‘30 under 30’ 2025 Recipients Announced
By: Kathryn J.
In celebration of Arab heritage and the outstanding accomplishments of Arab Canadian youth, the Canadian Arab Institute (CAI) proudly presents its "30 Under 30" award initiative. The CAI's prestigious "30 Under 30" award recognizes and honours the remarkable contributions of young individuals who embody and exemplify excellence, leadership and a deep commitment to their Arab heritage. The award showcases the achievements of Arab Canadians who have gone above and beyond in their respective fields, leaving an unforgettable mark on our community. The Canadian Arab Institute has selected 30 outstanding individuals from a diverse pool of talented applicants. These remarkable achievers have excelled in various fields, including education, law, public service, non-profit, business, entrepreneurship, engineering, healthcare, arts and more. Their stories of perseverance, innovation and community engagement are a testament to the transformative power of Arab Canadian youth. Through their extraordinary achievements, the "30 Under 30" award recipients are not only leaving their mark in their respective industries but also paving the way for future generations. Their accomplishments inspire others to embrace their heritage, break barriers, and strive for excellence.
Congratulations to all the award recipients!
Farah Shishani
Jordanian-Canadian
Instagram: @nanascreperie
Farah moved to Canada five years ago and, at 26, opened Nana's Creperie in Toronto's Beaches. As owner, manager, and pastry chef, she has run the business for two years, creating crepes with Arabic influences from her grandmother's recipes. This has established a space for cultural appreciation. Before immigrating, Farah apprenticed as an assistant manager in Jordan and volunteered with the Melting Pot Project, where she supported the initiative to document the lives and stories of diverse communities across Jordan.Hoda Halcyon Zoubaidi
Iraqi-Canadian
LinkedIN: Halcyon Zoubaidi
Instagram: @halcyonartistry
Hoda Halcyon Zoubaidi is an Iraqi-Canadian multi-project coordinator and visual artist dedicated to inclusion for marginalized communities. At Youth Employment Services (YES), she advocates for the hiring and career advancement of individuals with mental health disabilities. She connects HR professionals with resources like hiring fairs and training modules, fostering inclusive hiring practices nationwide. Hoda previously empowered hundreds of youth, including Arab-Canadian youth, through financial literacy and future skills workshops. At the University of Toronto’s Ontario Tobacco Research Unit, Hoda contributes to a national anti-smoking and vaping initiative by coordinating community-based events and distributing nicotine-replacement therapy kits. She also presented research findings at national conferences and co-wrote a grant proposal that expanded the project to eight cities across Canada. As a visual artist, Hoda's work explores themes of resilience and freedom and has been exhibited at venues like the Art Gallery of Ontario.Anas Hasan
pALESTINIAN-cANADIAN
Instagram: @barahmelive
Anas initially pursued Chemical Engineering at Queen's University but shifted to the arts after being called back for Disney's live-action Aladdin. Since then, he has built a diverse career in film, television, theatre, voiceover, and music. His screen credits include lead roles in Hallmark's Everything Puppies, Lifetime's Yes Chef! Christmas, National Geographic's Mayday: Air Crash Investigation, and Telefilm's upcoming Jude and the Jinn. A career highlight is his lead role in the award-winning short film Disconnect, now taught at Humber College. In theatre, Anas starred as Rami in the acclaimed Tales of a City by the Sea and as Amr/Quraysh in King Najashi the Musical. In voice acting, he performed a full-length Adhan in CBC Gem's Get Up, Aisha, voiced Nurse Yusef in PBS Kids' Lyla in the Loop, and contributed to the UN's Canadian Orientation Abroad Audio Workbook. As a singer (Barahmé), he released Mawtini to support Gaza and has opened for major artists. His upcoming debut EP includes the single "Like A Man," addressing toxic masculinity in Arab communities. Beyond performing, Anas volunteers and MCs Arab-led events like CPPF’s 5K Walkathon and Run for Palestine.Zeina Seaifan
lEBANESE-cANADIAN
LinkedIN: Zeina S.
