About
Welcome Exchange’s is mission is to empower newcomers to build successful careers in the skilled trades – strengthening their families, their communities, and their future in Canada.
Customized Connection & Support
At Welcome Exchange, we meet people wherever they are in their career journey. We get to know the people, communities and organizations we work with. We discover who they are and where they want to go. From there, we co-create new pathways forward.
One size doesn’t fit all and that is why we are committed to customizing pathways that are relevant – for British Columbians, new and old.
Meet The Team Leading This Project
Colleen has been with the Construction Foundation of BC (CFBC) since May 2016, serving as the Director of Public Relations. In this role, she has significantly contributed to the growth and sustainability of CFBC’s brand and operational capacity. Colleen enjoys working across CFBC’s initiatives, connecting with donors and bursary recipients. Prior to joining CFBC, Colleen spent two decades in sales and marketing roles, honing her skills as a brand evangelist , managing large-scale event activations and volunteering her time to support community impact efforts. She is currently pursuing her MA in Leadership at Royal Roads University.
Colleen McConnell
Director of Public Relations
Colleen is an Educational Consultant dedicated to fostering inclusive and accessible apprenticeship education. As the former Manager of Program Standards at SkilledTradesBC, she played a key role in developing BC programs and Interprovincial Red Seal standards. Colleen has an extensive background in adult education for newcomers and has led numerous curriculum and resource initiatives. With an M.Ed from the University of Calgary, her work has been recognized with the Canadian Council of Directors of Apprenticeship Award and the BC TEAL 50 at 50 Award. She is thrilled to join CFBC’s multi-year research project addressing barriers and exploring solutions in trades education.
Colleen Rogan M. Ed.
Educational Consultant
Daria Lysenko has been a valuable member of the CFBC team since October 2022. Bringing a decade of human rights advocacy, extensive social work, human resources experience, and a legal degree, she champions interests of newcomers to Vancouver Island and helps them to break down barriers to adaption and career growth in Canada. Outside of work, Daria volunteers in Ukrainian organizations and dedicates time to self-development, reading, traveling, music, and raising her son. Her philosophy of life, inspired by Maya Angelou, is a reminder that even in tough times, life goes on and will be better tomorrow.
Daria Lysenko
Senior Community & Career Catalyst
Allison has worked in the non-profit sector as a project manager, community engagement professional, and business owner for over 20 years with a concentration on community engagement, strategic event planning and social equity. Passionate about people and the environment, she thrives on working in teams that collaborate to ensure meaningful outcomes. Her role of Community Engagement & Logistics Manager, working mainly with Indigenous communities and Newcomers to Canada, marry her skills and her passions perfectly. When not at work, you can find Allison out in the community and exploring life.
Allison Ainsley
Community Engagement & Logistics Manager
Keri joined CFBC from supporting educational school systems within Indigenous communities over the last 13 years. She enjoys working with students on skill development and furthering their educational pathways and working towards their future goals. Outside of work Keri enjoys being in nature and walks on the beaches with her dogs, trying new baking recipes, and traveling to see the world.
Keri Taylor
Learning Support Catalyst
Alberto is a visual designer with a background in branding, editorial, packaging, web, illustration, and advertising. He brings big-agency expertise and a love for storytelling to his work. He has worked across Mexico, Argentina, and Canada—collaborating with charities, magazines, cultural publications, and restaurants. He believes design is about solving problems, and he brings that philosophy to every project at the Construction Foundation. Outside of work, he enjoys biking, cooking Mexican food, and spending time with his family.
Alberto Cortés
Communications and Design Specialist
Yaser is a dedicated HR and community services professional with experience in client support, settlement services, and employment counselling. He brings a compassionate, inclusive, and solutions-focused approach shaped by work across diverse cultural and organizational settings. Passionate about supporting newcomers, he connects people with meaningful resources, training, and job opportunities. Known for his collaborative mindset and commitment to equity and inclusion, Yaser also enjoys collecting coins, travelling, playing PS5, and enjoying his wife’s delicious cooking. If you’re in Kamloops, feel free to say hello!
Syed Yaser Ali
Career Catalyst, Newcomers & Immigrants
Valerie brings over 30 years of experience in adult education, with a focus on English language instruction and settlement support. As an immigrant from Portugal, with a spouse who also arrived as a newcomer from Japan, she understands the challenges of adapting to life in a new country. She has taught in Japan and supported newcomers in Canada through government-funded language programs. TESL certified and holding a Certificate in Online Instruction, she currently helps skilled trades newcomers strengthen their English communication skills. Valerie is passionate about learner-centered education and proud to support newcomers through CFBC.