|
Aleem Siddiqui M. Guiapal
Program Manager - Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Aleem Siddiqui M. Guiapal is a multi-awarded civil servant, cited in the Top 500 Most Influential Muslims, Most Inspiring People by the Manila Bulletin, and HRD Asia Awards Contributions to Society. He heads the Philippine Halal Industry Development Office of the Department of Trade and Industry. Recently launch a campaign for Halal Friendly Philippines aim to make the Philippines a premier halal-friendly hub in Asia Pacific. His works for more than 15 years aims to develop the Philippine Halal Ecosystem. He did a policy paper on US ASEAN Initiative in developing the Halal Industry in the Philippines at American University in Washington DC. He had spoken on similar subject in Southeast Asia, US, and the Middle East. He served the government in various capacities as Deputy Director General for Finance and Administration, Group Manager for Investment Promotions, Assistant Cabinet Secretary, and Executive Director. His civic work includes serving as Board of Director of the Fulbright- Hubert H Humphrey Alumni and Philippine Chapter President of the Global Islamic Chamber of Commerce and Trade. Aleem obtained his Masters in Development Management at the Asian Institute of Management (ADB), and his Fellowship in Economic Development at Michigan State University (Fulbright). He holds international certificates in Islamic finance and cross border trade, a degree in law and political science. |
|
Lanang Ali, Jr.
BTA Member / Deputy BTA Parliament Speaker Born and raised in Sultan Kudarat, Maguindanao, Ali followed the footstep of his father Atty. Lanang S. Ali, Sr. who was the Legal Counsel of Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF). He obtained his Bachelor of Arts Major in Political Science as well as his College of Law (LLB) degree at Lyceum of the Philippines University. He was the former Chief Legal Officer of the Bangsamoro Transition Commission (BTC) that drafted the then Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) now Bangsamoro Organic Law (BOL). In line with the GPH- MILF Peace Process, he is also the legal counsel of the MILF Peace Implementing Panel. |
|
Sheikh Hosam Helal
Sheikh and Educator - ISNA Canada Shaykh Hosam serves as an Imam and religious educator at ISNA Canada as well as an Associate Muslim Chaplain at Brock University. After completing his Islamic studies at Al-Azhar, Shaykh Hosam is currently pursuing graduate studies at the University of Toronto in Quranic exegesis. |
|
Paula-Jean Lyn
Director of Credit - Moya Financial Credit Union Paula-Jean Lyn is the Director of Credit at Moya Financial Credit Union. With over 30 years of experience in the financial industry, Paula-Jean oversees a diverse portfolio including commercial, residential, retail, and syndicated loans, both traditional and Sharia-compliant. Paula-Jean has assisted in developing and establishing one of the first Sharia-compliant mortgage and banking products in Canada, based on socially responsible concepts of justice and equity. Her introduction of these products to the credit union system has allowed them to serve a wider and more diverse customer base and to promote financial inclusion and empowerment. Over the past 15 years, she has supported the placement of over $300 million in Sharia-compliant mortgages creating a pathway to homeownership for several hundred Muslim individuals and families. She is passionate about innovation and dedicated to serving the underserved. |
|
Mohammed Jalaluddin
Vice Chairman - Ansar Financial Mohammed Jalaluddin has a Master of Science Degree from the University of Texas at Dallas and has over 15 years of Senior Management experience and over 20 years of experience in Islamic Finance. He has voluntarily served as a Board member of Islamic and Ansar Housing Cooperative Corporations for many years and currently is the Vice Chairman. Mohammed Jalaluddin is the founding member and currently the President of Ansar Financial Group based in Toronto that offers interest-free investments. He was the Vice Chair during the 3rd International Conference on Islamic Banking, Finance and Insurance (Takaful), held in Ottawa in 2007 and has also made presentations on Islamic Finance including to the Financial Services Commission of Ontario. Mohammed Jalaluddin has played a significant role in establishing the first Takaful (property insurance) in North America as a joint project with the Co-operators General Insurance Company of Canada in 2007. Currently, Mohammed Jalaluddin is actively involved in setting up a Public Company that will follow the principles of Islamic Finance. |
|
Fahad Siddiqui
Founder & CEO - Al-Mabrook As an ex-VP of Dubai Islamic Bank UAE, Fahad has dedicated twenty years to the Islamic banking sector and financial services software industry. He has gained extensive hands-on experience in Islamic financial products and software development. His deep understanding and proficiency in these fields enable him to seamlessly combine the best of both worlds into Mabrook. Fahad is an experienced leader in Islamic finance with expertise in marketing, product development, international operations, and education. He co-founded TAIF, a two-time Global Islamic Finance Award winner and AAOIFI-backed Islamic finance education and development platform. He led international expansion for Islamic banks in Africa, Sub-continent, and Far East Asia. He also led R&D for branch transformation at a multinational financial and retail technology services company in North America. |