Zeina, a Lebanese-Canadian scholar-activist, focuses on uplifting Arab-Canadian communities through advocacy, policy, and research, particularly in climate justice and combating anti-Arab discrimination. As Policy Committee Lead at Climate Sirens, she develops campaigns centering SWANA women, including partnerships providing economic opportunities to over 200 women. She leads capacity-building workshops, training young Arab women in policy-making, and conceptualized the 2025 Ramadan Campaign on malnutrition and food waste. Previously, Zeina led voter engagement for Lebanese-Canadians with Impact Lebanon's Sawti initiative. On the Canadian Arab Institute's National Arab Youth Council, she co-organized a panel on combating anti-Arab oppression and co-authored a pamphlet on legal protections against censorship. She also hosted CAI's 2024 Celebration of Arab Excellence and co-developed the "Distinguished Arabs in Canada" database on the CAI website. Pursuing a PhD in Sociology at McGill University, her research examines Lebanese-Canadian diaspora engagement in Lebanese environmental activism. She is a member of the Arab Council for Social Science Research and has been published in Routed Magazine.Ahmed Khalil
eGYPTIAN-cANADIAN
LinkedIN: Ahmed Khalil
Ahmed, born in Egypt, raised in South Africa and the U.S., and now based in Canada, is a multifaceted leader who began his journey with a simple LinkedIn suggestion at 17. From graduating salutatorian in military boarding school to achieving the highest economics average in Canada as valedictorian at the University of Waterloo (with a 3.98 GPA and Dean's Honours), Ahmed excelled academically while actively building community. He served as President of the Waterloo Arab Student Association, TEDxUW, and UW Product Management Club. His entrepreneurial drive led him to establish Subleteer and Magma Sportswear and scale the fastest-growing CEO personal branding firm in the Middle East, where he has coached over 7,000 C-suite leaders and reached over 27,000 professionals through workshops and keynotes. A three-time bestselling author and LinkedIn Top Voice, he is recognized as a leading branding expert in the UAE and Egypt. A dedicated community member, Ahmed has been a Rotary Club member for 11 years across multiple countries. Currently a Technical Product Manager at Citytv+, he also teaches at Conestoga College. Rooted in his Arab identity, Ahmed aims to amplify Arab voices and inspire young Arab-Canadians to pursue their ambitions boldly.Shifa Abdulwahed
lEBANESE-cANADIAN
Instagram: @canadiancedarsofhope, @cpsa_london
Shifa co-founded the nonprofit organization Canadian Cedars of Hope in her early twenties, supporting Canadians and people in Lebanon. She recently became President of Canadian Cedars of Hope, leading the organization's future projects. For the past two years, Shifa has also been a leader and organizer of protests, events, and demonstrations with the Canadian Palestinian Social Association, creating social media content to raise awareness about the situation in Palestine. Concurrently, she works full-time in IT and manages a social media business.Jana Salameh
lEBANESE-cANADIAN
Instagram and Youtube: @janassalameh
Facebook: Jana Salameh
TikTok: @jana.salameh
Jana is a Lebanese singer-songwriter based in Ottawa who blends Western textures into Arabic music. Her musical journey began at the Lebanese National Higher Conservatory of Music. After moving to Ottawa in 2019, she co-founded Entropy Entertainment in 2021, creating opportunities for Arab-Canadian artists while developing her own career. Jana has performed on major national and international stages, including a tour across Canada and the Byblos International Festival in Lebanon, and has shared the stage with artists like The Gipsy Chico Castillo and K-Maro. She reached the quarterfinals of The Voice Québec, showcasing her Arabic and Canadian influences, and has since performed her first solo show at Canada’s National Arts Centre and released her debut single. Supported by the Ontario Arts Council, she is recording original music and planning future concerts. Jana also uses her platform for important causes, participating in the Shining Stars of Hope concert in Lebanon and independently organizing a fundraising concert in Ottawa for those affected by the war in Lebanon, in collaboration with the Embassy of Lebanon.Rame Ibrahim
pALESTINIAN-cANADIAN
Instagram: @ramibrahim99
