BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Idrisa Pandit
Founder, Director, Advisor
Idrisa is an academic and a passionate social justice worker. She has been recognized for her volunteerism and community contributions. Among her numerous awards are the University of Waterloo President’s community award 2017, Ontario’s Leading women leading girls award 2016, Oktober fest Woman of the year award, 2016, and the 2007 Top twenty Canadian Muslim women who inspire award. Idrisa’s research and writings focus on interfaith relations, anti oppression, anti racism, gender and Islam, and the Kashmir conflict.
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Khalid Khokar
Board Director- President
Mr. Khalid Khokhar is the Executive Director of the Islamic Centre of Cambridge and a life long educator and school administrator. Mr. Khokhar has been associated with MSS in a variety of roles, as a Board member, as well as a mentor and advisor. Mr. Khokar has served on Boards of many different not for profit organizations and brings a wealth of expertise to Muslim Social Services.
Brice Balmer
Board Director, Co-Chair
Brice is a Professor Emeritus of Luther University College, Wilfrid Laurier University. He taught courses in the Master of Arts in Theology program, in the field of Spiritual Care and Psychotherapy. Brice is a co-founder of Interfaith Grand River and is an well recognized community leader and author. As an ordained Mennonite minister he has worked in chaplaincy for many years, especially with people who are marginalized, in Denver, Colorado, and in Kitchener, Ontario. He was also a co-pastor at First Mennonite Church, in Kitchener, for 17 years.
Anwar S. Arkani
Board Director
Anwar Shah Arkani is a Burmese Rohingya who came to Canada and is a prominent speaker who works as a linguistic specialist, offering dedicated assistance to clients in addressing their concerns. He graduated with a Bachelor of Science from Indiana University. In 2006-2007 Anwar helped rescue stranded Rohingya boatpeople in Thailand, leading to an invitation to the United Nations. Founder and director of the Rohingya Association of Canada [RAC], Anwar spearheaded advocacy campaigns to declare Rohingya’s plights as "GENOCIDE" and contributed significantly toward the production of "Time To Act: Rohingya Voices". Anwar was also a cofounder of the Rohingya Language School in Kitchener, to teach Rohingya writing systems and cultural norms. He received the International Refugee Day Distinction Award in 2014.
Kaleem Rehman
Board Director
Kaleem Rehman having graduated from the University of Guelph, made the selfless decision to serve the most vulnerable populations with diversified backgrounds as a caseworker with the Region of Waterloo for 29 years simultaneously becoming a Real Estate Agent and Sophisticated Investor. His passion and purpose are to create generational financial security through real estate and education to shift family paradigms. He believes this is possible through collaborating with people of different backgrounds, ideals and experiences to uncover untapped opportunities.
Rihanat El-Alawa
Board Director
Rihanat migrated to Canada in 2010 and is very passionate about building relationships and supporting people who are vulnerable. She holds a Bachelor’s of Science degree and an Associate degree in Islamic Education. Rihanat is an active member of the Muslim, immigrant/newcomer, and African communities within the Waterloo Region. She sits on a number of boards and committees at different organizations and can be found planning, supporting and facilitating various events and programs in the community. She enjoys spending time with her family and reaching out to her friends.
Takhmina Shokirova
Board Director
Takhmina Shokirova is a researcher, educator, and practitioner specializing in social justice and migration. She combines her interdisciplinary education in social work, peace studies, and human rights with professional experience in education and international/local NGOs. Since moving to Canada in 2012 to pursue a PhD in Social Work at Wilfrid Laurier University, Takhmina has called the Waterloo region her home. Her research, teaching, and practice focus on gender equity, migrant workers, international students, and children and youth in migration and global contexts.
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Ashoo Anand
Board Director
Ashoo has led Credit Valley Conservation’s multicultural outreach program since its humble beginnings in 2009. In this role, she has been collaborating and building strategic alliances with other public sector agencies and community organizations for developing and delivering culturally sensitive programming for immigrants for their physical and psychological wellbeing.
Ashoo has spearheaded initiatives within Credit Valley Conservation to foster inter-cultural discussions. Being an immigrant herself, Ashoo understands the challenges and barriers newcomers face in accessing nature and building a strong and meaningful connections. Her education and work experience have been pivotal in developing a robust environmental outreach program for culturally diverse immigrants in the region.
Qadir Ahmadi
Treasurer
Qadir Ahmadi is an accounting grad student of Conestoga College and a former program coordinator of Afghanistan Libre non-for-profit organization. He has helped AL in their mission to facilitate the rights to education, healthcare, and opportunity to the most marginalized women and girls across rural and isolated areas of Afghanistan. Qadir is an active member of Ismaili Volunteer Corps and a team member of MAC LLP Chartered Professional Accountants. He has received Ontario Volunteer Service Awards for 10 years of his service in Ontario by Ontario Minister of Citizenship & Immigration and Premier of Ontario.
Asu Negash
Board Director
Asu Negash is a committed professional who is currently enrolled in the University of Waterloo's Bachelor of Arts Honors in Psychology program. Asu has a strong background in youth leadership, customer service, and educational support. She brings a wide range of skills and a wealth of experience to her roles. She has excellent organizational and analytical abilities. Asu has made noteworthy contributions in her roles as a summer camp leader at Muslim Social Services, a youth leader at Chandler Mowat Community Center, and a tutor at The Family Centre. Her dedication to community service and mental health advocacy is further demonstrated by her various volunteer positions, such as peer leader at the YMCA and member of the Muslim Youth Council, and her administrative experience at the KW Walk-In Clinic. Asu continues to push herself to the limit and leaves a positive mark on everything she does.