Kafa El Zamer

Kafa's previous role, during the pandemic, was as an Economic Development Manager within the Communities, Inclusive Growth and Skills unit. In this position, one issue the team had to address was helping hotels survive the effects of COVID-19. “We realized hotels were being hit really hard, but there was little relief available at that time. This was prior to the launch of the Highly Affected Sectors Credit Availability Program (HASCAP), another federal program supporting highly affected sectors. There was a gap,” explains Kafa, who has been with ACOA for 17 years.

Focusing on Atlantic-owned enterprises, ACOA NB worked with partners, including industry associations, and moved quickly to identify opportunities for supporting over 40 New Brunswick hotels. “We have flexibility to pivot when we need to,” says Kafa. Part of that flexibility included putting a call out to other program delivery teams at ACOA for assistance. The teams stepped up.

“This was an unprecedented time,” Kafa says. “But our role is always about assisting businesses and communities to help grow the economy in our region.”

Before joining ACOA, Kafa graduated from the University of New Brunswick with a major in political science, held a number of positions, including teaching in a private school in Dubai and serving as an enrolment officer at a private school in Lebanon. In her home city of Fredericton, Kafa is an active member of the Lebanese community and has participated in the organization and delivery of events, activities and festivals with various community groups, including the Multicultural Association of Fredericton.

“I’m a big supporter of my community,” says Kafa, “and I have learned from my role with ACOA that the work we do makes our communities stronger. That gives me a great sense of pride and purpose.”