Rame is a Palestinian filmmaker born in Syria, raised in the UAE and Canada, and whose experiences in Turkey have informed his storytelling. His films explore themes of memory, identity, and truth. His first short film, Eid, about his grandmother, was selected for the Chicago Palestine Film Festival. His second film, Ahmed, screened at the New York Shorts Film Festival and the Toronto Arab Film Festival. He is currently working on Prisoner, a film about intergenerational trauma that is also his MFA thesis at UBC, supported by a CGS-M SSHRC grant. Rame has participated in mentorship programs like the VIFF Catalyst Program and volunteers at festivals, supporting fellow Arab and Palestinian storytellers. He is committed to telling stories from the margins, believing in their power to shift perceptions and foster belonging.Hiyam Mahrat
sYRIAN-cANADIAN
Instagram and Facebook: @hiyammahrat
Originally from Syria, Hiyam came to Canada in 2018 and shifted from Medical Laboratory Sciences to Performing Arts. She studied Performing Arts at Sheridan College and became involved in the Toronto and Waterloo Region theatre scene through Nada Humsi and Majdi Bou-Matar. Following advice from Majdi Bou-Matar, she began creating her own opportunities and engaged with MT Space (The Multicultural Theatre Space), eventually becoming their General Manager. Parallel to her administrative role, Hiyam has performed with the Canadian Arabic Orchestra and in staged readings. In Waterloo Region, she has worked on multiple street theatre performances, including one-woman shows, and acted in the play 'Ali and Ali' at Kitchener-Waterloo Little Theatre. As a co-creator, she produced the play 'Homecoming,' addressing the housing crisis and immigrant belonging, and is currently directing Wajdi Mouawad's 'Scorched.' Hiyam received the 'Emerging Artist' Award from Waterloo Region Arts Awards in 2023 and has volunteered with arts and culture groups like Levant Canada and Mada Theatre.Shady Ibrahim
eGYPTIAN-cANADIAN
LinkedIN: Shady Ibrahim
Shady Ibrahim, an Egyptian-Canadian who immigrated to Canada at age five, founded his first company, ShadyCraft Servers, at 13, growing it into a top Minecraft community with over 400,000 players. After selling the company, he graduated from the University of Waterloo and Wilfrid Laurier University with degrees in Computer Science and Business Administration, 1 winning Laurier’s largest business competition for a smart baby crib design. Professionally, Shady was a software engineer and later led the Data Engineering team at Coinbase through a period of significant growth leading to its IPO. In 2022, he co-founded the Data Engineering & Analytics practice at Boosted in Toronto, scaling it into a multi-million dollar business with 300% year-over-year growth, focusing on using data for good, particularly in healthcare. He also served as interim VP of Data at GreenShield, becoming the youngest executive in the company's history and leading their digital transformation to improve health outcomes for millions of Canadians. Shady mentors Arab students and young professionals in tech, driven by the values of grit, humility, service, and community instilled in him by his upbringing. Paula Sahyoun
pALESTINIAN-cANADIAN
LinkedIN: Paula Sahyoun
Website: https://theyoungwontforget.com/; https://www.palestineimpactcollective.org/
Paula's personal journey, shaped by her identities as both Hongkongese and Palestinian, has fueled her commitment to showcasing Arab and Palestinian excellence and advancing social justice. A recognized leader in social finance and alternative economies, she developed the Social Equity Lens Investment Coding System, now used by the Canadian federal government. Paula actively engages in economic reconciliation projects with Indigenous communities, drawing parallels with Palestine's economic development. She founded and organizes the Palestine Impact Collective (PIC), a network of over 200 social impact professionals working to shift capital and narratives for Palestine by advocating for divestment from occupation and investment in the Palestinian social enterprise economy. Paula has also written op-eds challenging mainstream narratives on Palestine. Her international development experience includes serving as a Director on the Board of Plan International, where she championed youth ownership and decolonization, and as a Senior Officer at the International Federation of the Red Cross and Red Crescent in Lebanon, where she focused on economic strategy and innovative finance. Creatively, Paula is a filmmaker whose work centers Palestinian resilience and identity, including her feature documentary 'The Young Won’t Forget' and her short documentary 'The Silence They Taught Us.' She is also building a Palestinian Professional Network to combat erasure and amplify Palestinian voices.Seevana Hawari
