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Staff
Senior Leadership Team
Executive Director
Fauzia Mazhar
Phone: 226-499-2269 ext. 4001
Email: fauzia.mazhar@cmw-kw.org
Fauzia Mazhar
Fauzia Mazhar has more than 18 years of experience in the local social profit sector, much of it in leadership and management. She holds a Master of Social Work degree with specialization in community, policy, planning, and organizations (CPPO), and a post graduate Leadership and Management Certificate from Wilfrid Laurier University. Fauzia has also completed Community Leadership Training by Leadership Waterloo Region. Her work experience includes managing a neighbourhood-based community centre and a large-size service hub, as well as leading community collaborations and social change initiatives. Fauzia has worked at House of Friendship, The Working Centre, Kitchener Downtown Community Health Centre, and Family and Children’s Services of Waterloo Region. She has served as the President of Pakistan Canada Association, Council Member and Chair of the Belong Group for Immigration Partnership Waterloo Region, and as a member of the Board of Directors of Kitchener Waterloo Art Gallery.
In 2010, Fauzia joined hands with a handful of women in K-W to start the modest initiative to empower Muslim women to be leaders and change makers, able to address stereotypes and misconceptions about Muslim women through community outreach and bridge-building. The initiative grew to an organization, which is now known as Coalition of Muslim Women of Kitchener-Waterloo. Fauzia has provided consistent leadership to CMW since its inception, overseeing strategic planning, program/service planning, coordination, financial planning, funds development, volunteer recruitment, engagement, outreach, and alliance building.
Fauzia has a big-picture outlook and a growth-focused mindset. She is a community builder and an engaged citizen, passionately bringing people and groups together to build a welcoming, inclusive, and safe community. Fauzia is also an optimist who likes a good laugh.
Director, advocacy, research & outreach
Sarah Shafiq
Phone: 226-499-2269 ext. 4002
Email: sarah.shafiq@cmw-kw.org
Sarah Shafiq
Sarah started out with the CMW as a volunteer and member. Over time, she became the supervisor of Together Against Islamophobia and Youth Leaders 4 Change programs. Sarah is deeply engaged in the community as a member of the Interfaith Grand River and as a member of Waterloo Region’s Crime Prevention Council. Having received her Doctorate in Sociology from the University of Notre Dame, USA, she is currently teaching at Martin Luther University College, Wilfrid Laurier University, as adjunct faculty. Sarah grew up in Pakistan and considers herself to be a bridge between her childhood home and Canada.
DIRECTOR, Programming & services
Wisam Osman
Phone: 226-499-2269 ext. 4003
Email: wisam.osman@cmw-kw.org
Wisam Osman
Wisam came to Canada 12 years ago with a undergraduate degree in Computer Science and Statistics. Since her arrival, she has been engaged in the community in different ways. Wisam started a Moms & Toddlers interactive group with her friends that welcomed everyone. Over time, she became very active in the local Sudanese community, helping and organizing social events, ladies’ gatherings, and youth activities. In 2012, Wisam joined the CMW as a volunteer and shortly after became a member. She has served the CMW in many capacities, including more than four years as a board member. Wisam believes everyone can give back to the community because we allare gifted in a special way.
DIRECTOR, Development & training
Uzma Bhutto
Phone: 226-499-2269 ext. 4004
Email: uzma.bhutto@cmw-kw.org
Uzma Bhutto
Uzma has been fortunate to embark on experiences across the globe, working and travelling in the developed and developing world. These experiences have instilled in her the capacity to appreciate diversity and respect integrity, both required to support communities in today’s dynamic globally interconnected environment. She was the first among her MBBS cohort in Pakistan to obtain a Master of Public Health degree from the University of Waterloo. Through her enriching experiences she has gained valuable understanding of global health issues/problems, with a focus on female and mental health issues. While at University of Waterloo, she worked on an under-researched topic, Domestic Violence against South Asian Women in Ontario, by connecting theoretical concepts and job practice. She has also contributed several years work toward better mental health in diverse communities.
Uzma had been involved with CMW for more than 10 years. Currently, she is the coordinator of CMW’s Women Building Women program. At work and beyond, Uzma’s passion is to serve communities by making an impact on the ground, assisting all people, especially newcomers, to achieve their full potential. She has also received recognition for her work, such as The Leading Women/Leading Girls Building Communities Recognition Award that celebrates women and girls whose volunteer work has improved the lives of others in their community. Uzma has also received the Five-Year Service Award from CMW, and she is on her way to receiving her 10-Year Service Award for her commitment and time given to the non-profit. Uzma works closely with CMW’s executive director to coordinate and optimize opportunities for racialized Muslim women. Uzma really enjoys working with community members, partners, sponsors, donors, and CMW’s incredible volunteers.
