Carmen Celina Moncayo: A champion for community development and gender equality

Carmen Celina Moncayo, a dedicated advocate for marginalized communities and promoter of empowering support programs, currently Supervisor for specialised settlement programs at ISANS. Her journey from Colombia to Canada in 1999 with her 12-year-old daughter marked the beginning of a remarkable career in community development and gender equality.

With a background in psychology and specialization in community mental health, Carmen Celinas’s extensive experience in advocating for human rights and working on policy initiatives to protect victims of violence and displacement has been instrumental in her work. 

“There was a lack of awareness around gender-based violence (GBV) in Colombia, which motivated me to advocate for change, stating, “Peace begins at home,” says Carmen.

Her commitment to empowering women experiencing discrimination, exclusion, or disadvantage in society was evident even before her move to Canada, she was the co founder Colombia’s first women’s center focused on raising awareness about gender discrimination.

Upon arriving in Canada, she built upon her existing experience, working as a research assistant at Dalhousie focused on women’s health before becoming a school settlement counsellor. 

“As an immigrant, I arrived as my authentic self, but the journey of immigration has provided me with a unique opportunity to reflect on and identify my core values,” Carmen reflects. “This experience has shaped my understanding of who I am, and I continue to learn from the amazing individuals around me.”

Joining ISANS in 2000, Carmen has dedicated 25 years to supporting immigrant families and advocating for equitable treatment in her community.

“There was significant gap in support for families dealing with GBV within various institutions such as police and hospitals, which motivated our team to establish the Family Support Programs at ISANS. I was the first family support coordinator,” Carmen shares. “I firmly believe that gender equality is a fundamental pillar for societal progress, as it enables communities to thrive and move forward together.”

Recognizing the importance of mental health for newcomers, especially women, she worked for ISANS’ first mental health program funded by the Department of Health, followed by the Newcomer’s Wellness Program. These initiatives led to the developing of a model for effectively addressing and responding to the mental health needs of newcomers via specialized settlement support.

“I have dedicated my life to empower my community. It’s in my upbringing”, shares Carmen. “Throughout my journey, I have identified key areas that require attention to foster equality and dignity.”

Carmen encourages framework where women to explore their identities as human beings for personal growth and to empower them to contribute meaningfully to their families and communities. This shift in perspective not only promotes gender equality but also advances human rights, ultimately benefiting society by acknowledging the diverse capabilities and potential of all individuals, regardless of gender.

“For me, my greatest achievement is witnessing the happiness of newcomers’ families and the flourishing of their children. It brings me immense joy to see women pursuing their education at university and to hear heartfelt feedback from clients about our staff’s impact”, Carmen expresses. “These moments affirm the resilience of our community and highlight the difference we are making together. I proudly define myself as a community psychologist.”

Carmen’s philosophy is encapsulated in her reference to a scholar’s words: “Human rights are utopias; they represent a dream that guides us, even if they cannot be fully achieved. While it may be difficult to realize these ideals, they serve as a compass for how we can live together harmoniously.” This perspective underscores Carmen’s unwavering commitment to creating a more equitable and inclusive society for all.