their technological potential and to help them find solutions that align with their values.

Kadiatou Diop joined our team in mid August in the role of Organizational, Development, and Training Coordinator.

Kadiatou Diop (she/her) is a bilingual, half-Senegalese, half-Guinean first generation diasporan settler in Tiohtià:ke (Montreal). She’s been working in the community sector for the past 20 years with an emphasis on work with youth and families. She has an eclectic academic background in the arts and social sciences which, combined with a decolonial feminist approach informs her practice. You can sometimes find Kadiatou performing at local comedy and storytelling events.

And finally, Florencia Vallejo-Ortiz joined our team in mid August in the role of Organizational, Development, and Training Coordinator to complete the ODTC trio.

Florencia Vallejo-Ortiz joined COCo in 2023 as Organizational Development & Training Coordinator. Born and raised in Mexico, she moved to Montreal in 2015 to pursue broader opportunities. With a background in Women & Gender Studies and Immigration Studies, she brings an intersectional and anti-oppressive analysis to her work. In her facilitation, she seeks to hold spaces where diverse experiences are welcomed without judgment but with kindness and care. She is a lifelong learner, daughter, sister, and cat mother, friend, and sun worshiper! You can always find her behind a book or spot her crossing the street to pet a dog.

We welcome all three new members to the teams and know their wide ranging skills and experiences will greatly contribute to COCo’s success.