Leadership Team
REFAT JIWANI
Acting Chief Executive Officer
JANET HALLETT
Chief Program Officer
FARHAD SETHNA
Chief Financial Officer
Refat brings over 25 years of results-driven leadership and financial expertise to his role as Acting CEO of COSTI, effective October 15. A seasoned executive, Refat is no stranger to COSTI, having served on the Board of Directors for eight years and as Treasurer, where he chaired both the Finance and Audit, as well as the Nominations and Governance committees.
Refat's leadership and strategic oversight are complemented by extensive experience as CEO and CFO with respected for-profit and non-profit organizations, including Orion Technology Group, Aga Khan Foundation and Global Centre for Pluralism, the Aga Khan Museum, and the Art Gallery of Ontario. He has also served as Treasurer and Chair of the Risk Management, Finance, and Audit Committee at Imagine Canada and as Chair of the Imagine Canada Standards Council and held a board position with the Alzheimer Society of Canada. Currently, he serves on the Board of Trustees for the Ontario Science Centre, where he chairs the Finance and Operations Committee.
Refat’s strategic insight, fiscal discipline, and operational excellence have driven financial sustainability and growth across various sectors. Notably, he spearheaded record fundraising efforts, guided organizations through crises, and implemented enterprise-level solutions. A Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA, CMA, FCCA UK), Refat is a trusted mentor and team builder, recognized for aligning diverse teams with strategic goals and delivering sustainable results.
As acting CEO, Refat will guide COSTI with the same visionary leadership and unwavering commitment that have been the hallmarks of his career, ensuring the organization’s continued success.
Farhad Sethna brings to COSTI more than twenty years of business leadership experience. He is a results-driven financial strategist and operations leader. He crafts innovative strategies and fiscal policies that drive profitable growth while effectively managing change and promoting efficiency. His business, finance and technology expertise allow him to meet corporate goals consistently. His collaborative leadership style fosters highly motivated teams and emphasizes consensus-building, empowerment, diversity and inclusion.
Farhad's professional career has included increasing progressive leadership roles geared to finance and corporate operations in for-profit and not-for-profit organizations. At Shepherd Village, he increased services for residents, diversified revenue streams and led successful expansions. At the Retirement Home Regulatory Authority, he developed finance and operation- strategies that boosted revenue and reduced expenses.
Since 2015, Farhad has served as a Board Director for the Alzheimer Society of Ontario and Canada, providing financial and governance oversight.
He holds an MBA from the Schulich School of Business and is a Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA), Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA), Chartered Director (C.Dir), Certified Human Resources Leader (CHRL), and Certified Association Executive (CAE).
Janet Hallett has over twenty-eight years of progressive management experience in managing the capacity and growth of concurrent programs, community engagement, program development, and management experience for diverse ethno newcomers, youth and women. She has over ten years’ experience working with youth and management, noticeably working with teen parents.
Janet was a longstanding member of the Toronto Community Partnership Committee, past Co- chair of the Toronto West Local Immigration Partnership (TWLIP), Chair of the Education Resource TWLIP Action Group, and a member of the TWLIP Collective Impact Team. She currently sits on the Peel and Halton Labour Market Partnership, Peel-Halton-Dufferin Language Partnership (LP) Committees, York Region Local Immigration Partnership, the Peel Newcomers Strategy Group Central Planning Table and the Anti-Black and Systemic Discrimination Collective.
KAREN TRABOULAY
Chief Communication and Marketing Officer
SNEZANA GABRIC
Senior Director, Client Services
ROBINA YASIN
Senior Director, People and Culture
Robina is a seasoned professional with more than 20 years of experience in human resources and people development. Her personal enrichment and professional journey have been shaped by her belief in the potential of individuals, which has been the driving force behind her commitment to creating vibrant and engaging work environments.
Robina joins COSTI after dedicating 16 years to the YMCA of Greater Toronto, where she held various leadership positions in HR, including Associate Leader, Learning and Development, and Senior Director Human Resources (Professional and Digital Learning, Health & Safety Lead). In these roles, she was pivotal in advancing transformational change in human resources management and organizational development. She has a deep understanding of the social impact sector through her work with the YMCA. Robina started her career as an Employment Training Specialist and has also held HR roles in the private sector.