Adminitrative Team
Office Coordinator
Rowba Mohamd
Phone: 226-499-2269 ext. 4005
Email: rowba.mohamd@cmw-kw.org
Rowba Mohamd
Rowba came to Canada 15 years ago and has been actively involved in the community in numerous ways. As a mom of two young kids, and someone familiar with both the Canadian and Syrian cultures, she became very active with the local community centre in 2015 after a wave of Syrian newcomers arrived in Canada. She volunteered time with refugee families, offering them help as needed to ease them into their settlement. Rowba helped with matters related to education/school, health, shopping, general translation and much more. In 2019, she graduated from TriOS College with a diploma in Honours Business Administration and subsequently from Conestoga College with a diploma in Office Administration. In 2021, she joined the CMW to give back to the community by leveraging her knowledge and experience.
Marketing and Communication Associate
Hina Gulzar
Phone: 226-243-7771ext. 4006
Email: hina.gulzar@cmw-kw.org
Hina Gulzar
Hina brings with her over ten years of invaluable experience in visual communication and UX design, she gained from her time in the Middle East and Europe. Her expertise in designing social media, mobile apps, and websites.
Hina’s passion through her volunteer work would deeply appreciate CMW’s commitment to empowering women, a passion that resonates strongly with our goals. Hina’s diverse background, including a degree in commerce, a diploma in digital media. Previously Hina gained volunteer experience while supporting startup entrepreneurs, working as UX designer for the Glocal Foundation here in Canada.
Programming Team
Coordinator, Anti-hate Services
Maryam Farooque
Phone: 226-499-2269 ext. 4008
Email: maryam.farooque@cmw-kw.org
Maryam Farooque
Maryam did her Master’s in International Women Studies and then worked as assistant lecturer at University of Karachi in Pakistan. She then worked as a community research coordinator at Shirkat Gah, a Karachi-based women’s resource centre, where she focused on women empowerment, domestic violence, and family law.
Maryam has also worked as a manager in the food and beverage industry for over five years. She now lives in Kitchener with her family and enjoys interior designing, photography, and spending time with family and friends.
Coordinator, Youth Leaders for Change
Alaa Allouh
Phone: 226-499-2269 ext. 4009
Email: alaa.allouh@cmw-kw.org
Alaa Allouh
Alaa Allouh, an MA holder in Religion, Culture, and Global Justice from Wilfrid Laurier University (WLU) . Alaa has been locally active in KW as a project coordinator at the Canadian-Arab Women Association (CAWA), a workshops facilitator for K-12 students in public schools through The Ripple Effect Education (TREE), a board member for the Multicultural Centre, and a teaching assistant at WLU. Before arriving in Canada, Alaa obtained a BA in Political Science from the Future University in Egypt and worked in the Egyptian and international non-profit sector with vulnerable communities.
Alaa, who joins as a coordinator, Youth Leaders For Change program is supporting the Muslim and Racialized women and youth in KW. Alaa engage and support youth to develop their leadership skills and unlock their potential. Alaa helps new generation of youth leaders will bring about a change towards a more equitable, diverse, and just community.
Coordinator, Women Building Women
Venus Al Zouhouri
Phone: 226-499-4389 ext.4011
Email: venus.alzouhouri@cmw-kw.org
Venus Al Zouhouri
Venus Alzouhouri’s journey towards community engagement and support began in 2012 when she found herself forced to act in the wake of the conflict in Syria. While seeking asylum in Lebanon, she embarked on a path of volunteerism, working with non-profit organizations such as Save the Children, Right to Play, and the United Nations. Her experience allowed her to witness the profound impact that teamwork and compassionate help can have on individuals and communities.
Since she arrived in Canada in 2017, Venus has been helping newcomers and individuals looking for support. During this short period of time, she has also finished an Arts degree, majoring in Art and Design, from University of Alberta.
Community Support Workers
Arabic-speaking community support worker
Bouran Abbas
Phone: 226-201-0361
Email: bouran.abbas@cmw-kw.org
Languages: English, Arabic
Bouran Abbas
Bouran Abbas
Arabic-speaking community support worker
Bouran Abbas moved to Canada in 2021 from Lebanon and quickly became involved in the Kitchener-Waterloo community. She helps those around her by using skills gained from years of social work experience, dealing with the vulnerable and refugees. Bouran has collaborated with various local groups to help Arabic-speakers overcome challenges they face in the community. She is directly involved in helping others understand and gain control of their situations, access practical support, and managing problem solving in a better way.
