Board of Directors

Mr. Bansie is a lawyer, mediator, arbitrator and Deputy Judge with a multifaceted career spanning over twenty-five years, marked by his unwavering commitment to justice and dispute resolution. As Chairman of the BCAS board, Mr. Bansie brings a wealth of expertise and experience to the forefront of this important mission. Mr. Bansie has represented a diverse array of private and corporate clients in various capacities, appearing before all levels of courts in Ontario, including the Court of Appeal. His litigation experience is complemented by a remarkable track record of representing athletes, artists, and organizations in intricate contract negotiations. Notably, Mr. Bansie is a highly trained and seasoned mediator, having been involved in dispute resolution since 1986. His mediation services, initially provided on a consulting basis, have been seamlessly integrated into his professional portfolio, enhancing his ability to facilitate resolution in complex matters. Throughout his career, Rohan has expertly investigated and resolved a wide spectrum of disputes, including those related to corporate restructuring, employment, insurance, commercial agreements, investment and finance, medical malpractice, debtor/creditor issues, and construction disputes. In 2007, Mr. Bansie was appointed as a Deputy Judge of the Superior Court of Justice, Small Claims Court, a role in which he has presided over and adjudicated thousands of trials, motions, and settlement conferences pertaining to civil litigation matters within a jurisdictional limit of $35,000. Mr. Bansie's commitment to education and knowledge-sharing is evident through his extensive lecturing and workshop deliveries. He has shared his insights with executives, business and department managers, sales professionals, law students, lawyers, and paralegals on various legal topics. He is renowned for his expertise in areas such as interviewing skills development, advocacy, litigation, negotiation, and dispute resolution. In 2014, Mr. Bansie authored the highly acclaimed book, "Eloquence: Public Speaking Skills for Lawyers and Other Professionals," which serves as an indispensable guide to public speaking for aspiring legal professionals. His formal education is equally impressive, including an LL.B./J.D. from the University of Ottawa, an M.Ed. in psychology from the same institution, a B.A. in philosophy, and a Certificate in Adult Education from Concordia University in Montreal. Additionally, he has pursued further training, including courses such as the Canadian Securities Course, the Investment Funds Institute of Canada course, Project Management Workshop through Carleton University, and ADR and Advanced ADR Workshops sponsored by the University of Windsor School of Law. Rohan Bansie's remarkable combination of legal expertise, mediation prowess, and dedication to education make him a driving force behind the BCAS's mission to combat systemic discrimination and promote equity and justice for all. His leadership and commitment are invaluable assets to the organization and its noble cause.

Dr. Jafralie (she/her/elle) has led an impressive career as a secondary school teacher and a university course lecturer in her 21 years working in both United Kingdom and in Canada. Her research includes equity and religious literacy, inclusion, and purposeful dialogue. Jafralie received her Master of Arts in Theological Studies from Concordia University and a Ph.D. in Teacher Education from McGill University in 2017. In 2018, Jafralie was received the certificate of achievement for the Prime Minister’s Award for Teaching Excellence. Her academic works explores the links between religious literacy, anti-racism, and purposeful dialogue. She is committed to bringing about sustainable inclusion, diversity, and equity in society one person at a time. Jafralie is also a committed union representative for her school. In addition to her teaching and research, Jafralie does substantial activism. In 2019, she was awarded with the Activist of Year. And in 2021, she was recognized as a Black Change maker in Canada for her continuous efforts in creating an equitable and inclusive society. In 2022, Dr. Jafralie was a Ted Talk X speaker looking at how learning about diversity in history is vital to human progress. Recently, Dr. Jafralie was awarded one of the top 100 Black Women to watch by the CIBWE. In addition to her role as Secretary of the Board, Dr. Jafralie serves as chair of the Programs Committee.

Mr. Ma-Nlep is a dedicated Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA) with a robust 19-year tenure in the federal public service. He brings a wealth of experience in financial management and accounting to his role as Vice Chair of the BCAS. Massoda holds a diverse educational background, including a Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering, an MBA, and a Certified Management Accountant (CMA) designation. These academic achievements underscore his dedication to the field of finance and administration. Mr. Ma-Nlep is currently dedicated to advancing his knowledge and skills in business administration as he pursues his Doctorate in Business Administration (DBA). His pursuit of a DBA highlights his commitment to continuous learning and his passion for staying at the forefront of business and financial innovation. As Vice Chair of the BCAS, Massoda Ma-Nlep's unique blend of education, experience, and ongoing commitment to professional development make him a valuable asset to the organization. His financial expertise and dedication contribute significantly to the success and growth of the BCAS.

Jennifer Carr is a prominent figure in the labor movement best known for her pivotal role in advocating for workers' rights and fostering inclusive workplaces across Canada. With a career deeply rooted in trade unionism, Jennifer's journey is marked by her unwavering commitment to justice and equity. As President of the Professional Institute of the Public Service of Canada (PIPSC), the second-largest federal union in the country, Jennifer has been instrumental in shaping national labor policies that safeguard the rights and interests of over 60,000 professionals. An evironmental engineer by profession, Jennifer's resolute commitment to social justice and her proactive stance in labor rights advocacy are invaluable. Her track record of supporting BCAS's initiatives and her active participation in international advocacy efforts, notably at the United Nations in Geneva and New York, reflect her dedication to fostering equity and inclusivity on a global scale

Jason MacLean is a distinguished trade unionist and the chair of the Development Committee of the Board of Directors. Born and raised in a working-class community, Jason's early life was deeply influenced by the ethos of diversity, fairness, and equality. These values were significantly shaped by his family's strong community involvement: his mother, a revered community leader, school board representative, and retired Early Childhood Educator, alongside his father, a retired firefighter, instilled in him a profound commitment to social justice and community service. Jason's career is marked by a rapid rise through the ranks of the Nova Scotia Government Employees Union (NSGEU). He not only served on its Board of Directors and the Provincial Executive but also achieved the pinnacle of union leadership as President in 2016, followed by a re-election in May 2019. His leadership prowess extended beyond the NSGEU. He held the position of 1st Vice President of the Nova Scotia Federation of Labour and served as the Executive Vice President of the National Executive Board for the National Union of Public & General Employees (NUPGE). In a significant nod to his leadership and dedication, Jason was elected in 2022 as Secretary-Treasurer, a role in which he represents 425,000 workers delivering public services at the provincial level. Further cementing his expertise and dedication to the labor movement, Jason is an alumnus of the prestigious Harvard Trade Union Program, a testament to his commitment to lifelong learning and advocacy for workers' rights.