pALESTINIAN-cANADIAN
Instagram: @seevanahawari
Seevana, with a degree in Fashion Communications, has built a career at the intersection of fashion design, community impact, marketing, and merchandising. Her expertise spans product development, trend analysis, marketing, and garment construction, allowing her to create culturally meaningful collections rooted in Arab heritage. Through roles in buying, visual merchandising, and marketing, she has effectively connected storytelling, fashion, and e-commerce with an ethical lens. Beyond her professional roles, Seevana is deeply committed to leveraging her Palestinian heritage to preserve traditional craft techniques and empower marginalized communities through sustainable employment and culturally resonant storytelling. She believes fashion is a powerful tool for reflecting identity, fostering social change, and creating positive impact.Hala Mousa
sUDANESE-cANADIAN
LinkedIN: Hala Mousa
Hala Mousa, a Sudanese academic and humanitarian, has dedicated herself to addressing the intertwined issues of education, displacement, and emergency response in Sudan. Since the outbreak of war, she has focused on evacuating civilians, successfully coordinating the safe passage of 20 people in the first year, a process involving complex negotiations and logistical planning. Fueled by the memory of loved ones lost due to the conflict, she volunteers with Sudanese aid organizations, delivering essential supplies to displaced communities within Sudan and neighboring countries. Hala graduated with honors from Qatar University at 19 and began teaching at 20, including in refugee communities during the Yemen war, witnessing the transformative power of education. By 24, she was lecturing at the university level, incorporating her experiences of conflict into her teaching. Her research documents the informal survival systems within displacement camps, preserving evidence of resilience through collecting protest banners, recording oral histories, and documenting the names of the deceased. Hala balances lecturing, coordinating aid, and maintaining contact with those still in Sudan, driven by a profound sense of purpose to support her community in the face of ongoing crisis.Dalya Kablawi
pALESTINIAN-cANADIAN
LinkedIN: Dalya Kablawi
Dalya is the Vice President of the International Association for Public Participation (IAP2) Canada, where she contributes to initiatives promoting inclusive and equitable engagement practices. Her work in suicide prevention began as a volunteer youth council member at the Mental Health Commission of Canada (MHCC), where she co-developed an award-winning engagement framework and later became a program coordinator, championing community-based suicide prevention models. She is an appointed member of the Public Health Agency of Canada's Expert Roster on Suicide Prevention, advocating for youth-informed and trauma-responsive approaches. As a Patient Engagement in Research Specialist at The Hospital for Sick Children (SickKids), Dalya integrates the voices of patients, families, and communities into pediatric health research, providing guidance and tools for inclusive and responsive studies. Beyond her formal roles, she has volunteered with mental health hotlines and led peer-support spaces. Her work is driven by her lived experience and a commitment to systemic change through meaningful engagement with often-overlooked communities.Hasan Hawari
PalestinIAN/Jordanian-CANADIAN
Instagram: @kuvrd, @hasan_hawari
Hasan, COO and Co-Founder of KUVRD, blends fashion, heritage, and economic empowerment in a cross-border social enterprise rooted in his family's keffiyeh production since the 1950s in Palestine and Jordan. Raised in Canada by a first-generation immigrant mother, Hasan built a strong foundation in finance and strategic planning through his Bachelor of Business Administration from Trent and early career in banking. Under his leadership, KUVRD has donated over $100,000 to humanitarian causes, distributed more than 98,000 meals, created over 30 employment opportunities for marginalized individuals, and sponsored children through Human Appeal, supporting orphans in Yemen and Gaza. In March 2024, Hasan traveled to Turkey with Human Concern International (HCI) to meet families evacuated from Gaza, reinforcing his commitment to using business for healing and dignity. KUVRD has also collaborated with Canadian organizations like IDRF, Penny Appeal, and Human Appeal to expand their impact, scaling across Canada, the MENA region, and beyond through cultural storytelling and ethical commerce.Ali Zidan