A lifelong learner at heart, she holds certifications in User Experience Design, Adult and Professional Learning, Instructional Design and e-Learning, Health and Safety, Positive Applied Psychology, and Intercultural Relations from various institutions, including the University of Calgary, University of Washington, Ontario Institute for Studies in Education at the University of Toronto, and the University of Victoria. She is also recognized as a Certified Human Resources Leader (CHRL) and Certified Training and Development Professional (CTDP). With a passion for knowledge sharing, she teaches Human Resource Management at Sheridan College.
We are confident that Robina’s wealth of experience and passion for positive change will significantly contribute to the success of COSTI.
Karen is a strategic marketing and communication leader with more than 20 years of experience in building brands, increasing awareness and positioning organizations for growth. She excels at translating complex strategies into compelling narratives that engage diverse audiences and amplify organizational impact.
Karen joined COSTI in July 2023 and quickly demonstrated her ability to drive innovation and results, leading to her promotion as Chief Communication and Marketing Officer in September 2024. In this role, she leverages her expertise to connect with diverse stakeholders, strengthen the organization’s reputation and support its mission.
Before COSTI, Karen spent a decade at York University, where she led transformative marketing and communication initiatives. Her achievements include directing communications for the launch of two subway stations, developing a marketing strategy for a multi-million-dollar technology transformation and rebranding York’s Centre for Sexual Violence Response. She also played a key role in launching York’s Indigenous and Mental Health strategies, establishing its first Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) peer network, and spearheading communication strategies for initiatives like the Black Staff Network and the groundbreaking Security Services Review - conducted through a social justice, equity and decolonization lens.
Karen has also held senior roles at the Ontario Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care, Canada Health Infoway and CIBC.
She holds an MBA, a Bachelor of Arts, and certifications in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, Leadership, Communication, Change Management and Project Management. An accredited business communicator (ABC) through the International Association of Business Communicators (IABC), Karen has served as Vice-President of Professional Development for the Toronto chapter, contributed as a speaker, judged national and international awards, and developed communication courses. Her thought leadership has been featured in HR Reporter.
Beyond her professional accomplishments, Karen is passionate about mentoring the next generation of communicators and giving back to her community.
Snezana Gabric has worked in the newcomer settlement training sector for 24 years. With a background in educational leadership, teaching English as a Second Language, and program management, she feels fortunate to have contributed to various educational institutions and initiatives throughout her career.
As the Director of Education Services, Snezana is committed to fostering inclusive and welcoming learning environments that empower newcomer clients to achieve their goals and become active participants in their new communities. Snezana is also dedicated to transforming education services through innovative strategies and meaningful collaborations.
Over the past 24 years, Snezana has collaborated with community organizations in Toronto, Peel, Halton and York Regions to create integrated support systems that address both educational and settlement needs, creating a strong impact on the vulnerable newcomer population. In addition to her Ontario Certified English Language Teacher or OCELT accreditation, Snezana’s educational background includes a degree in English Language and Literature, Business Management (major in Human Resources) and Language Program Management. Snezana is the Toronto West Local Immigration Partnership Planning and Coordinating Committee (TWLIP PCC) Co-chair and the Chair of the TWLIP Education Resources Action Group. She was the Co-chair of the Peel-Halton-Dufferin Language Partnership group for 6 years (2016-2022).
TANAZ PARDIWALA
Director, Education Services
WANDA MARSMAN
Director, Employment Services
SHIRAZ ABDUL RAHMAN
Director, Refugee Services
Tanaz has been a valued member of COSTI since 2015, bringing her extensive expertise and leadership to a variety of impactful roles. During her tenure, she has demonstrated her ability to manage complex programs and drive meaningful outcomes. Her notable contributions include managing the Syrian refugee response, serving as Acting Director of the Refugee Division, and leading key initiatives such as the Ukrainian Host program, New2Canada, and Youth Health and Recreation.
Tanaz now joins the Education Division, where her breadth of experience across sectors and organizations uniquely positions her to advance its work. Her career spans significant leadership roles, including serving as Director of Community Outreach at Safe Horizon in New York City—one of the largest local non-profits in the U.S., with over 900 staff. In this role, she collaborated with community stakeholders to develop programs and policies for those directly affected by the September 11 attacks.
In addition to her leadership expertise, Tanaz brings substantial project management experience, having led initiatives at globally recognized organizations such as UNDP, UNIFEM, the Rockefeller Foundation and United Way. Her international experience, having lived and worked in New York City, Barcelona, and London, further reflects her adaptability and global perspective.
