Meet our team
Williams Atanga, M.A.
Principal Consultant & Strategist | Francophone Equity, Mobility & Decolonial Education
Williams Atanga is a leading institutional strategist, curriculum designer, and researcher specializing in Francophone student mobility, intercultural dialogue, and decolonial frameworks within Canadian higher education. As the Founder and Director of the Verbal Link Institute, he bridges the gap between postcolonial theory and operational practice, advising educational institutions, non-profits, and minority-serving organizations on how to cultivate equity,
belonging, and sustainable integration pathways for African and racialized communities.
Holding a Master of Arts in French from Simon Fraser University, with a specialized focus on migration, identity construction, and diaspora dynamics, Williams brings deep qualitative research insights to complex institutional challenges. His academic work is highly applied; he regularly presents at major national conferences (including McGill, UBC, and McMaster) on the cultural adaptation, positionality, and systemic barriers faced by Francophone migrants.
Williams’ professional footprint spans cross-border educational administration, federal compliance, and critical pedagogy. His diverse background includes training Canadian federal employees on official languages policies, designing professional business communication courses in Paris, serving as a certified TCF oral examiner, and collaborating on diplomatic files for the Embassy of Ghana. As an active university instructor at the University of the Fraser Valley, he utilizes anti-oppressive pedagogy
to transform modern classroom environments.
Certified in Google Project Management, Williams combines elite intercultural intelligence with rigorous operational execution to help institutions dismantle systemic barriers and optimize their global mobility ecosystems.
AREAS OF EXPERTISE
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* Decolonial Program Architecture: Designing inclusive, anti-oppressive educational frameworks.
* Strategic Francophone Mobility: Optimizing student integration from Sub-Saharan pipelines.
* Intercultural Dialogue & Advocacy: Mediating cross-cultural communication for diverse spaces.
* Equity, Diversity, & Inclusion (EDI) Auditing: Aligning curriculum and policy with modern belonging goals.
* Qualitative Policy Research: High-impact analysis of diaspora identity, migration, and power dynamics.
LANGUAGES & INTERNATIONAL COMPETENCE
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* French & English (Fluent - C2 Bilingualism)
* Chinese (Intermediate - HSK4)
* Proficient in multiple West African regional language
Dede A. Dittey
Administrative Assistant
Leading Verbal Link Institute’s operations in West Africa, Dede A. Dittey is an accomplished administrator with extensive experience in education advocacy. She plays a key role in organizing Francophone immigration awareness seminars in Benin, Burkina Faso, and Ghana, ensuring that local professionals receive the resources they need to explore opportunities in Canada. With a strong background in educational leadership, she spearheads initiatives that connect French-trained professionals with Francophone communities in British Columbia, reinforcing the institute’s commitment to global engagement and meaningful integration.
Hashim , MA.
Immigration Advisor, Verbal Link Institute
Hashim is the Immigration Advisor at Verbal Link Institute, where he supports clients with study permits, work permits, and permanent residence applications. He holds a Master’s degree from Simon Fraser University and brings valuable academic and professional experience to the field of immigration consulting.
At Verbal Link Institute, Hashim works closely with individuals and families to guide them through Canada’s immigration processes, offering personalized advice and support. He is committed to helping clients navigate their immigration journey with clarity and confidence.
Hubert Nnaemeka, M.A.
Pedagogical Advisor – French for Public Servants, Verbal Link Institute
Hubert is the Pedagogical Advisor for French language programs tailored to Canadian public servants at Verbal Link Institute. He holds a Master’s degree in French from the University of British Columbia (UBC) and a Bachelor’s degree in French.
With extensive experience in teaching French to adult learners and professionals, Hubert specializes in workplace French, official language testing, and customized training programs for government employees.
At Verbal Link Institute, Hubert plays a key role in designing, supervising, and enhancing French programs that meet the specific needs of Canada’s public sector.
Mariath Rulinga, LLB, MA
Marketing and Promotion Officer
Mariath Rulinga serves as the Marketing and Promotion Officer at Verbal Link Institute. She holds a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) and a Master of Arts (MA) in Gender Studies.
She supports the institute’s outreach, communications, and promotional activities, helping connect students, professionals, and newcomers with educational and language opportunities in Canada and internationally. Her background in law and social studies brings a strong focus on communication, inclusion, and community engagement.