eGYPTIAN-cANADIAN
LinkedIN: Ali Zidan
Ali's work focuses on bridging healthcare disparities and empowering the Arab community in Canada. Having lived in six countries by 21, he witnessed global healthcare inequities, driving his dedication to improving access for vulnerable populations. He founded initiatives during his undergraduate studies, including Canada’s largest undergraduate kidney conference, and became the youngest member of the Kidney Municipal Advisory Council. He has published six peer-reviewed articles, including research with Harvard, and received the International Eberhard F. Mammen Research Award and the SSS Owais National Canadian Scholarship. Ali launched an initiative with the Kidney Foundation of Canada to translate healthcare resources into Arabic for chronic kidney disease patients. He has also raised over $20,000 CAD in six months to fund medical equipment and improve healthcare access in Egypt. Recognizing his fundraising efforts, LaunchGood appointed him as their Toronto ambassador. Ali's work is driven by a commitment to ensuring healthcare accessibility for the Arab-Canadian community and beyond. 1 Rida Alzahran
sYRIAN-CANADIAN
Instagram: @alzahranrida
LinkedIN: Ridaal Zahran
Rida Alzahran's journey began in Syria, leading to displacement to Lebanon before resettling in Canada in 2016. Despite initial challenges with language and integration, he excelled academically, graduating high school with the Governor General’s Academic Bronze Medal. Preparing to graduate with a Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Kinesiology in June 2025, Rida has completed 400 hours of hospital internships, including an observership in thoracic surgery, and plans to pursue medical school or a master’s degree. At Laurentian University, he serves as a Senator and Vice-Chair of the Students’ General Association and co-founded the Arab Student Association. As Co-President of NextGen Lifeline, he promotes plasma donation. Beyond campus, Rida is a board member of the Sudbury Multicultural & Folk Arts Association and a Community Ambassador with the Syrian Canadian Foundation. He also serves on the Police Chief’s Youth Advisory Council and the Steering Committee for Health Sciences North’s 2025-2030 Strategic Plan, advocating for underserved communities. His dedication to service has been recognized with awards like the Health Sciences North Volunteer Association Bursary.Abdullah Al Azzawi
iRAQI-CANADIAN
Instagram: @azzawi04
Currently a third-year Honours Life Sciences student at McMaster University with a perfect 4.0 GPA and numerous academic accolades, including the Shenstone Prize and multiple scholarships, Abdullah’s commitment extends far beyond the classroom. He serves as the Canadian Representative for Watan Foundation, an international humanitarian organization supporting Syrian communities, building partnerships and planning a visit to witness their impact firsthand. His dedication to humanitarian relief is further demonstrated through his role as an organizer and volunteer coordinator for HAWA Canada, where he helped raise over $500,000 through three large-scale musical fundraisers for earthquake victims in Turkey and Syria, and for emergency relief in Gaza and Syria. In his local community of Milton, he co-founded Ajniha Academy, a tutoring initiative providing affordable Math and English support for students from low-income Arab and/or Muslim families. He also contributes to research projects at McMaster University in clinical and educational science. Demonstrating a drive to excel in diverse fields, he gained experience in sales and marketing within the medical device industry and currently works as a Teaching Assistant for a sustainability course. His multifaceted engagement reflects a commitment to serving the Arab community and challenging limitations.Abdalrahman Alasadi
pALESTINIAN-cANADIAN
LinkedIN: Aboud Alasadi
