Co-Founders of CAN-MA

Dr. Zahra Abdallah and Rula Amer first connected in 2020 while teaching in higher education. Sharing a commitment to academic excellence, they continued to advance their respective paths in university lecturing, research, pedagogy, professional adult training, and leadership.

Through their shared journeys, they recognized a distinct gap: the need for a dedicated, equitable, and accessible space designed specifically for Muslim women navigating the complexities of Canadian higher education. What began as a series of collaborative discussions quickly evolved into a shared vision to build a resilient professional community.

Today, CAN-MA stands as the realization of that vision—a network established to empower scholars, educators, and leaders across Canadian universities and colleges to collaborate, thrive, and lead together.

Dr. Zahra Abdallah, Co-Founder of CAN-MA

I’m a transformation consultant and executive coach with a PhD in Organizational Leadership. I’m passionate about serving our Ummah through education and leadership development and excited to collaborate within the Canadian academic space. Looking forward to learning and building together!

Rula Amer, MEd, Co-Founder of CAN-MA

I am a lecturer at TMU with nine years of teaching experience across the Education program at Ontario Tech University, and the Creative Industries programs at Sheridan College and the Professional Learning Program at Durham College. I hold a Master of Education from Ontario Tech University. My forthcoming research explores the intersection of ethical AI in higher education, social justice for Muslim women, and progressive curriculum development. Deeply dedicated to my Muslim community, I am passionate about advancing education and creating lasting social impact. I look forward to working together with you to build a strong, educated, and empowered community!

Dr. Reem El Asaleh

Interim Chair Professor at the School of Graphic Communications Management at TMU.

Dr. Areej Alhamad

Assistant professor at TMU, Daphne Cockwell School of Nursing.

Dr. Besma Soltan

Researcher, Educator, Entrepreneur. PhD in Interdisciplinary Social Research (IDSR).

Dr. Nada Al Masri

PhD. in computer science. I worked at the University of Waterloo in the CS department, worked in an American University in Kuwait, and currently (since 2023) have been working as an associate Professor (teaching stream) at the University of Toronto, in the Faculty of Information, in the master’s of Information Systems Design program. I am really excited to be in this group!

Dr. Enas Altarawneh 

I’m an assistant prof at York University in computer science. 

Dr. Sarah Cherki El Idrissi  Badaw 

I am a teaching stream Assistant Professor at UofT Mississauga. My area of teaching and research is on Management Information Systems and Sustainability. 

Dr. Sanaa Ali

PhD candidate in Policy Studies at TMU. My work examines philanthropic foundations, comparing their racial justice commitments with their employment practices.

Dr. Nisreen Alameddine 

Im an educator and emergent researcher. My interest lies in CRRP, building teacher capacity and addressing the learning environment specifically for learners with exceptionalities. 

Dr. Fadwa Elashi

Lecturer at TMU. PhD in Developmental Psychology and passionate about scaling evidence-based support for optimal child learning and development. I founded Nectar Education, a non-profit that works directly with families and schools to meet that goal. Examined issues related to the development of critical thinking skills in children and how parents play a role in its development.

Nora Noureddine, MEd 

I have a background in Education Studies and Digital Technology, and I recently completed my Master of Education. I’ve worked in different teaching and academic support roles across universities and educational settings, with a strong interest in inclusive education, accessibility, educational technology, and instructional design.  Most recently, I was working as an Academic Assistant at Toronto Metropolitan University.

Yousra, Master’s in International Law

I recently completed my Master’s in International Law this past January. I currently work with the Canadian Muslim Public Affairs Council (CMPAC) as a Legal Researcher, focusing on legal and policy issues affecting our communities.

Dr. Ines Arous 

I am an assistant professor at York University in computer science. I specialize in natural language processing and I hold a PhD in computer science specialized in human-AI collaboration.

Lobna Ajaini, MPED

Master’s in Pedagogist, Early Childhood Education. Professor of Early Childhood Education at Humber College.

Dr. Maryam Mohiuddin

Assistant Professor of Business (Teaching Stream) at the University of Waterloo and the JEDI+A Advocate at the Waterloo Institute for Social Innovation and Resilience.

Dr. Abeer Badaw 

Postdoctoral in Safety AI & Health | Faculty Affiliate Researcher at Vector Institute PhD in Computer Engineering  Postdoc at York University, Faculty Affiliate Researcher at Vector Institute.

Dr. Imen Ben Jemia 

I am an Assistant Professor of Architecture and Urban Planning at Université de l’Ontario français. It is a new francophone university in Toronto. I previously lived in Montreal where I completed my Phd.

Nour Mousa, PhD Student 

I’m a PhD student at Toronto Metropolitan University studying Digital Enterprise Management, my research topic is quantum security.

Dr. Zeina Sleiman 

Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.), Political Science, International Relations. I’m a political scientist by training and I currently serve as the Director for the Colbourne Institute at NorQuest College (we’re primarily a research and consulting institute). I’m also a fiction writer and the author of “Where the Jasmine Blooms”. 

Dr. Sidra Farid 

I am the Founder and Director of Orchard Learning Academy — the first i-STEAM based elementary school in Milton. I was a Fulbright PhD scholar from Chicago, USA, in Electrical and Computer Engineering, and a member of Professional Engineers Ontario, I served as an Associate Professor of Electrical Engineering at UET Lahore, sessional faculty at McMaster University, and is currently working as a Research Program Manager at the University of Toronto’s Mechanical Engineering Department. 

Dr. Natasha 

I’m a clinical psychologist. I also do psychological diagnostic assessments including adhd assessments and marriage counseling, premarital counselling or relationship in general. 

Dr. Rasha Sabouny 

My name is Rasha Sabouny, I am a biochemist by training and currently work at Health Canada as a scientific evaluator. I worked in Academia for many years as a researcher and now moved to regulatory science. 

Dr. Heba Ragheb 

Registered Psychotherapist, Registered Social Worker, Research Investigator, PhD Student. 

Waffa Qurbani M.Ed, OCELT, CELTA· 1st 

EAP Professor, IELTS Speaking Specialist, Content Creator & Program Developer.