Board Of Directors

​Hodan Ahmed is a distinguished Senior UN Fellow who advocates for the rights of people of African descent. Recognized by the United Nations in 2021 as one of the Global Top 100 under 40 Most Influential People of African Descent (MIPAD), Hodan brings over fifteen years of expertise to each role.


Her professional journey encompasses a strategic focus on gender and racial equity, community engagement, youth justice, and consultative leadership. With a proven track record, Hodan provides valuable advice to government entities and non-profit organizations, translating strategic vision into actionable initiatives that drive meaningful institutional change.


Beyond her advisory role, Hodan is a published author, contributing valuable insights to critical discussions such as the UN Decade for People of African Descent, the Pan-African Coalition Building, and the nuanced challenges surrounding policing and criminalization of vulnerable communities in Canada. Her work also delves into the intricate intersection of anti-Black racism and Islamophobia.


In a world demanding impactful advocacy, Hodan embodies a commitment to justice and equality that extends beyond accolades, resonating in the tangible transformations she facilitates.
 

Faduma Mohamed is an Executive Director of Labour Community Service, a project of Toronto and York Region Labour Council in partnership with the United Way of Greater Toronto. Faduma’s prior positions include serving as Executive Director of the Somali Youth Association of Toronto, a Settlement Coordinator with the Rexdale Women’s Centre, a Youth Settlement Worker with CultureLink and a Youth Outreach Worker with the African Youth Settlement and Development Project. She has also served on the DiverseCity Steering Committee, the Youth Challenge Fund Board and the Family Service Toronto Board. Faduma was a member of the Strong Neighbourhood Task Force of the United Way Toronto and the City Summit Alliance, the Mayor’s Roundtable for Children, Youth and Education, the Human Service Planning Coalition of York Region and the United Way of York Region’s LEAD Advisory Committee. Faduma was a member of the city Toronto’s “Confronting Anti-Black Racism” Partnership Accountable Circle. Faduma is a vice-chair and founding member of Positive Change Toronto Initiative, an organization that works to end youth violence by advocating, researching, educating, focusing on family, education, neighborhoods, criminal system and policing, employment, and mental health. In 2004, Faduma was a recipient of the Person’s Day Award from the City of Toronto which honours women who have made significant contributions to society, and advanced the standing of women in Toronto. Faduma holds a Master of Science Degree in Agriculture from the Justus Liepig University in Germany. Additionally, she holds a Management Certificate from York University’s Schulich School of Business and is a graduate of the Leaders for the Change program from the Maytree Foundation. She has also taken Anti-Racism training from the Toronto District School Board and Political Leadership training from the Canadian Centre for Political Leadership.

Fuad Abdi is a visionary leader with a distinguished career spanning the public sector and Fortune 500 companies. Renowned for his expertise in capital development and infrastructure, Fuad has overseen and executed large-scale, transformative projects that have reshaped sectors and driven substantial economic growth. His strategic acumen in investment planning and infrastructure development has consistently resulted in the successful completion of high-impact initiatives, positioning organizations for long-term success.

Under Fuad's leadership, organizations have exceeded their environmental, social and governance goals, embedding sustainability and equity at the core of their operations. His ability to steer complex projects from concept to completion, while navigating the challenges of global markets, has earned him a reputation as a dynamic and forward-thinking executive.

Beyond his corporate achievements, Fuad is a dedicated community leader. He lends his expertise in corporate governance, infrastructure and finance to numerous community-based organizations, driving initiatives that make a meaningful difference in the lives of those they serve.

​Habiba is a Somali-Canadian activist for social justice for all, on black issues and specifically youth violence in the Somali community. She advocates for systemic change within Canadian society in general and within the system in particular. Habiba holds double degrees from Somali National University,and  York University, as well as a Master's degree from Vanderbilt University in the USA. She is now retired after working 24 years as a registered social worker at Family Service Toronto. Habiba is one of the founding members of Positive Change Toronto Initiative since 2012; and still volunteering to end gun violence among the community. Habiba was the captain of the Somali women National basketball players for7 years and up until now sport is part of her leisure activities.

​Alasis is a dedicated and effective leader with over a decade of experience in program management, partnership development, and relationship building with diverse stakeholders. I am deeply committed to employing an anti-oppression framework in my work, excelling as a community builder and developing responsive programs and services tailored to the unique linguistic and cultural needs of ethno-racially diverse newcomer communities.

Throughout his career, he has successfully led a variety of mentorship, education, employment, and youth/adult programs. Alasis expertise includes creating outreach and community engagement strategies and advocating for the equitable social participation of racialized communities. He is passionate about the principles of Positive Youth Development and has held numerous roles within the social services sector, including Program Supervisor, Placement & Employment Specialist, Employment Counsellor, Program Worker, Crisis Intervention Worker, Group Home Team Leader, Housing/Shelter Support Worker, Project Coordinator, and School Settlement Worker.

Alasis holds a diploma in Social Service Work and is currently pursuing a Bachelor of Social Work at Toronto Metropolitan University. His commitment to continuous learning is evident in his eagerness to acquire new skills and theories that enhance his capacity to serve others effectively. With a focus on fostering inclusive environments and empowering marginalized communities, Alasis remains a vital force in the social services landscape.

​Mustafa Abdi is a seasoned community advocate with over a decade of experience dedicated to uplifting youth and families in Toronto's most vulnerable neighbourhoods. With a strong focus on skills and development training, he currently serves as a Program Coordinator at the Labour Education Centre, ensuring that participants receive comprehensive pre-apprenticeship education aligned with industry standards. Mustafa has a robust background in community development, youth engagement, and resident capacity building, having worked extensively in areas such as Jane and Finch, Rexdale, Weston-Mt. Dennis, and Lawrence Heights.

​Jabril Dini is a passionate, motivated and charismatic individual with an education and career development pathway focused on human rights, DEI(diversity, equity and inclusion) and social services. He has worked and volunteered in the not-for profit sector for 5+ years in multiple roles with a focus on youth programs, community violence reduction and employment services. 

​As a family-oriented individual deeply connected to my community, I understand the vital role that strong relationships and support systems play in educational success. My commitment to fostering these connections is integral to my approach as an educator. With extensive experience as an educator, I bring a perspective shaped by my identity as a Black Muslim woman, which informs my dedication to creating inclusive and equitable learning environments. I prioritize acknowledging and honouring the diverse identities of students, fostering open dialogue, and addressing barriers to learning across all subjects. My approach centers on supporting student well-being—academic, social, and emotional—as a foundation for their success. Actively involved in community initiatives and engaging with families, I strive to create a supportive network that enhances student achievement. Outside of my professional role, I enjoy reading and exploring the arts, which enriches my educational philosophy and approach. My blend of community engagement, family focus, and educational expertise equips me to contribute effectively to the board, driving initiatives that promote equity and support the holistic development of every student.