English language skills are critical to the integration of Arab women into Canadian society and the broader community. CAWA offers educational programs that encourage the improvement of spoken and written English.
Weekly sessions hosted by volunteers Najat Nabhani Helen Basson, intended to encourage the development of spoken English skills through casual discussion.
Sarah came to Canada eleven years ago with a bachelor’s degree in computer science and education. Since her arrival, Sarah has been engaged in the community in different ways. She started volunteering in the community centre in her neighbourhood, and in her kids’ school. Sarah worked in AlHuda Saturday school and MAC Maple Grove School as an Arabic and Islamic study teacher. Then she had a change in career and obtained a Diploma in Dental Assistance. Even though it’s a challenge, Sarah is balancing working in a Dental office, being a mom and continuing to volunteer and being involved in the community. Sarah is a coffee lover that enjoys outdoor activities with her family like camping, hiking, and BBQ.
Yolande is a Master of Public Administration (MPA) graduate with a wealth of experience working at the Trade Commissioner Service in the Government of Canada in the Middle East. Throughout her career, she has demonstrated a remarkable ability to collaborate with multiple government arms, liaise with public agencies, and manage projects.
Yolande is deeply proud of her Arab heritage and fluent in the native language. Her commitment to empowering women and ensuring non-profit organizations operate with the highest ethical standards is unwavering, all for the betterment of the community.
As CAWA’s Projects Director, Yolande oversees and implements projects that make a positive impact on society. Her expertise and dedication to her work are invaluable to the CAWA team.
Wardah Al-Nunu has received a Diploma in Information Systems from the University of (Gloscat) Gloucestershire College of Art & Technology. She has completed her studies in Marketing and Business in addition to having received a degree in Public Relations & Customer Service.
At CAWA, Wardah is a Community Outreach Worker. She supports and empowers Canadian Arab Women by introducing them to resources and supports that make a difference.
Outside of work, Wardah enjoys discovering travel and discovering new places to explore.
Dina Eldeeb has a BA in Faculty of Information from the University of Cairo (2007) and has a Community Services Worker Diploma from triOS College. From the American University of Cairo, she has obtained a training certificate (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Internet). Additionally, Dina has a General Art and Science Certificate from Conestoga College as well as a Diploma of the Academy of Specialized Studies in Mechanical Technology. Other certificates include “Trusting Loving Connections”, Trauma & Violence Informed Care, and Psychology of Older Adults.
As a motivated individual helping people in need, including victims of domestic violence and the elderly, Dina has experience working with diverse cultures and sensitive situations. She assists victims of domestic violence and the elderly. From intervention and de-escalation skills to knowledge of treatment procedures for mental disorders and addictions, Dina is a valuable resource to those facing difficult situations.
At CAWA, Dina is a Community Service Worker.
Rimah Al Ramahi has taken several courses in the fields of Science and Social Work. After obtaining a two year diploma in Science in Montreal, Quebec, she discovered her passion for helping people and decided to continue her studies by taking up Social Work locally at Wilfrid Laurier University.
In the Waterloo Region, Rimah has worked as a settlement worker and facilitator in the Social Work field. She has worked with Immigration and several different organizations. She has worked and is still working as an Interpreter and translator.
At CAWA, Rimah works as an Outreach Worker.
Iman Elhaydarı graduated from the Teachers Institute in Urfa, Turkey, and has a certificate in teaching languages. She has an Arabic Language Certificate from the Aleppo Private Institute in Syria. Additionally, Iman has completed a number of courses for newcomers settling in a new country and for working with people who are dealing with trauma.
In Turkey, Iman worked in multiple agencies to assist newcomers and has worked as an interpreter in Arabic and Turkish. Additionally, Iman was a teacher at the Language School for Adult Education. Her volunteer work with the Syrian Turkish Red Cross led to several awards and honors. Subsequently, in Canada, she worked at the Voluntary Center in Guelph Immigration services as well as in Chalmers. Currently, Iman is working in a public school as an assistant teacher.
As an Outreach Worker for CAWA in Guelph, Iman enjoys the opportunity to help the community grow and to work with others in this endeavor.
Suzan graduated from the University of Aleppo’s Faculty of Law with a dream to advocate for vulnerable people in society and work towards social justice and equity among community members. She has completed the Social Service Worker diploma from Waterloo’s own Conestoga College. Suzan is registered with the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Services Workers.
