Henry Akanko is the Project Director of Hire Immigrants Ottawa, a community-wide initiative of United Way East Ontario that brings together employers and key stakeholders to develop and champion solutions to systemic barriers around the integration of skilled immigrants into the local labour force.

As Project Director, he provides strategic leadership and oversees the management of the HIO initiative. Henry leads a team that undertakes employer engagement for immigrant employment, develop programs, tools and resources to support organizations create diverse, inclusive and belonging workplaces.

Prior to joining United Way, he held senior management roles with international development organizations including the Canada-Africa Community Health Alliance, World University Service of Canada and Catholic Relief Services.

He holds a Master of Arts Degree in Collaborative International Development Studies from the University of Guelph.