MEET THE TEAM
Duaa Al-Aghar holds a master's degree in computer engineering and boasts a diverse background with work and educational experiences both in Canada and overseas. After serving as a professor for nearly 8 years, she moved to Canada in 2006. Since then, Duaa has been deeply involved in the Waterloo region, working closely with various populations, particularly underprivileged children and families in marginalized communities.
As a community leader, Web Designer, and Database specialist, Duaa has strived to create welcoming spaces and foster inclusive intercultural environments for immigrant families and individuals. Her commitment to building a violence-free community is evident through her active involvement in different projects such as the 'Caring and Safe' school committee at Northlake Wood Public school, the Salaam Campaign, Unity and peace initiatives, and promoting health and well-being through education and community service. Duaa's dedication to community service has earned her recognition and appreciation, including being featured in the book 'The Muslimah Who Fell to Earth.' She has been honored with numerous awards, such as the women who inspired, Community Impact Award, Outstanding Leadership Award, and Leading Women Building Communities Recognition award. Additionally, she was nominated for the women of the year award.
Currently serving as the Executive Director of Muslim Social Services Waterloo Region, Duaa continues to be a driving force in the community. Her passion for social justice shines through, and her vision is to create a strong and inclusive community where everyone can thrive.
Her remarkable contributions and leadership have made a significant impact on those around her, inspiring positive change and fostering unity in the community.
Languages: English, Arabic
My name is Amina Abdulqadir. I studied for intra oral dental assistant at Trillium College in Oshawa, Ontario. I moved from Oshawa to Toronto and worked at Danforth family dentistry in Toronto, then moved from Toronto to Kitchener. I worked as an Arabic teacher at an international school, where I taught students writing, speaking, and offered feedback and assistance. I was a direct support worker at Extend A Family. providing care to children with special needs. Since last year, I am also an independent facilitator for special needs adults at the Bridge to Belonging where I provide support for adult immigrants with developmental disabilities as well as verbal impairments. I offer compassionate guidance and resources to daily living activities focused on building independence ans skills.
My name is Shiwan Ibrahim, I am a student with Yorkville University. I am currently completing my Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology (MACP) and working as a practicum student with Muslim Social Services. I received my undergraduate’s degree from Laurentian University, specialization in Psychology. I am capable of providing Cognitive Behavioural Therapy interventions (CBT) as well as Trauma informed therapy (while supervised). I hold the RP(Qualifying) status with the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario (CRPO).
Annelise is a Master of Social Work student at Wilfrid Laurier University. She has a Bachelor of Arts and Science in Neuroscience and Psychology from the University of Guelph. Annelise has worked with immigrants and newcomers to Canada in various community development roles. She is excited to join the team at Muslim Social Services because of her desire to integrate community development and mental health resources in a culturally and spiritually relevant way. In her role as an MSW student, Annelise can provide supervised therapy to individuals seeking support and looking for an empathetic and warm presence to walk alongside them as they navigate various life challenges.
My name is Sally , I studied English literature in Damascus University, and I am a certified interpreter, and dental assistant. I possess strengths in strong communication skills, leadership, empathy.
Nazish completed her Bachelor of Social Work degree at Renison School of Social Work, University of Waterloo. She is a registered social worker with Ontario College of
Social Workers and Social Service Workers. Nazish is dedicated to walking alongside clients, meeting them where they are at. She provides confidential safe space to talk through the issues clients are dealing with. Her
focus is to ensure clients feel heard, seen and valued.
Compassion, open-mindedness, making a difference, relationship and empathy, honesty are primary values she holds. Nazish works from a client centered, harm
reduction and trauma informed care lens. She draws on strength-based perspective, solution focused therapy, narrative therapy.
Doaa Mahrous is a Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying), She finished her Master's from Wilfried Laurier University in Spiritual Care and Psychotherapy. Doaa believes in a holistic, trauma-informed, strength-based, and client-centered approach to healing. Doaa is trained in providing Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Solution-focused therapy, and Narrative therapy.
Fardawsa Mursal's life is a blend of resilience, gratitude, and deep commitment to community. A proud Somali-Canadian, Fardawsa's story is closely tied to the dreams and sacrifices of her parents, who left Somalia in search of a better life in Canada. Born and raised in Kitchener, Ontario, she embraces the values instilled by her parents and the bond with her hometown.