Abdalrahman, a final-year Civil Engineering and Management student at McMaster University, is a Palestinian-Canadian who immigrated from Saudi Arabia. His journey has instilled in him a strong sense of responsibility and the belief in building needed spaces. At McMaster, he transformed the Middle Eastern Students’ Association (MESA) into a network of distinct cultural groups and then created MESA CARES, a cross-university initiative providing mentorship and support to Middle Eastern students. Currently a youth board member with the Canada Arab Congress, he aims to develop sustainable national programs for leadership, mentorship, and cultural engagement for Arab youth. Academically, Abdalrahman has maintained a strong GPA and gained practical experience through infrastructure and sustainability projects and internships. He also contributed to the growth of a landscaping company. His community work is driven by a desire to provide lasting mentorship and national collaboration for Arab youth in Canada, focusing on building sustainable structures for growth.Karim Atassi
sYRIAN-CANADIAN
LinkedIN: Karim Atassi
Instagram:@karimatassi
Karim, a Syrian-born Canadian medical resident at McMaster University, has made award-winning contributions in Arab Canadian advocacy, social innovation, and global diplomacy. At McGill, he founded the Arab Student Network (ASN), Canada's largest student-run Arab organization, securing significant funding and launching initiatives like "Internships in the Arab World" and Arab language classes, serving 25,000 students. ASN also hosted large-scale cultural and networking events and introduced McGill's first Arab journal, Mubtakaran. Karim's efforts in promoting interfaith harmony earned him the David Williams Leadership Award. Globally, he was the youngest Canadian delegate at the G20 Young Entrepreneurs’ Alliance, advocating for youth entrepreneurship in the Arab world, and delivered a TEDx talk on innovation for peace-building. In social innovation, he spearheaded a B2B agreement that saved McGill students $4M on software subscriptions and contributed to Montreal's innovation ecosystem, receiving the Startup Community Award. He also advised a fintech startup, Zatiq, which later secured $1.6M in funding. The World Economic Forum recognized him as a Global Shaper. Currently, Karim is starting the United Arabs Initiative to foster unity among Arab youth and is collaborating on the ‘Arab Excellence’ series. He also uses his social media platform to counter false Arab narratives and holds leadership roles in medical organizations.Chaimae Chouiekh
mORROCAN-CANADIAN
LinkedIn: Chaimae Chouiekh
Portfolio: https://chaimaechouiekh.journoportfolio.com/
Chaimae, an immigrant Moroccan woman in Canada and aspiring journalist, is dedicated to creating space for complex Arab stories. Inspired by her family's activism during the Arab Spring, she uses her voice to challenge the erasure of Arab experiences. Upon arriving in Canada, she wrote an op-ed in The Ubyssey calling for recognition of the Moroccan earthquake and Libyan flooding victims by the University of British Columbia. As an assistant producer intern at CBC's As It Happens, she produced a segment on how families in Gaza observe Eid under siege, highlighting joy as a form of resistance. Chaimae actively seeks community, volunteering with the Moroccan Association of Vancouver and helping the Arab Students Association at UBC organize a campus-wide Iftar. She also documented a Palestinian Youth Movement gathering marking the anniversary of the ongoing situation in Gaza. Recognizing the importance of cross-linguistic reach, she amplified the documentary "Arab Women Say What?" in Francophone media. Her work, whether in writing, research, or organizing, consistently focuses on uplifting underrepresented voices and making space for Arab-centered narratives.Ahmed Abbas
IRAQI-CANADIAN
Instagram: @abs.dds
Ahmed's multifaceted contributions as a dental researcher, educator, and community advocate demonstrate a strong commitment to excellence, leadership, and service. As a Summa Cum Laude graduate with a BSc in Kinesiology and an MSc from York University, his research addresses critical gaps in oral health among older adults. Currently pursuing a Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) at Western University, he has received awards for clinical proficiency and research, focusing on the intersection of oral health, aging, and systemic disease, with multiple publications. Ahmed is also a councillor with the Canadian Association of Dental Research (CADR). Beyond academics, he served as President of the Schulich Muslim Dental Association, advocating for students and organizing cultural and charitable events. He has teaching experience at York University and mentors youth. His community involvement includes volunteering with Habitat for Humanity, CAMH, and Humber River Hospital. Rooted in his Arab heritage, Ahmed taught Islamic studies and Arabic for eight years, served as a Scouts Canada Pack Scouter, and volunteered with Crafting for a Cure. His bilingualism has facilitated bridging cultural divides in various settings. As a future dentist-researcher, Ahmed aims to address oral health inequities, inspired by his Arab-Canadian identity.Muntdr (Moony) Madlol
