Meet Gabriela. She is a Home Visitor and the Team Leader of CIWA’s HIPPY program.

Gabriela joined CIWA in 2016 after learning about the organization from a bank employee when she opened her first bank account after arriving in Canada. Gabriela first joined CIWA as a volunteer and has now been a CIWA staff for over 3 years.

Gabriela enjoys being a part of the HIPPY team, where she gets to work with experienced women who are dedicated to equipping families with the tools necessary for optimal child development and socio-emotional connection.

“I love helping women become empowered to be their child’s first and most important teacher, and for women to feel confident that they can support their child’s development and successful integration in school and their community.”

Gabriela believes that social integration is one of the most important challenges that immigrant women face on an ongoing basis, at least until they can create their own social support circle in Canada. CIWA focuses on the holistic well-being of our clients by providing integration and emotional support and pivoting to provide more support services for the increased needs we have seen during the pandemic. Social group meetings have been moved online, and CIWA has increased connection for our clients via multiple programs for youth, women, seniors and families alike.

“Being twice an immigrant, I know what challenges come with adjusting to a new place and what services and supports are most helpful. Having been helped in the past, I now live to pay it forward at every possible chance. Working at CIWA positions me in a place where I can gladly give back and empower other women and this brings me great joy.”

Outside of work, Gabriela enjoys spending time with her 4-year-old daughter, going on family hikes, biking, camping and photography. She is passionate about nutrition and health and is a Certified Holistic Nutrition and Health Coach. She is currently studying to become a Registered Holistic Nutrition Practitioner.

To learn more about the services we provide to support immigrant parents and families, click here.