About Us

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Laura Aguirre Polo 

DIRECTOR

Laura is a passionate advocate for diversity, equity, inclusion (DEI), and immigration. With a Master of Public Health and a Graduate Diploma in Community Health & Social Justice, she brings a global perspective to her work.

Originally from Bogotá, Colombia, Laura’s journey led her to the USA at the age of 16 to learn English and pursue higher education. In 2018, she moved to Newfoundland and Labrador for graduate school, where she quickly fell in love with the province and its people, solidifying her decision to call NL home.

Currently, Laura leads Amal Unite & Empower, a multi-stream provincial program housed at Amal Youth and Family Centre. The initiative supports newcomers, refugees, and employers across Newfoundland and Labrador through tailored employment services, community wellness programs, inclusive employer engagement, and diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives. Fueled by her passion for the province and its tech sector, Laura works to strengthen the region’s business and innovation landscape while advancing the representation and inclusion of equity-priority groups.

Laura’s dedication to community building and support shines through in her work as she continuously seeks opportunities to promote Newfoundland and Labrador as a unique destination for businesses and professionals.

Prior to her role at Amal, Laura played a pivotal role at Genesis, the Newfoundland and Labrador Tech Innovation Hub, where she led the Belonging Initiative. Through this endeavour, she championed diversity, equity, inclusion, and immigration opportunities within the tech and entrepreneurial ecosystems.

Manager, Amal Unite & Empower

Director of Human Resources, Fonemed

Neil is a business leader and HR professional with 20 years of progressive experience in organizations at varying stages of growth. As Partner and the Principal Consultant of Higher Talent Inc., Neil has worked with firms across Canada in a broad range of industries. Prior to joining Higher Talent, he spent more than a decade working in the Newfoundland and Labrador tech sector. Neil’s passion is in helping drive the culture and success of professional firms. He prides himself on his ability to create and maintain relationships, understanding the needs of the organization and its people.

An active volunteer, Neil is currently serving as the Chair of CPHR Canada, a national organization with more than 27,000 professional members across the country. He also sits on the Board of the North American HR Management Association and is past Chair of CPHR Newfoundland and Labrador. Locally, Neil has held volunteer positions with several HR Advisory boards, and he is a volunteer minor hockey coach.

Neil holds a Bachelor of Commerce Degree from Memorial University of Newfoundland. He is also a Chartered Professional in Human Resources (CPHR) and a SHRM Senior Certified Professional (SHRM-SCP).

Jacqueline Lee CHAIR

Johanna Brown VICE CHAIR 

Lynn Sullivan DIRECTOR

Joe Hickey DIRECTOR

Colette Goodyear DIRECTOR

Hasan Hai DIRECTOR

David Gibbs DIRECTOR

Neil Coombs DIRECTOR

Randy Billard DIRECTOR

Dan Brake PAST CHAIR