ABOUT US

OUR TEAM

Angela Bégin

Executive Director

Traci Spour-Lafrance

Senior Manager, Partnerships & Innovation

Lindsey Ziebell

Manager, Programs & Operations

Taha Tariq

Program Coordinaor

Pranav Kohli

Communications and Resource Development Coordinator

Jennifer Poll

Administrative Assistant

Emmanuel Antonin

Program Coordinator

Angela Bégin

Executive Director

angela.begin@ochfoundation.ca

Angela Bégin is a Social Work graduate of Carleton University and joined the team at Ottawa Community Housing in 2011. She developed the Volunteer Engagement Program at Ottawa Community Housing which in a typical year engages upwards of 1200 volunteers, benefiting from up to 5000 volunteer hours that assist with beautification and engagement in OCH communities. She earned her Council of Volunteer Administration Certification in 2018 and is involved with Volunteer Management boards at all levels. Locally, she is Past Chair of OAVR, provincially, Chair of the Membership Committee with PAVRO, and nationally she is Treasurer Director with VMPC. In her spare time, she’s a “Big Sister” with Big Brothers Big Sisters, an advocate for zero waste and going green projects; and a certified skydiving coach.

Traci Spour-Lafrance

Senior Manager, Programs & Operations

traci.spour-lafrance@ochfoundation.ca

Traci joins the Foundation with a strong passion for making a difference. A gifted leader and experienced project manager, Traci is accomplished at bringing people together to achieve impactful results. Her passion for people brought her to the University of Ottawa, where she completed a degree in Social Work. Since then, Traci has committed to improving the lives of children, youth and their families by building strong relationships with community partners to take action and make a difference. Outside of work, you can find Traci spending time with her family and friends or keeping active. A personal slogan that Traci lives by is to “Be the Change”; to always try to inspire others to be the change they want to see in their community, but most importantly within themselves.

Lindsey Ziebell

Senior Program Coordinator

lindsey.ziebell@ochfoundation.ca

Lindsey is passionate about helping others and is committed to making a positive difference in her community. With a bachelor’s of psychology from Carleton University, she has been able to fulfill many community initiatives while working in the non-profit sector. Lindsey has experience working with children, youth and families in various settings. On a day off, you can find Lindsey with friends or watching football on Sundays.

Taha Tariq

Program Coordinaor

taha.tariq@ochfoundation.ca

Taha is passionate about giving back the Ottawa community which welcomed and supported him through his studies at Carleton University. Now calling Ottawa home, Taha has worked in mentoring, leadership, and coordination roles throughout the city to inspire and support the community that embraced him. He is passionate about developing mentoring relationships to encourage success and mental wellness in the lives of children, youth, and young adults. In his free time, you would likely find Taha on one of the various climbing gyms throughout the Ottawa-Gatineau area.

Pranav Kohli

Communications & Resource Development Coordinator

pranav.kohli@ochfoundation.ca

Pranav has a background in anthropology and a passion for social justice. He completed his PhD in Anthropology from the National University of Ireland Maynooth in 2021. Inequality, intersectionality and care are his foremost research interests. He is dedicated to understanding and enhancing the lived experiences of diverse communities, ensuring equitable access to safe, affordable housing, and fostering social inclusion. Pranav also loves spending time in nature. In his free time, you would likely find him either reading a book in a park or skipping stones by the river. 

Jennifer Poll

Administrative Assistant

jennifer.poll@OCHFoundation.ca

Having grown up in Ottawa, Jenn has a strong connection to the community. She believes in inspiring others to be the best version of themselves and following their dreams. Jenn has been an administrative professional for many years. She also has a diploma in Radio Broadcasting, earned her Graduate Certificate in Human Resources Management and is a Certified Human Resources Professional. Always trying to be positive and helpful, she likes to look on the bright side of any situation. Jenn loves nature and you can often find her spending time by the water fishing and boating and enjoying the outdoors with her family and friends.

Emmanuel Antonin

Program Coordinator

emmanuel.antonin@ochfoundation.ca

Emmanuel is an enthusiastic individual who is dedicated to giving back to the Ottawa community. His commitment to promoting opportunities for others is a vital part of his philosophy, and he strives to make a positive impact on the lives of those around him. Emmanuel believes that engaging in leisure and recreational activities is essential in promoting positive character development. As such, he is committed to helping people in his community have access to a wide range of programs. Emmanuel spends his free time actively involved in his local community of Manor Park. He coaches a variety of sports and participates in community events, where he enjoys meeting new people and engaging in activities that promote social connections. He also enjoys the outdoors and listening to his vinyl collection. He holds a honours bachelor’s degree in Criminology from the University of Ottawa.