Assalam u Allaikum wa Rehmatullahe wa Barakatuhu
Alhamdulillah, I am a Lean Continuous Improvement professional (Master Black Belt, P.Eng, M.Eng) with close to 30 years of senior leadership experience in (Canada) in the aerospace, space, and road/rail transportation sectors, spanning public, private, and provincial government organizations. Beyond my professional career, I find deep fulfillment in volunteeringโapplying my skills and learnings with organizations such as ISNA Canada, MNN, SEEDS, UOSSM, DEEN, Cricket Canada, and others.
35 years in Canada | 17+ years with ISNA Canada
M.Eng (Industrial), University of Toronto | 30 years in Continuous Improvement
Married for 32 years and father of 3 ISNA School graduates (20-30 years of age)
As a long-time community member and dedicated ISNA Canada volunteer, my journey has been one of service, growth, and accountability (& learning from mistakes). Over the past 17 years, Iโve contributed across all levels of ISNA โ from grassroots events to strategic governance โ always with a focus on impact, transparency, and improvement.
Key Leadership Contributions:
1. Held multiple Board roles over a 6 year period: Secretary, Treasurer, Chair, Acting Vice-Chair.
2. Stepped in during CEO vacancy to lead Finance & Facilities operations (approx 1.5 years).
3. Led bylaw reforms, introduced ISNA's first annual budget, and implemented monthly reviews and reforecasting every 6 months.
Community Engagement & Innovation:
1. Spearheaded Iโtikaaf programs, and helped raise $700Kโ$1M annually through in-person fundraising from community in final 2 odd nights of Ramadan.
2. Led COVID-19 response at Jami Mosque and ICC, including:
-Canadaโs first drive-through Iftaar at zero cost to ISNA.
-Organized and managed distribution of 100,000+ Iftaars over 4 years.
-Delivered 10,000+ meals to frontline workers in hard hot Covid months.
Strategic Vision:
1. Helped develop ISNAโs (arguably) first vision, mission, and core values with a strong youth focus.
2. Built strong ties with government officials (including the Premier) and mainstream media (e.g., Toronto Star, BlogTO, CBC).
3. Founded and sustained a WhatsApp network of 2,000+ community members (maybe the largest in 2019) which has grown over the last few years.
Fundraising Excellence:
1. During ISNA Canadaโs partnership with Islamic Relief Canada ran 16 campaigns, engaging 200+ donors, raising the 2nd highest total among all initiatives over 4 year period.
In a Time of Crisis:
1. Part of the leadership team that helped protect ISNAโs charitable status and navigate complex CRA audits and banking challenges.
Ultimate goal is to letโs continue building an ISNA that is transparent, accountable, and forward-looking. Iโm here to serve โ and to do it even better.
At ISNA Canada, success has never been about one person or a few individuals. What Iโand many othersโhave contributed over the past 17 years has simply been a continuation and improvement of the foundation laid by those before us (Since September 1982). Our pioneers deserve immense credit. Their dedication continues to inspire us, and collaboration remains our most valuable asset.
When the right people are on the busโand in the right seatsโeven the toughest challenges become opportunities. No official portfolio? No problem. Alhamdulillah, with the right mindset and teamwork, we move forward.
It was written in my destiny to find ISNA Canadaโdespite the long drive from my home in Toronto/Mississauga, I kept returning with my family and friends for one purpose: to serve the Almighty. If Iโve had any meaningful contribution, I pray Allah accepts it. And may He accept the efforts of every soul who has ever carried ISNA in their heartโpast, present, and future.
What Comes Next: The Road Ahead
As ISNA Canada moves forward, now debt-free, we continue to work on (among other things):
1. Strengthening our governance and internal systems with procedures and processes leading to sustained culture among three major stakeholders (Board, Staff, Members/Community)
2. Ensuring all three ISNA centers offer thriving, inclusive programs for all demographics, especially in religious education
3. Striving toward Imagine Canada standards as the benchmark of excellence
4. A risk management structure for all conceivable scenarios
We rise to the challenge, together, in sha Allah
Barak Allah u Feekum
