Ali Aheed has diverse experience spanning across various industries including data analytics, finance, tele-communications, retail & information technology. He also pursued and recently graduated from the Rotman School of Management at the University of Toronto with an MBA.  During his time in graduate school, he developed an interest in social entrepreneurship, healthcare and innovation. He hopes to eliminate poverty by introducing sustainable solutions that allow under-privileged groups in societies to become self-reliant and independent.  His passion to solve this problem resulted in his engagement with Unisphere Canada, where he plans to apply his leadership and management skills to tackle the challenges of poverty alleviation.  In his free time, Ali enjoys exploring the outdoors and finds peace in the wilderness.

Fazal Rahel has over 15 years of professional experience in business development, sales and marketing, policy development, project management, economic and democratic governance with profit and non-profit sectors. He has earned his Masters in Public Policy, Administration and Law with a Graduate Diploma in Justice System Administration from York University, Toronto, Canada. His Bachelor’s degree is in Business Administration, specialized in management, and a Legal Studies Certificate from the American University of Afghanistan. He has various post graduate certificates in project management, business policy, and public administration from University of Toronto and York University. Fazal worked for various profit and non-for-profit, public and international organizations, including the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and Bell Canada. He has successfully managed over 7 complex multi stakeholder projects and teams of over 60 people and coached over 300 entrepreneurs in developing business ideas and writing business plans. He has helped many entrepreneurs to successfully start new businesses by applying for a micro-loan.

Laheeb Akbarzad is a Solicitor and Barrister licensed by the Law Society of Upper Canada (LSUC/LSO). He is an Osgoode Hall of Law graduate, completed his Masters of Public Policy from Germany and is currently practicing criminal and immigration law. Laheeb has an extensive and diverse work experience, supporting different international organizations such as, USAID, US State Department INL project and the World Bank. He has also worked with several non-profit organizations in Toronto with a focus on community development. He is very interested in community led grassroots work.

Naziha is an accounting professional who has been serving multiple local and international corporations for the past five years. As a senior accountant, she has handled large volumes of financial services and performed various accounting functions within the accounting department. She graduated from York University with a Bachelor’s in Accounting and is currently obtaining a Master’s in Business Accounting. Apart from working professionally, Naziha is actively involved in community outreach program development.

“I got involved with Unisphere Canada for my keen interest in building a resilient community. I believe that being in touch with community development is an expression of something greater than ourselves.”

Tariq Ismati is a public and non-profit sector executive with 15+ years of experience in government, the United Nations and international NGOs. Ismati is mostly involved with the leadership of development programs, advocacy, policy orientation, and management of complex stakeholder/donors relationships. He was the deputy minister of programs for the Afghan ministry of rural rehabilitation and development (MRRD) for three years and the executive director of National Solidarity Program (NSP), the world’s second largest community development program for four years in Afghanistan. He completed his under-graduate education in Afghanistan and has his Master degree from Andrews University in the United States with a specialization in international development.

Tiago De Oliveira is a public sector professional with nearly a decade of experience. He has worked at the City of Toronto for the last 8 years where he led several transformation and change management initiatives involving large stakeholder consultations, developing change communications and developing training resources. Tiago graduated from York University with an Honours Bachelor of Public Administration, specializing in justice policy and law, a Professional Graduate Certificate in Human Resources Management, and a Master of Public Policy, Administration and Law where he focused most of his research on organizational effectiveness, organizational design, and leadership. Tiago also holds a Certificate in Change Management from the City of Toronto and currently completing his Agile Certified Practitioner designation.

Elena Jara, currently the Regional VP of Sales and Partner for Haystax Mortgage and a Board Member of Downsview Legal Clinic, has over 27 years of experience working with consumers from all over Canada creating, revising and co-delivering Financial Resiliency workshops and webinars to provide consumers the tools to succeed financially.  She is known for being a connector and her partnership and network-building skills have given her the opportunity to participate in many government and community networks that engage with diverse stakeholders on the importance of financial literacy education. In addition, she has been featured in many media outlets such as Global TV, CTV, Toronto Star, The Globe & Mail and many more.

In addition, Elena holds a number of academic credentials: Mortgage Agent Certificate from RMAC, Bankruptcy Insolvency Certificate from Ryerson University, Life Coach training through YWCA and a Bachelor’s degree from York University