Now, Fardawsa is pursuing her academic journey at the Lazaridis School of Business and Economics, pursuing a degree in Business Administration (BBA). But beyond the books, her true passion lies in her community involvement. Whether it's volunteering, sharing knowledge, or just being there for someone, Fardawsa finds meaning in these acts of service. This dedication to help isn't just a passing phase but a deep motivation that drives her every day.
Away from her community initiatives, travel often calls her to explore new places, while books offer her a different kind of exploration. Amid all her activities, she finds joy and comfort in baking, often joined by her mother, bringing forth cherished memories and crafting new ones. Through all her activities, she remains inspired by her parents' sacrifices and aspires to give back to them and her community in significant ways.
Zainab Mahdi is a community builder, writer, evaluator, and researcher based in Kitchener-Waterloo. She was the Co-Founder and Operations Manager of Project UP (Unleash Potential) a local grassroots initiative that supported young Black Muslim women with leadership, mentorship, and fitness-based programming. Zainab holds a Masters of Science in Global Health from University College London and has worked as a strategic consultant, project manager and evaluator across many industries locally and abroad. She is passionate about community health, creative writing, and youth mentorship.
Adam Naseer is deeply committed to community service, dedicating years to volunteering for non-profit organizations and local initiatives. This drive to make a difference is complemented by strong interpersonal and problem-solving skills, allowing Adam to excel in mentoring and office environments. With an unwavering dedication to helping others, Adam is poised to leave a lasting impact and inspire those around them.
Taleb Hasan is a medical student who is very passionate about helping the community, including doing community outreach and helping children. He cares greatly about social justice and works to make a more equal society for everyone.
Shama Saleh holds a B.Sc. in Health Studies with a minor in Political Science from the University of Waterloo. Her academic foundation has nurtured a fervent interest in community development, community-building, and advocacy. Her diverse experiences encompass involvement in health research projects focused on marginalized women, as well as serving as a Community Engagement Coordinator at the Waterloo Region Crime Prevention Council. However, she takes particular pride in co-founding Project UP, a non-profit organization dedicated to addressing systemic barriers faced by Black Muslim girls in the Kitchener-Waterloo Region. Shama's professional journey has afforded her opportunities to collaborate with marginalized groups, both locally and internationally. These experiences have significantly shaped her worldview and informed her understanding of her role within it. As a member of MSS, she aspires to leverage her knowledge and expertise to contribute to the organization's goals, particularly in supporting grant writing and addressing any other needs that may arise.
Jewelle Edwards is completing her second year of Laurier’s Master of Social Work (MSW) program. During her first year, she nurtured a sense of community with students and faculty as the student organizer for the Black Student Caucus (MSW program) and a research assistant on a project illuminating the experiences of racialized immigrants. Having graduated with a degree in Forensic Psychology in 2019, Jewelle gained experience delivering financial empowerment programs and services, and volunteering on youth councils. These experiences increased her ability to connect with the community while recently working as Community Connector Coordinator at the Region of Waterloo, to support community engagement for the strategic planning process. As a placement student with Muslim Social Services, Jewelle looks forward to working in programming that supports the needs of community members.
Sujude Kabbar is set to embark on her B.Sc. in Life Sciences with a major in Psychology, fuelled by a profound interest in unravelling the intricacies of the human mind. Her deep passion for community drives her, as evidenced by her active involvement in volunteering and working with Muslim Social Services. Through her various experiences, Sujude has gained valuable insights into the challenges faced by individuals within her community. Sujude is thrilled to intertwine her dedication to community service with her enthusiasm for psychology. Her aspiration goes beyond contributing to a better understanding of mental health and well-being; she is committed to actively supporting and uplifting her community.
Fatima Haneef is a social worker registered with the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers (OCSWSSW). Her passion lies in serving the community by mitigating the stigma behind religion and mental health. Fatima holds a Bachelor of Social Work and a Bachelor of Arts in Social Developmental Studies with a minor in Islamic Studies from the University of Waterloo and Renison University College. Fatima has worked with various populations, including people of different faiths, individuals with addictions, mental illnesses, developmental disabilities, crisis intervention, physical disabilities, neurological disabilities, newcomers, refugees, and the BIPOC community. When Fatima is not busy in the community, you will find her exploring different places to eat with her husband and son.
Yasmin is a University of Waterloo student pursuing a degree in Legal Studies and Sociology, with aspirations of attending law school. Her passion lies in community involvement and service. She believes in the transformative power of social initiatives within the Muslim community and is am committed to understanding the intersections of legal systems and societal structures. Her journey is fueled by a dedication to social justice, inclusivity, and making a positive impact in our community.