|
Rehan Saeed
VP - Aya Financial Rehan Saeed has an MBA in Islamic Finance and Banking from the International Islamic University of Malaysia and a CPA from Boston, USA. Since 2006 he has been regularly conducting seminars and certification courses on Islamic Finance especially in the areas of debt & equity-based instruments. He is frequently invited as a speaker at various conferences and by business schools at York University and the University of Toronto. His area of interest lies in training and product structuring especially in the re-engineering of conventional financial products into Shariah-compliant counterparts. Currently, he works as a Liaison to develop Shariah compliant financial products for Canadian Corporations. He also acts as an advisor to Ontario Credit Unions developing Shariah-compliant financial instruments on both sides of the balance sheet. |
|
Musaab Maniar
Halal Regulatory Lead at ISNA Canada Halal Certification Services With a strong educational foundation in Biotechnology and Chemistry, Musaab serves as the Halal Regulatory Lead at ISNA Canada Halal Certification Services, where he has been an important member of the team for over six years. Musaab uses his expertise to guide the Halal certification processes, ensuring quality and compliance with both national and global Halal standards. In his role, he conducts rigorous audits, manages relationships with manufacturers, and guides his team to guarantee that all products meet stringent Halal requirements. His role helps ISNA Canada Halal Certification Service’s mission to ensure the trust and transparency in the Halal market, providing consumers access to authentically certified Halal products. |
|
Dr. Hamid Slimi
President of Centre for Halal Accreditation, Research & Training Dr. Hamid Slimi has been an influential educator and spiritual leader in North America for over 28 years, contributing significantly in Canada since 1997. He is the Chairman and Professor at the Canadian Centre for Deen Studies and the Founder and Resident Scholar of the Sayeda Khadija Centre in Mississauga, Ontario. Additionally, Dr. Slimi founded the Faith of Life Network and serves as the Chairman of the Muslim Council of Peel. Educated in Morocco, the U.S., and the U.K., Dr. Slimi earned his PhD in Islamic Law and master’s degrees in Islamic Studies and Comparative World Religions. He is recognized globally as a lecturer, author, and media producer, specializing in Islamic jurisprudence and interfaith relations. His work spans teaching both traditional Islamic sciences and a variety of professional skills. |
|
Onder Ozturk
Director and Business Development - Maple Leaf Foods Onder Ozturk is currently a Director, Business Development at Maple Leaf Foods. In this capacity, Mr. Ozturk has responsibility for leading Maple Leaf Foods’ retail selling efforts across a diverse portfolio which includes the development of both the Company’s Branded and Private Label businesses with Canada’s largest Retailer. Mr. Ozturk has over 20 years of progressive experience in the Canadian consumer packaged goods marketplace working with top tier companies. He has diverse cross-functional experience in Foodservice, Trade Marketing, Optimization and Sales. Mr. Ozturk’s background and career progression reflect his talent and passion for sales, demonstrated leadership skills, fostering strong people relationships coupled with his ability to continuously create shared value for all stakeholders alike. |
|
Sheikh Omar Subedar
COO - Halal Monitoring Authority (HMA CANADA) Mohammed Omar Subedar was born and raised in the Greater Toronto Area, Canada. In 1990, he enrolled in the Institute of Islamic Education located in Dewsbury, W. Yorkshire, United Kingdom. There, he became a ḥāfiẓ of the Qurʾān in 1993. In 2001, he graduated from a seven-year dars-i niẓāmī program offered by the same institute. He was thus conferred the title of Scholar of Islamic Sciences and Arabic Literature. |
|
David Smith
Partnerships Account Manager, Manufacturing - Workplace Safety & Prevention Services (WSPS) David Smith is a Certified registered safety professional, involved in Occupational Health and Safety for over 20 years working with employers and workers to improve safety in workplaces across the province. |
|
Deepa Sarao
Consulting Services Manager - Workplace Safety & Prevention Services (WSPS) Deepa Sarao is a Certified registered safety professional and consultant with over 20 years of experience in manufacturing, specific to the steel, automotive, pharmaceutical and food and beverage sectors. |
|
Suman Ali Sayed