At CAWA, Suzan is a Social Service Worker. Through her work with CAWA, Suzan empowers women and supports their wellbeing during difficulties and in crisis situations. She provides women with a safe environment to share their struggles, pain, emotions, and challenges, while encouraging them to achieve their goals and improve their lives. Suzan is committed, like the rest of CAWA’s team, to enhancing the lives of Arab women in Waterloo Region and Guelph.
Kim graduated from the University of Waterloo with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Speech Communications. Additionally, Kim has obtained her Career and Work Counsellor diploma at George Brown College.
In Waterloo Region and surrounding areas, Kim has provided one-on-one coaching, group facilitation, and management within the Employment Service Sector. As a part-time faculty member at Conestoga College, Kim teaches in the Career Development Professional Program. Kim empowers individuals by teaching skills and providing tools as well as assisting in employer-employee matches.
As an Employment Specialist at CAWA, Kim Moore supports participants of the WorkPro program as well as other employer engagement initiatives.
Nahla Abdelbary has a master’s degree in veterinary medicine and is a happy mother. As a dedicated volunteer, she has served communities around the world including Japan, Kuwait, and Canada. Whether she is organizing various initiatives and projects for youth and different age groups, or assisting newcomers in improving their English language proficiency through a tutorial program; she makes a difference. In 2022, she received the Guelph & District Multicultural Award as an appreciation for her contributions.
At CAWA, Nahla is a Project Coordinator.
Alaa Allouh graduated from Future University in Egypt with a Bachelor’s degree in “Political Science” (2016) and from Wilfrid Laurier University (WLU) with a Master’s degree in “Religion, Culture, and Global Justice” (2022). Professionally, Alaa collaborates with refugees and migrant communities in building peaceful bridges with their host community in Egypt or Canada.
Since Alaa’s arrival in Canada in late 2021, she has been active in the Canadian academic and non-for-profits field. Alaa is a research intern at Project Ploughshares, a teaching assistant at WLU, and a volunteer peace facilitator for elementary school students at The Ripple Effect Education. Peace-building and cultural heritage keeps this Syrian Academic busy.
At CAWA, she is a Project Coordinator.
Samim Al-Qadh, MD, MEd is a practicing consultant paediatrician in London, where he specialized in paediatrics at the University of Western Ontario. Dr. Al-Qadhi received his Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership and Policy and his subspecialty in Pediatric Trauma and Transport Medicine from the University of Toronto. As the co-founder and executive director of the Canadian Civic Cultural Club, he is passionate about identifying ways to increase civic integration in targeted populations. In recognition of his service, Dr. Al-Qadhi was awarded the Canada 150 Medal by the Canadian Parliament in 2017.
Currently and for the past six years, Entesar Yassin, MBET, has served as the Director of Finance and Administration at the International Medical Corps in Yemen, Central Africa, Chad, Libya, Tunisia, and Ukraine. Entesar has over ten years of experience in accounting, business strategy, finance, operations and management in corporate banking, and is passionate about work in the humanitarian aid and social development sectors. Enteser holds a Master’s Degree in Business, Entrepreneurship, and Technology (MBET) from the University of Waterloo.
Tova Davidson is the Executive Director of Sustainable Waterloo Region, and works to develop strategic direction, support team members, and build key relationships throughout the area. She uses her extensive experience in public relations and communications to creatively approach sustainability opportunities. Paired with her background in business, she is primed to collaborate with top Waterloo Region organizations to drive local and provincial change. In recognition of her efforts, Tova has been selected by The Guelph Mercury for Top 40 Under 40 and has received the Mayor’s Award of Excellence.
CAWA took action to combat newcomer isolation during the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic by facilitating Together, Stronger. The initiative aimed to maintain and foster a sense of community among Arab women and continue to offer services disrupted by the pandemic. This program was especially important for newcomer and refugee participants and intended to prevent the exacerbation of any feelings of isolation and improve mental health and well-being.
This program was generously funded by the Kitchener Waterloo Community Foundation COVID-19 BIPOC Sustainability and Recovery Fund and sponsored by Volunteer Action Centre.
Maya Kanana graduated from the American University of Beirut with a BA in Nursing before pursuing her Teaching Diploma for Science Education from the same institution. Later, she obtained her Montessori Diploma from the Canadian Montessori Teacher Education Institute, which she put to use as a Montessori Toddler Directress.