IRAQI-CANADIAN
Instagram: @moony.dentistry
Muntdr's life journey, from war-torn Iraq to Canada as a refugee, has been shaped by resilience and community support. Losing his father at a young age, he witnessed his mother's strength in raising five children. Upon arriving in Canada, organizations like the Cross Cultural Learner Centre (CCLC) and the Boys and Girls Club of London (BGCL) provided crucial support, instilling in him the importance of giving back. Muntdr has volunteered extensively at both organizations, accumulating over 1500 hours and receiving the 10 Year Ontario Volunteer Service Award. Currently a student at Schulich Dentistry, he serves as class president and Vice President of Outreach for the Schulich Muslim Dental Association, fostering a supportive network for Muslim dental professionals. He is also involved in the MDA Events Committee and newsletter. Last summer, Muntdr volunteered in hospitals and dental clinics in Kenya, focusing on EDIDI initiatives. Inspired by this experience, he is now working to organize a professional development trip to the Middle East to provide dental care and support to underserved communities, with the mentorship of Dr. Nehal Al Tarhuni.Jana Salem
eGYPTIAN-CANADIAN
Instagram: @jana_salem24; @fhs_arabian_roots; @changemakers_fredericton
LinkedIN: Jana Salem
Jana, an immigrant to Norway and then Canada, discovered a passion for leadership and advocacy, starting with a mentor program for EAL students in middle school. Recognizing a lack of Arab representation in her high school, she founded the Arabian Roots Club in February 2024. The club promotes diversity, inclusion, and advocacy through cultural events and fundraisers, including a Ramadan Campaign that raised over $700 for Palestine. Jana also co-founded ChangeMakers Fredericton, a youth-led organization focused on community action and global initiatives. This non-profit is currently addressing New Brunswick's education system and working to raise $12,000 by the end of 2025 for girls' education in Northern Ghana. Jana's experiences have reinforced her resilience and strategic thinking, and taught her the power of collaboration and long-term vision. She is pursuing interdisciplinary studies at UNB's School of Leadership Studies to further her goals as an advocate and change-maker.Rodaina Aboelela
eGYPTIAN-CANADIAN
LinkedIn: Rodaina Aboelela
Instagram: @ro.rodaina
Rodaina Aboelela is a third-year Architectural Engineering student at the University of Waterloo, specializing in structural systems. As a visible hijabi woman in STEM, a first-generation immigrant, and the first future engineer in her family, she is passionate about paving the way for underrepresented individuals in engineering. Her academic interests lie in sustainable structural systems, which she is exploring through research, including an upcoming exchange at the University of Southern Denmark. Athletically, Rodaina is a Varsity Student-Athlete and captain of the Waterloo squash team, earning a bronze medal at OUAs and a nomination for the Varsity Impact Award. She has consistently achieved excellent academic standing. Rodaina is deeply involved in her faculty, holding numerous leadership roles in engineering societies and initiatives. Outside of university, she has served as a director for five youth-based non-profits and founded Muslim Youth of Canada. Her school and community service were recognized with a House of Commons Award in 2022. Rodaina was her high school's first hijabi valedictorian and co-founded its first Model UN Conference. She has received over eight scholarships. Rodaina actively gives back to the engineering community by participating in outreach events and has gained practical experience through co-ops at St. Michael’s Hospital and Blackwell Structural Engineers.Leen Zakkar
sYRIAN-CANADIAN
LinkedIN: Leen Zakkar
