ANNA ALIZADEH Position: Member-at-Large
Tell us about yourself.
I am an associate at de VRIES LITIGATION LLP. I am in my third year of practice, focusing on estates, trusts, and capacity litigation.
Why did you join the WLF executive?
I want to give back to the legal community, meet like-minded lawyers, and work towards the advancement of women in the profession.
What is your favourite part about being a lawyer?
Advocating for my clients and tackling complex legal issues.
GABRIELA RAMO Position: Member-at-Large
Tell us about yourself.
Professionally, I am a Senior Manager/Senior Associate in the Canadian Immigration Department of KPMG Law LLP. I have been practicing exclusively in the field of corporate immigration and citizenship law for more than 25 years, advising multinational corporations in strategic immigration planning, global workforce mobility, and immigration-related issues during mergers and acquisitions. I also developed and lead KPMG Law’s Canadian immigration compliance consulting practice.
I am a Member-at-Large of the Canadian Bar Association Citizenship and Immigration National Section Executive, and am the Submission Coordinator for 2018-2019. I have also served for many years as a member of the OBA’s Citizenship and Immigration Law Section Executive in many capacities, and I am currently the Vice-Chair for 2018-2019. I have been a member of the Ontario Bar Association Women Lawyers Forum Executive since 2016, a member of the OBA Institute 2018 Planning Committee, and a Board member for the Jewish Refugee Action Network.
I love to advocate, and have appeared before parliamentary and senate committees on immigration and citizenship issues. I also love to teach and have lectured extensively on immigration and citizenship issues at law schools; colleges; professional organizations, such as the Canadian Bar Association, the Ontario Bar Association and the Law Society of Ontario; and at seminars organized by the private sector, such as CERC, EHRA, HRPAO, Insight, and the Canadian Institute. I have also authored numerous articles for a number of publications.
Personally, I am the mother of three amazing kids – they are the source of positive energy that keeps me moving forward!
I also have a deep belief that we all have a responsibility to try to repair the world, one small action at a time. I am an active volunteer in my faith community, and work on many social action initiatives. I also volunteer on Sunday mornings, teaching cooking to kids between the ages of 6 and 12.
Why did you join the WLF executive?
As a female lawyer who has been practicing for more than 25 years I have always believed that we are stronger and more effective when we collaborate and work together. I have also been frustrated by the lack of progress in reaching equality for women in the profession, particularly in positions of leadership. The WLF works both to promote women in the profession and to provide women with information and strategies for achieving success. I wanted to be part of that important and inspiring work in a collaborative and supportive environment.
What is your favourite part about being a lawyer?
The ability to work with people to help them achieve their goals – both clients seeking legal solutions to issues and colleagues seeking mentoring and professional development opportunities.
NANDI DETERVILLE Position: Technology Liaison
Tell us about yourself.
I was called to the Ontario Bar in January 2017. My journey to the Ontario Bar started with my undergraduate degree in International Relations from Florida International University in Miami, Florida, then her Calls to the Bar of England and Wales and Saint Lucia in 2008. I practiced in a small general practice firm in Saint Lucia for four years before moving to Toronto. During my time as an NCA student and licensing candidate I became involved with the Women Lawyers Forum of the Ontario Bar Association by attending several CPD programs, I then became more involved as a Member-at-Large for two years and now as the Technology Liaison for the 2018-2019 term. I recently opened my own law firm where I practice, immigration, wills & estates and family law.
Why did you join the WLF executive?
I joined the WLF as a student member of the OBA because I found the programming of the section very engaging and interesting. At that time I tried to attend at least one CPD program a month and found myself drawn to the programing that the WLF provided. Once the opportunity arose to become a member on the executive I put my name forward so that I could be a part of the program organising committee.
What is your favourite part about being a lawyer?
I am aware it’s a clichéd response, but I really do enjoy helping my client achieve the best result for their problem. It is not always possible to get a client the result they wanted but it's a great lawyering day when I am able to provide clients with advice and options that they need.