Meet the Board

Khayla Laing

My name is Khayla Laing, and I am a 31-year-old Mi’kmaw woman deeply connected to my culture and community. Growing up, I was always actively involved in traditional practices—drumming, dancing, and participating in community gatherings that helped shape who I am today.I graduated from St. Francis Xavier University in 2017 with a Bachelor of Science in Human Kinetics, and soon after, began my career as a Mi’kmaq Physical Activity Coordinator, working directly with communities to promote wellness and active living. In 2024, I transitioned into my current role as a Mi’kmaw Sport Development Coordinator, supporting sport growth and opportunities at a provincial level. My work has always been driven by a love for community and a passion for creating opportunities that empower Mi’kmaw people through sport, health, and connection. That same passion carries into this new affordable living project—a space designed to support our people and their families with comfort, safety, and belonging. I’m proud to be part of building something that strengthens our communities and reflects the values of who we are as Mi’kmaq..

Ardavan “Ardi” Iranmanesh

Ardi brings a unique blend of technology, entrepreneurship, and real estate expertise to the board of Hope for Homes. With master’s and bachelor’s degrees in computer science from Dalhousie University and experience co-founding and scaling technology startups, he applies analytical rigor and systems thinking to complex housing challenges.

Now working full-time in real estate investment and development, Ardi has hands-on experience across multi-unit acquisitions, land development, land banking and packaging, building operations, property management, and construction oversight. He specializes in evaluating underutilized land, navigating zoning and feasibility, and structuring projects that align long-term housing delivery with financial sustainability.

On the board, Ardi provides practical insight on site selection, development pathways, land control strategies, and scalable housing models, helping ensure Hope for Homes advances its mission with discipline, innovation, and long-term impact.

Amanda Croft

Amanda Croft brings extensive leadership, operations, and property management experience to the board of Hope for Homes, grounded in a career spanning retail, recreation, financial services, and community-based operations. Having grown up in a rural community and raised a family as a single mother, Amanda brings a deeply personal understanding of the barriers many families face in accessing safe, stable, and affordable housing.

Professionally, Amanda has led and managed teams of up to 35 staff across customer-facing and operational environments, with direct responsibility for day-to-day operations, tenant and client relations, budgeting, scheduling, policy implementation, and service delivery. Her experience includes overseeing facilities, coordinating maintenance and vendors, managing operational workflows, and ensuring compliance and accountability in complex, people-driven environments. She also spent over a decade in the finance and insurance industry, strengthening her expertise in risk management, financial oversight, and process discipline.

On the board, Amanda contributes a strong operations-first and tenant-centred perspective, helping ensure housing initiatives are not only well-planned but also well-managed in practice. Known for her compassionate, hands-on leadership style, she is deeply committed to community empowerment and to creating housing environments that are stable, respectful, and supportive for the people who live in them

Janet Dale Laing

Jan Laing is an off-reserve Mi’kmaw woman who has dedicated her career to supporting Mi’kmaq communities and advancing opportunities for Indigenous families. For over 24 years she has served as Liaison Officer for Wasoqopa’q First Nation, fostering strong relationships and promoting community well-being. Jan’s career includes work wht the M’kmaq Child Development Centre and volunteer service on the boards of the Mi’kmaw Native Friendship Centre and North End Day Care. Having lived off reserve her whole life, she understands the challenges of accessing safe, affordable housing and is deeply committed to creating equitable, culturally grounded solutions. Jan holds a degree in Child and Youth Studies and a degree in Business Administration, combining her understanding of community needs with strong organizational and management skills. Her work continues to reflect her dedication to collaboration, equity, and the advancement of Mi’kmaq people across generations.