Leigha MacDiarmid

Leigha is the Family Programs Assistant at the New Canadians Centre, working with the Settlement Workers in Schools (SWIS) team to engage newcomer children and their families in Peterborough-Nogojiwanong.

Throughout her post-secondary studies, Leigha has focused on International Development. Leigha graduated from Saint Mary’s University with a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in International Development Studies. During her studies, Leigha became heavily involved with the growing Syrian community in her hometown. Volunteering within the Syrian community strongly influenced her education in focusing on refugees and forced migrants. Leigha’s research on forcibly displaced people continued through her master’s thesis, where she focused on examining the impact of anti-asylum policies on the work of grassroots organizations along the US/Mexico border. 

Since graduating, Leigha has focused on gaining further experience working with new Canadians. From speaking with inspirational people throughout her research, Leigha is excited to begin helping individuals and families arrive and settle in Canada!

Outside of the NCC, Leigha enjoys going to the beach, working out, and playing with her cats.