About Us

About Us

CEO – Recipient of the HONOUR 150 Award.

Jorge Fernandez has worked in the Manitoban settlement sector for almost 30 years. An immigrant from Ecuador, he started his career in Winnipeg as a teacher’s aide, helping students from Spanish-speaking countries. This experience inspired him to start a career in the newcomer sector. Since 1993, he has worked at the Immigrant Centre, and has been one of the main driving forces behind our organization ever since then. 

His passion for helping others, and his positive attitude are well known within and outside the organization. Many people know him as the happiest CEO in Winnipeg, and one of the Immigrant Centre managers says of him that he “runs his organization like a business with a heart”. Jorge is also the Past President of the Board of the Manitoba Association of Newcomer Serving Organizations (MANSO), an umbrella organization grouping over 50 agencies in the province. His volunteer work includes membership in the Winnipeg Poverty Reduction Council, and the Canadian Forces Liaison Council, as his love for the community and his passion to help others extends beyond the newcomer sector.

Recently, Jorge Fernandez’ hard work in Winnipeg’s community has been recognized by the Honourable Janice C Filmon, Lieutenant Governor of Manitoba. He received the Honour 150 Award and has become part of and elite group of 150 exceptional Manitobans who dedicate themselves to making our community stronger, more resilient, and more caring. Read More