Dr. Westy Egmont

Co-Chair, Governor's Advisory Council on Immigrants and Refugees

With a doctorate in pastoral counseling, Dr. Egmont has focused on the human needs and social services of newcomer communities, immigrant rights, and the complex dynamic two-way process of immigrant integration. His work has led to the creation of BCSSW's Immigrant Integration Lab, a pioneering endeavor in relating demographic shifts of developed nations, social policy, and social practices that foster the full economic, social and civic participation of the newcomer to studying the mechanisms of incorporation by the receiving society. Prior work as a missionary educator and in executive leadership of anti-poverty social service agencies makes the issue of applied research his priority. Dr Egmont is the Co-Chair of the Governor's Advisory Council on Immigrants and Refugees, having served as an adviser to six governors.