About Dindin
Dindin Villarino was an author, academic, community organizer, and overall tour de force. At 19 years old, Dindin received a major scholarship to study in Canada, but she often credited her early success to smaller local grants that financed her position as a student leader and the extracurricular activities that eventually brought her to the attention of international funders. Once in Canada, she strived to enrich her community by bringing together people of different backgrounds and celebrating the importance of diversity. She passed away in 2017 shortly after being diagnosed with leukemia and this scholarship was created in her honour to support the ambitions of young students from her hometown.
In Memoriam
Dindin Villarino was Northumberland County's first Immigration Portal Coordinator, responsible for driving immigration investment and settlement to our community.
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In this role, she was an absolute force of nature. She formed networks of established local immigrant entrepreneurs to help newcomers get on their feet. She coordinated services to support the settlement of Syrian refugees fleeing war. She created advisory groups to research the needs of immigrant populations to support better informed policy. And she encouraged the celebration of local multiculturalism, bridging gaps in custom and tradition through the launch of universally understood festivals and events.
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Dindin was, quite simply, an inspiration. She believed in the power of human connection and kindness to create a thriving and inclusive community. With her magnetic personality, her tireless determination, and her huge heart, she made it her mission - both professionally and personally - to ensure this was the welcome newcomers could expect here in Northumberland County. We will honour her memory by striving to fulfill this expectation.
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Dan Borowec
Director, Economic Development and Tourism
as featured in Northumberland's 150 Stories and Images of Arrival