Our Team

Board of Directors

  • Abdullatif Al-Shaikh, President & Chair

    The Founder and President of the Canada-Arab Congress on Middle East and North Africa Relations, Abdullatif also serves as Director of Government Relations and Board Member at the Canada Arab Business Council. He is a Mechanical Engineer and Management Sciences graduate from the University of Waterloo.

  • Liam Bedard, Director of Public Relations & Communications

    Liam is a project manager with experience in healthcare, labour, technology, and international development.

  • Ana Krstanovic, Director of Government Relations, Advocacy, Trade & Investment

    Ana Krstanovic is an MPA Candidate at Columbia University SIPA, specializing in Economic and Political Development. She is originally from Peru and has completed her bachelor's degree at the University of Waterloo in Canada, country where she subsequently worked at Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's Caucus Office as well as the Government Whip's Office. Prior to her Master's she worked as Senior Consultant in Public Affairs at a global public relations firm in Canada. During SIPA, Ana has worked for the OECD Centre for Entrepreneurship, SMEs and Cities where she worked on policy analysis for the flagship report on Job Creating and Local Economic Development.

  • Dr. Mohamed Al-Anbaki, Vice Chair Operations

    The Dean of Academic Affairs at the Arabic Language Institute in Mississauga, Dr. Mohamed Al-Anbaki brings 20 years of experience in media and journalism as a TV host, broadcast journalist, program director, and producer.

  • Sarah Masri, Director of Finance

    Sarah El masri has a bachelor degreee in legal studies from Ontario Tech University. She is seasoned Project Manager and Coordinator with a strong foundation in the import-export industry. With a background in Canadian law and specialized expertise in Canadian immigration law, Sarah brings a unique legal and logistical perspective to every initiative she leads. Her cross-sector experience enables her to navigate complex regulatory frameworks while delivering results across international markets. Sarah is passionate about creating efficient systems and supporting teams in achieving impactful, forward-thinking outcomes.

  • Zainab Alsalihiy, Director of Human Resources, Services, and Programs & Board Secretary

    Zainab is proudly serving Canadians as a public servant, working for Elections Canada, administering elections since 2008. In addition to her expertise in the electoral field, Zainab has also taken on additional roles with international election monitoring missions with The Carter Center to Liberia, and Canadem in Kharkiv, Ukraine. She is passionate about many causes, including women’s empowerment, mental health, and community service.  

  • Abdalrahman Alasadi, Director of Youth Engagement & Outreach

    Abdalrahman Alasadi is committed to empowering Arab youth through academic, professional, and community-driven initiatives. With a background in civil and management engineering, he has led multiple ventures focused on business development, strategic growth, and advocacy. Aboud works closely with student organizations and community leaders to strengthen support networks and amplify youth representation

Youth Committee Team Members

  • Mohamed Fikry, VP of Strategy & Operations

    Mohamed is the VP of Strategy & Operations at the Arab Youth Network, where he leads strategic planning and team coordination to ensure the team's efforts align with the long-term vision. A graduate of Engineering and Management from McMaster University, Fikry brings a strong background in leadership, entrepreneurship, and designing successful initiatives, focusing on creating real opportunities for Arab youth to grow, connect, and lead.

  • Rami Chouaib, VP of Events

    Rami serves as the Events Vice President at the Arab Youth Network, where he is dedicated to uplifting and uniting the Arab community across Canada. With experience building Arab student communities across universities in the Greater Toronto Area, he has seen the powerful impact of connection, representation, and cultural pride. In his role, Rami focuses on creating meaningful events and initiatives that empower Arab youth and celebrate Arab Canadian voices. His work continues to shape a stronger, more connected future for the Arab Canadian identity.

  • Sarah Kora, VP of Marketing

    Sarah is driven by a passion for creating and empowering the Arab community through strategic communication, storytelling, and digital engagement. With a background in Psychology, Business, and Human Resource Management, she brings experience in digital marketing, research, and content strategy. Sarah has led initiatives that boost brand visibility, foster audience connection, and support data-informed growth.

  • Kareem Abdelqader, VP of Advisory

    Kareem is an Advisor with the Arab Youth Network, combining his business expertise with a deep commitment to cultural identity and youth empowerment. A graduate of the University of Toronto with a specialization in Digital Management, he currently oversees operations and sits on the board of his family business, which spans textile manufacturing, mining, and global logistics. Kareem is passionate about bridging cultures and helping Arab youth in Canada thrive by offering mentorship, strategic insight, and a strong belief in success rooted in heritage.

  • Mazen Afify, VP of Stakeholder Engagement

    Mazen is the Stakeholder Engagement Vice President at the Arab Youth Network, focused on building meaningful partnerships that empower Arab youth across Canada and the MENA region. A McMaster University graduate in Mechatronics Engineering and Management, Mazen brings a global perspective shaped by his journey from Egypt to California to Toronto. With a strong background in mentorship, student leadership, and cultural advocacy, he is passionate about bridging regions through innovation, education, and community-building.

  • Ali Kalkas, Stakeholder Engagement Associate

    Ali is a Law student at Carleton University specializing in Business Law, with a strong background in leadership, community organizing, and youth engagement. Of Lebanese and Iraqi heritage, and raised in Ottawa, he brings a hands-on approach to teamwork through his involvement in politics, athletics, and mentorship. His experience spans leading municipal campaigns, supervising polling stations, and volunteering at cultural events. Through his work with the Canadian Arab Congress of Middle Eastern Affairs, Ali is committed to building a strong, unified platform that supports and amplifies Arab youth voices across Canada.

Our Volunteers

  • Mahmood Alsharafi

    Mahmood Alsharafi holds a Bachelor's degree in Political Science from York University and a graduate certificate in International Business Management from Seneca. He brings experience from a Member of Parliament’s constituency office, where he supported community outreach, constituent services, and supported the MP. He also volunteered in multiple election campaigns, gaining hands-on experience in political engagement and public communication. Additionally, he is skilled in managing social media platforms and website content, with a focus on communication and stakeholder engagement.