Board of Directors

Ricardo Arisnabarreta brings a wealth of experience, expertise, and a strong commitment to advancing settlement and integration services in Saskatchewan. Ricardo is dedicated to promoting excellence in the field and ensuring the needs of diverse communities are met.

Ricardo’s contributions to TESL Saskatchewan, as the former Vice-President and Chair of the Accreditation Committee, demonstrate his leadership skills and ability to drive meaningful change. In these roles, he spearheaded significant improvements in accreditation processes and standards, ensuring the highest quality of language education in the province. Ricardo’s dedication to enhancing the field of language instruction aligns perfectly with SAISIA’s goal of coordinating leadership and advocacy efforts on behalf of settlement agencies in Saskatchewan.

Currently, Ricardo is also a Board member of the Centre for Canadian Language Benchmarks, CCLB.  In this role, Ricardo has demonstrated his leadership capabilities and strategic thinking. Ricardo serves on this nationally representative, multi-stakeholder board of directors, and he has actively contributed to shaping policies and programs that benefit settlement agencies across the country. Ricardo’s involvement in this capacity reflects his commitment to collaborative decision-making, advocacy, and the pursuit of excellence in settlement services.

Currently, as the Manager of Language Services at the Regina Open Door Society (RODS), Ricardo plays a pivotal role in managing provincially and federally funded language programs. He oversees the implementation of initiatives aimed at promoting language acquisition and integration among newcomers.

Ricardo’s academic achievements further enhance his qualifications. Holding an undergraduate degree in English and in Spanish as a Second Language, as well as an M.Ed. with research in the internationalization of higher education, language, and power, he possesses a strong foundation in language acquisition theory and pedagogy. Currently pursuing a Ph.D. at the University of Regina, Ricardo’s research focuses on the intersection of language, race, accent, and immigration, reflecting his dedication to exploring the lived experiences of non-native English speakers and fostering inclusive environments.

Overall, Ricardo’s exceptional background, expertise, and commitment to advancing settlement and integration services make him an ideal candidate for this position. With his profound leadership experience and his passion for promoting inclusive communities, Ricardo will play a pivotal role in shaping strategic plans and driving sustainable initiatives that align with SAISIA’s vision and mission. His dedication to excellence and his desire to represent Saskatchewan settlement agencies nationally will undoubtedly contribute to the achievement of SAISIA’s overarching goals.