2026 Welcoming Ottawa Ambassadors
WOW Ambassador: Agata Lerch
Nominator: Khadidja Ouarab
More than a Teacher
Khadidja Ouarab’s English teacher, Agata Lerch, truly changed her situation at a very important time in her life.
In April 2023, Khadidja immigrated from Algeria, through Canada’s express entry program. She had worked for a decade as a database administrator in her home country.
WOW Ambassador: Hala Ben Hssain
Nominator: Danielle Mague
A Place to Call Home
Danielle Mague arrived in the Ottawa with her husband, seven months ago. As is the case with many newcomers, she had left her home country, Cameroon, in search of a better life.
What she didn’t know is that she would soon meet a woman who would have a profound impact on her integration and sense of belonging in her new home.
WOW Ambassador: Kais Al-Irani
Nominator: Radwan Hubaish
Uncle Kais
For 12 long years, Radwan Hubaish’s dream was to come to Canada. When he told his friends in Yemen, they thought he was joking. He studied every aspect of the country he wanted to one day call home.
In Yemen, he was journalist at a local television station. When the war erupted, he could no longer travel to his village. His mother said, “if you love me, you will leave this country.”
WOW Ambassador: Reverend Joseph Kiirya
Nominator: Hakim Lubwama
Someone to Inspire you Every Day
Since arriving in Canada more than 20 years ago, Reverend Joseph Kiirya has helped many newcomers in Ottawa, particularly by providing housing.
One such newcomer, says that Joseph’s incredible support and guidance was instrumental in his successful integration when he arrived in Ottawa in 2024 as a refugee from Uganda.
WOW Ambassador: Sylvie Thivierge
Nominator: Ludovic Feulefack Kemmanang
A Number One Reference
Ludovic Feulefack Kemmanang had a successful career as a director with consulting company, specializing in property and land rights, where he travelled a lot. Wanting a more stable environment for him and his wife to raise their five children, he happily accepted the opportunity to immigrate to Canada in December 2025 through the express entry program.
