VMS would like to welcome Lesia Kohut and May Shihadeh to the board.

Lesia replaces Yavhel Valasquez, who has been with the board since 2018 in the non-affiliated seat. A Licensed Spiritual Practitioner and Integrative Nutritional Health Coach, with a degree in Advanced Consciousness Studies, Lesia brings together her backgrounds in spirituality, holistic wellness, food, music, sustainability, and experience as an entrepreneur in her ongoing journey of spiritual exploration and personal growth.

May Shihadeh will be joining us in the Muslim seat, replacing Moussa Magassa. The board looks forward to working with May, who is also a member of the Sunni Muslim community. May is a student at Royal Roads University in the Masters of Art in Intercultural and International Communication program, a member of more than ten organizations in Greater Victoria, a Community Advocate representing the Muslim Community, interpreter (Arabic/English), researcher and entrepreneur. 

According to VMS by-laws seats are assigned to members of specific spiritual communities: Indigenous Spirituality, Bahá’í, Buddhist, Christian, Hindu, Jewish, Muslim, Sikh and a Non-affiliated seat. Board members normally serve 4-year terms.

We’d like to warmly thank Yavhel and Moussa for their time with the Victoria Multifaith Society board over the past 4 years. We’re sincerely grateful for their many services and wish them all the best in the future.