Leen's experiences as a Canadian-born Syrian Muslim woman have provided her with a unique perspective on systemic inequalities. Her involvement in grassroots social movements and her work within government institutions, including her current role in City Councillor Paula Fletcher's office assisting vulnerable individuals with housing and her previous position at Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) in the settlement sector, have highlighted the complexities of her position as both part of and advocating against existing systems. Leen's ability to travel with her Canadian passport contrasted with her inability to visit her homeland of Syria has fueled her desire to support Syrians and other Arabs in the diaspora. She has volunteered with Syrian orphans in Turkey and participated in a volunteer program in Morocco. Locally, Leen is a lead in the MAC children’s program, mentoring Arab children, and mentors high school students at MYNA. Her career aspirations are focused on expanding her advocacy efforts and representing her community at higher levels of government.Moussa Jureidini
lEBANESE-cANADIAN
LinkedIN: Moussa Jureidini
Moussa's journey began in Beirut, Lebanon, where he earned a Bachelor of Business Administration from the American University of Beirut. His passion for gemstones led him to the Gemological Institute of America in Bangkok, where he obtained his Graduate Gemologist diploma. Plans to launch a jewelry brand in Lebanon were disrupted by the 2019 economic collapse, prompting a pivot to digital marketing. He quickly excelled in performance marketing at UM, working with major regional clients. In 2022, Moussa immigrated to Canada, and within three years, advanced to Planning Manager at Omnicom Media Group, leading planning for Amazon's Canadian brand campaigns. Previously at Initiative, he spearheaded multimillion-dollar media strategies and mentored junior team members. As a trilingual Arab professional, Moussa is passionate about sharing his experiences with newcomers and inspiring them to turn challenges into opportunities. He is committed to building bridges between cultures and uplifting the next generation of Arab Canadian talent through mentorship and storytelling.Noor Fadel
iRAQI-cANADIAN
Instagram: @poetrybynoor
LinkedIn: Noor Fadel
Noor actively works in the non-profit sector across Canada, focusing on anti-racism and anti-hate initiatives. Drawing from her personal experience as a hate crime victim, she supports the development of tools and digital resources to combat online hate. Noor also collaborates with other organizations to facilitate workshops and conferences, raising awareness about anti-Arab and Islamophobia hate in Canada and providing relevant resources.Mohamed (Fikry) Morad
eGYPTIAN-CANADIAN
LinkedIN: Mohamed (Fikry) Morad
Mohamed's approach to engineering is rooted in the philosophy of "Education Beyond your GPA," emphasizing experience, observation, and diverse perspectives. During his time at McMaster University, he significantly contributed to the Middle Eastern Student Association (MESA), helping to grow its community and organizing impactful events. His vision expanded with the co-founding of MESA CARES, a nonprofit supporting Middle Eastern students in various aspects of their development, which later rebranded as the Arab Youth Network under the Canada Arab Congress. Academically, Mohamed is completing a degree in Mechanical Engineering and Management, exploring the intersection of business, government, and academia. He engaged with Innovation Factory Hamilton and worked with Ontario Power Generation, developing a passion for energy innovation, particularly in the nuclear industry. He has actively sought to connect with university leadership to advocate for student involvement in these areas. Throughout his endeavors, Mohamed has consistently aimed to bridge MENA culture with Canadian innovation, using his Arab identity as a foundation for uplifting others and ensuring the student voice is heard and valued.Melana ibrahim
Instagram: @hayahearts00
Melana is a dedicated young Arab-Canadian committed to community service, Palestinian advocacy, academics, and extracurricular activities. She actively participates in numerous Palestinian events, including organizing and volunteering at fundraisers and awareness campaigns like Run for Palestine. Academically, Melana has received a university scholarship, reflecting her commitment to education as a tool for positive change. She is also highly involved in track and field, developing discipline and teamwork skills. Volunteering is a core part of her journey, contributing to various community initiatives and supporting social justice efforts with organizations like the Canadian Palestinian Social Association (CPSA). Through these experiences, Melana has developed leadership and advocacy skills, driven by her passion for strengthening the Arab-Canadian community and proudly representing her heritage.