Bouran has a master’s in psychosocial support and dialogue, as well as a bachelor’s in social work and sociology from Lebanon. She has worked for the United Nations for more than 25 years, providing support in the field of mental health. In addition, Bouran was the chair of the Community Based Rehabilitation Centre for Disabilities program in Lebanon for more than 10 years.
Black/African Community Support Worker
Samya Mohamad
Phone: 226-978-6572
Email: samya.mohamad@cmw-kw.org
Languages: English, Somali, Arabic
Samya Mohamad
Black/African Community Support Worker
Samya is here to strengthen bonds within the Muslim community and advocate for justice and harmony. She has a strong background in business administration from Cairo University. Samya worked in Sudan and Saudi Arabia before moving to Canada, and she is currently working as a part-time teacher assistant at Tayba Elementary Islamic School.
Samya is also volunteering at the Kitchener Mosque, with the Sudanese community, at the Eid Carnival, and at A Better Tent City.
Farsi/Dari Community Support Worker
Tuba Sangar
Phone: 226-201-4736
Email: tuba.sangar@cmw-kw.org
Languages: English, Dari, Pashto, Farsi, Urdu
Tuba Sangar
Farsi/Dari Community Support Worker
Tuba has an undergraduate degree in Journalism from Afghanistan after which she worked as women’s cricket team manager with the Afghanistan Cricket Board. She has volunteered with the Afghan Women Journalist Union since 2015, working for Afghan women growth, empowerment, and development in journalism. Tuba also has a one-year diploma in Leadership and Advocacy and in 2016 she also promoted women’s athletics when she participated in the International Visitor Leadership Program, a U.S. Department of State premier professional exchange program.
Tuba moved to Canada in 2021 and joined CMW as a Community Support Worker in 2022.
Turkish Speaking Community Support Worker
Eda Ozturk
Phone: 226-201-4792
Email: eda.ozturk@cmw-kw.org
Language: English, Turkish
Eda Ozturk
Turkish Community Support Worker
Eda Ozturk is a motivated and passionate social worker, who has academic and work experience in both Turkey and Canada. She holds undergraduate and post-graduate degrees in Sociology. After moving to Canada, Eda changed her career path to social work with a dream of trying to promote social justice and provide everyone equal access to resources, especially to marginalized and vulnerable groups.
She has worked for several non-profit organizations, playing various important roles in supporting different events. As CMW’s Turkish Community Support Worker, Eda is looking forward to enhancing the lives of Turkish women in Waterloo Region. She looks forward to supporting racialized women and aims to listen to their concerns and needs. Eda also strives to connect them to local resources and initiatives that will help them improve their circumstances, and mental/physical health.
Housing Support Worker
Gyamfi Gabriette
Phone: 226-499-2269 ext. 4013
Email: gyamfi.gabriette@cmw-kw.org
Languages: English,Fante and Twi
Gyamfi Gabriette
Housing Support Worker
Gyamfi Gabriette graduated with a degree in social work and sociology from the University of Ghana (Legon), She is currently pursuing a Management Community Service program at Conestoga College to further her career in community development and social work. Her dedication to helping others led her to work at the West African AIDS Foundation in Ghana, where she facilitated access to resources for individuals with HIV/AIDS. She is motivated by her commitment to aiding racialized women, immigrants, and vulnerable populations. She joins CMW as the Community Support Worker, driven by her strong passion for assisting marginalized groups.
South Asian Community Support Worker
Sonia Saini
Phone: 226-899-6382
Email: sonia.saini@cmw-kw.org
Languages: English, Urdu, Hindi, Punjabi
Sonia Saini
South Asian Community Support Worker
Sonia is a internationally trained dentist with over a decade of clinical experience and is passionate about education and disease prevention. Her journey with CMW began with volunteer administrative work. She joined the TVFH program to support and raise awareness of violence against women.
As a Community Support Worker, Sonia aims to provide accessible, culturally appropriate support, empowering women facing violence, with a focus on marginalized communities. She is passionate about crisis intervention, emotional support, and advocacy for survivors of domestic violence.
Sonia is also a Community Health Ambassador at Flemingdon Health Centre, North York. She focuses on high-priority neighborhoods in Toronto, especially South Asian communities. Her work with newcomers and refugees has deepened her understanding of the barriers faced by marginalized groups.