Tanaz holds a Bachelor of Business Administration from Wilfrid Laurier University and a Master’s degree in International Affairs from Columbia University. With her vast experience and strategic insight, she is well-equipped to drive innovation and growth within the Education Division.
Shiraz has been a driving force at COSTI since 2010, holding progressive leadership roles and fostering meaningful partnerships with diverse stakeholders, including public health agencies, school boards, private housing providers, and community organizations. With over 15 years of experience in refugee resettlement and operational leadership, she is passionate about advancing equity, accessibility, and community-centered support.
Shiraz’s expertise lies in designing and implementing refugee response programs and developing innovative case management and operational models that deliver efficient, sustainable and effective outcomes. Among her many accomplishments, she played a pivotal role in advancing COSTI’s refugee response program, which significantly contributed to Canada’s achievement of resettling 40,000 Afghan refugees.
In July 2023, Shiraz was appointed Acting Director after her outstanding work as General Manager. Her leadership has been instrumental in enhancing COSTI’s services for refugees and newcomers, reflecting her commitment to advancing inclusivity and well-being.
Driven by a passion for equity, affordable housing and wraparound services, Shiraz continues to lead transformative initiatives that empower individuals and strengthen communities. Her extensive experience and dedication to the settlement sector have been vital to the success of programs that help refugees and newcomers build stable and fulfilling lives in Canada.
Beyond her role at COSTI, Shiraz contributes to the broader settlement and resettlement sector as a member of the International Advisory Board of the Soli*City project at Toronto Metropolitan University, the Ontario Region Resettlement Group, and the Refugee Sector Table.
Shiraz holds a Master’s degree in International Relations, complementing her wealth of experience with a strong academic foundation.
Wanda Marsman is an accomplished leader with a passion for promoting growth and well-being in others, her commitment to community development is evident in her active participation on committees with various organizations.
Wanda joined COSTI in March 2005 as the ProLink Mentoring Program Coordinator. Since then, her career path has included roles such as Assistant Manager, Brampton Employment Services, Manager, Brampton Employment Services, General Manager, Employment Division and until April 2023, acting Director, Employment Division.
Wanda has made significant contribution in each role she has held. She has been the driving force behind the design, implementation, management, and facilitation of various programs funded by foundations and all levels of government. These programs have played a pivotal role in assisting underemployed and unemployed individuals in their integration into the Canadian labour market.
Wanda has been instrumental in building networks and forging community partnerships that have contributed to the active and responsive development of our community. Notable among her achievements are her role as the former Chair of the Brampton Board of Trade Multicultural Committee (Diversity and Inclusion Committee) and her position as a former Regional Director at the Ontario Council of Agencies Serving Immigrants (OCASI). Additionally, Wanda has served as the Chair of the United Way Black Community Advisory Council, further highlighting her dedication to community advancement.
In addition to her progressive leadership experience, Wanda is a certified Life Skills Coach and holds a certificate in Adult Learning Facilitation, she studied Sociology at St. Mary’s University and Hospitality at Toronto Metropolitan University (formerly Ryerson University).
RAHILA MUSHTAQ
Director, Social Services
With more than 25 years of experience in international development and project management, Rahila is passionate about advancing girls' education and enhancing social services. Her work is guided by the principles of Access, Equity, Engagement, and Social Inclusion, which shape both her personal and professional endeavours. As an uninvited guest, she expresses deep gratitude for being on the traditional lands of the Mississaugas of the Credit, the Anishnabeg, the Chippewa, and the Wendat peoples.
Collaboration and relationship-building are central to Rahila’s approach. She has a proven track record of forging meaningful partnerships with community organizations, private sector stakeholders, educational institutions, and government agencies to implement programs that create lasting impact.
Since joining COSTI in 2012, Rahila has aligned her passion with purpose, leveraging her skills to empower individuals and drive positive change in communities. She holds an MBA, a Bachelor of Commerce, and certifications in Anti-Racism and Anti-Oppression. Rahila actively serves on the Advisory Committee for the Health Coaching Project and the Orientation to Canada program and is a member of the Toronto South Local Immigration Partnership.
Throughout her career, Rahila has remained committed to delivering meaningful impact through inclusive and innovative solutions, consistently striving to improve the lives of those she serves while ensuring efficient resource use through strategic decision-making.
