Meet our Multi-Cultural Liaison Officers
Zahra Islami is an Afghan citizen who came to Canada in 2022. She was a lawyer and associate judge in Afghanistan. She is working with our school as a multicultural liaison officer now. Multicultural Liaison Officers (MLOs) are settlement workers, bridging communication between the school, families, and students, especially those with language barriers. Zahra is able to speak Dari, Persian and Pashto. She is available at zahra.islami-t@ocdsb.ca
Susan Ragheb
Susan Ragheb is a first generation American, who studied architecture in Canada (2000-2004) before transitioning into education and community work. With over seven years as a Multicultural Liaison Officer (MLO) and over 15 years in education, she specializes in high-crisis intervention, settlement support, and conflict resolution for newcomer and racialized families.
Her international experience gives her a deep understanding of the challenges newcomers face. She supports families in English and Arabic and some French, bridging the gap between schools, families, and community organizations. She is an active member in the community and former participant in the City of Ottawa’s Anti-Racism Advisory Table, using her expertise in mediation, trauma informed care, and policy development to foster lasting change.
She is available at Susan.Ragheb@ocdsb.ca
Tahani Noaman
My name is Tahani Noaman, and I work as a Multicultural Liaison Officer (MLO) at OCISO. MLOs are also called, in the immigration sector, Settlement Workers in Schools (SWIS). I hold a Master’s degree in English Language and Literature from Caen, France, as well as a diploma in Community Work from Ottawa, Canada. I am fluent in Arabic, English, and French.
I am assigned to several schools across our district (Gloucester HS, Hawthorne PS, and Vincent Massey PS). My role involves collaborating with school staff to support newcomer students and families by providing settlement services, helping them navigate the school system, assisting with form completion, offering language and cultural interpretation, resolving conflicts, encouraging greater involvement in school activities, and connecting them with resources and supports within the school or community that meet their needs.
In my role as an MLO at OCISO and in schools, I have had the privilege of working with individuals from a wide range of cultures, religions, and backgrounds. This exposure has been invaluable in shaping my understanding of the unique experiences and perspectives that each person brings. Working in such a diverse environment has not only helped me become more open-minded, but it has also deepened my appreciation for the richness that diversity offers.
I believe in the power of steady progress, no matter how small the steps may seem- “One step at a time”.
Outside of work, I enjoy reading, watching documentaries, swimming, and shopping. I am also passionate about helping people and socializing with them, as I find it fulfilling to connect with others and make a positive impact. I am available at tahani.noaman-t@ocdsb.ca