It is with mixed feelings that we announce Kia Rainbow will be leaving her position as Executive Director of Interval House of Ottawa (IHO) to accept a position as the new Executive Director of Cornerstone Housing for Women. While we are sad to see her go, we are also excited for her as she embarks on this new challenge. Her last day at IHO will be May 31.
Over the last six years under Kia’s guidance, IHO has successfully undertaken two strategic plans and a capital campaign to better serve women and their dependents who are victims of violence. Kia’s legacy is the creation of IHO’s Animal Housing Area in 2018 — the first of its kind in Ottawa – allowing family members to bring their pets into residence when they flee abuse. In addition to her leadership, we will miss her tireless passion for women’s issues, her positive attitude and her friendly smile.
To guide IHO through this transition the current Residential Program Manager, Charlene Maurice, will assume the role of Interim Executive Director. Charlene’s career advocating for women’s rights spans nearly 30 years, and she has been a dedicated and valued member of the IHO team since 1997.
The Board of Directors is committed to ensuring our high levels of excellence for our clients, staff, donors, volunteers and partners throughout this transition. We are looking forward to working closely with Charlene in the coming months as we search for a dynamic leader to take the helm.
On behalf of everyone at IHO, please join us in wishing Kia the very best in her future, as she continues to work and advocate on behalf of women in need in our community.