Prior to arriving in Canada, Maya was an I-books publisher in Lebanon and later an elementary school science teacher in the United Arab Emirates. Here, she has demonstrated her passion for entertainment as a radio presenter and broadcaster.
At CAWA as a Social Media Content Creator, Maya creates content for our profiles on different social media platforms to increase reach and awareness in the community. She manages our presence on TikTok, where she makes short videos highlighting our work as an organization, and often interviews various community figures through livestreams on our Facebook page. Maya also has a strong presence in our private Facebook and WhatsApp groups, where she facilitates conversation regarding areas of concern for our membership.
In her free time, Maya enjoys spending time with her family and making funny, relatable Arabic content for her own TikTok account.
Zeena Kailani is currently pursuing her Honours BSc at Waterloo’s own Wilfrid Laurier University, where she is majoring in Health Sciences as a pre-medical student. Zeena serves as an executive in multiple student-led initiatives, where she facilitates programming for fellow pre-medical students and manages social media presence for the school’s Arab Students’ Association.
Since she was a child, Zeena has always had an affinity for writing and began honing her skills editing her peer’s school essays and assignments. She was later an intern at Seven Circles Consulting Firm in her native Jordan, where she worked as an editor on three books, all of which involved showcasing the achievements of local Arab women in Jordan and Lebanon. At only 15 years old, Zeena began copy editing content for organizations and their subsidiaries, as well as managing their social media platforms.
At CAWA, Zeena handles communications and digital media. She manages our social media presence on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn, and creates marketing materials for our profiles. She copy edits and writes content for social media, our website, newsletters, and more. Zeena also acts as a communications strategist, coming up with ways to convey CAWA’s work and message effectively to the community.
When she isn’t writing, posting, or studying in Waterloo, Zeena enjoys spending time with her two cats (and the rest of her family).
Mary Saleh graduated from Wilfrid Laurier University with a Master’s in English and Film Studies. Prior to forming roots in Waterloo Region, Mary lived in her native Syria, where she was a professional soccer player on the national soccer team until war broke out in 2011.
As an Outreach Worker, Mary facilitates a number of programs such as WorkPro, and keeps CAWA’s community engaged in our programs and informed about resources in the community.
Hala Alzain graduated from the University of Damascus with a Bachelor’s Degree in Civil Engineering, and later obtained her Diploma from Conestoga College in Sustainable Business Management. She later completed Occupation-specific Language Training in Entrepreneurship and Sales & Marketing in Niagara College.
In Syria, Hala was an engineer and Office Suite trainer at Damascus’s Ministry of Tourism. In the Waterloo Region, she volunteered with COMPASS Refugee Centre and the ELM Youth Foundation.
At CAWA, Hala works with a team of Outreach Workers to facilitate a number of our programs and extend our reach in our communities.
Oula Almadhoun obtained her BA in Business Management Systems from The Open University in England, and later completed her Master’s in Distance Education with a specialization in Instructional Design from Athabasca University. In recognition of her academic excellence, she was awarded a Graduate Scholarship from her alma mater.
Oula’s expertise stems from managing and developing educational programs for numerous institutions and non-profit organizations, as well as assisting newcomers with the English language. At CAWA, Oula oversees the organization’s day-to-day activities and manages grants applications for funding opportunities. She’s in charge of interviewing, hiring, and training students, as well as individual volunteers, with diverse backgrounds looking to gain real work experience to enhance their skills or complete work placements.
Outside of work, you’ll find Oula outdoors or on road trips. Some of her favourite locations to visit are the beautiful mountains of Jasper or Banff in Alberta.
Asma’a Alwahsh moved to Canada from Jordan in 2012, bringing extensive experience in volunteer management, activism, program planning, and community development focused on refugees, newcomers, and women. After graduating with a degree in English Literature and German from the University of Jordan, Asma’a obtained a postgraduate certificate in Volunteer Management and Senior Leadership in Nonprofit Organizations. Currently, she is working towards her Master’s Degree in Interdisciplinary Studies, focusing on Community Studies.
Asma’a recognized the disconnect between Arab women in the Waterloo Region early in her move to Canada and began fostering a community of Arab women in 2016. In 2018, she founded what is now known as the Canadian Arab Women’s Association
In recognition of her community-driven work and passion for helping vulnerable groups, Asma’a was awarded the Canada 150 Medal by the Canadian Parliament in 2017 and the Women’s Leadership Award by MP Tim Louis in 2020.