Chef, Entrepreneur, Educator Hailing from the Arabian Gulf Island of the Kingdom of Bahrain, Suman’s passion for excelling in culinary, learning other cultures & work ethos has her frequently traveled to Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Jordan, Chile, and across Canada. Chef Suman is a Bahraini-Canadian culinary virtuoso whose remarkable journey is marked by a rich tapestry of International and Canadian culinary experiences. She has an impressive portfolio boasting collaborations with major global luxury brands, hotels, resorts, and esteemed restaurant chains like Fairmont, Hyatt, Hilton, Hawksworth, Iconink, and C-Suite Corporate Food Tech. Her work has been featured in “From the Wild”, a James Beard-nominated docuseries where Suman cooks deer meat kebabs on spruce sticks over a firepit. This gave her widespread attention – from farmers in Alberta and Ontario which led to many collaboration projects. During the pandemic, she hosted her very first pop-up in collaboration with Wild Meadows Farm, a family farm in Southern Ontario with a focus on regenerative farming. The pandemic also allowed her to spend two plus years for scaling Reef Kitchens a Cloud kitchen concept for brands like Mr. Beast, Man vs Fries, Wendys, etc in Toronto, and later as Director of QAFS for Canada. She proudly internally won many awards in the company as well as represented the only woman in C suite executive level leadership. A trailblazer in the industry, Chef Suman is not only a master of her craft but also a fervent advocate for gender diversity and empowerment. She fervently champions the inclusion of more women in leadership roles within the culinary, hospitality, and tourism realms. Chef Suman’s passion is evident in every dish she creates, bringing a blend of authenticity, innovation, and compassion to every project she undertakes. She is on a mission to educate and share what Middle Eastern culture and food heritage is about, and how food transcends geography and cultural boundaries to bring people together. With her unwavering commitment to excellence, she continues to redefine culinary boundaries, leaving an indelible mark on the world of gastronomy and beyond. |
|
Yasmine Youssef
Executive Director of Nisa Foundation Yasmine Youssef is the Executive Director of Nisa Foundation, a Canadian charity for and by marginalized and racialized women. Nisa Foundation currently runs shelters called Nisa Homes, a free & confidential Helpline called Nisa Helpline, and a prevention and education program called Nisa Learning. She has a decade of experience in the social services field, including working in mental health and union advocacy. She joined Nisa Homes during its infancy in 2015 and has since helped grow and establish homes in 10 cities across Canada. She is also the mother of two boys, and when she isn't busy running after them or Nisa Foundation, she tries to paint to maintain her sanity. |
|
Rida Dar
Digital Marketing Industry Expert | Educator | Entrepreneur Rida Dar is an influential Digital Marketing Manager and (Edu)preneur with over 8 years of experience in brand building and revenue growth through Digital Media Planning & Buying. As the founder of Girlsonaroll and ProInfluencer, she specializes in Social Media & Influencer Marketing, empowering entrepreneurs and media voices alike. In addition to her entrepreneurial ventures, Rida is a Professor and Researcher in the Advertising and Marketing Communications Program at Sheridan College, bringing her wealth of practical experience and industry insights to the next generation of marketers. |
|
Fareed Sheik
CPA, CA, LPA - Managing Partner at Fareed Sheik LLP Fareed Sheik is a Chartered Accountant in practice for the past 20 years in Canada. he heads the accounting Firm Fareed Sheik LLP as Managing Partner. He is a Chartered Accountant from Canada, USA and India. He is also a certified Fraud examiner. He spiralizes in tax and accounting advices for small and medium business across all industry. He regular speaker in events and workshops about tax, accounting and finance. He is involved with many islamic charities as auditor, board member, volunteer, accountant. |
|
Usman Yousaf
Creative Director - Creative Officials Media Inc Usman Yousaf is a seasoned professional with a wealth of experience in digital marketing and video production. Over the past seven years, he has honed his skills by producing high-quality content for numerous businesses, always with a keen focus on the marketing aspect and return on investment (ROI). Through collaborations with various marketing companies, Usman has gained valuable insights into how brands craft compelling narratives online to engage their audience effectively. His expertise extends to understanding the customer journey, including how potential customers conduct research on social media platforms and search engines like Google. With his wealth of experience and practical insights, Usman is well-equipped to provide actionable advice and guidance to businesses looking to succeed in the digital landscape. |
|
Mohamed Saleh
Owner & Operator - Masrawy Kitchens Mohamed Salah Saleh is the owner and operator of Masrawy Egyptian Kitchen in Mississauga. Before opening his restaurant, Saleh catered for the Egyptian Students’ Association at Ryerson University, cooking from his home since 2014. Masrawy offers authentic Egyptian dishes like macarona bechamel, stuffed grape leaves, and desserts such as Om Ali. The restaurant emphasizes dishes that resonate with the Egyptian community's home cooking, including specialties like koshary and fuul. Saleh is dedicated to bringing authentic Egyptian dining experiences to his patrons and actively participates in community support activities. |
