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​Mostafa Kamal (MSW, RSW)
President
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​Mostafa Kamal is an internationally educated social work professional whose nearly three decades of experience span international development and community social work. Before emigrating from Bangladesh to Canada in 2011, he held leadership roles with renowned organizations such as CARE International, Action on Disability and Development, Concern Worldwide, and ICOMP-Malaysia, where he cultivated deep expertise in community empowerment and inclusive social programming. Since arriving in Toronto, Mostafa has continued this journey of service as a registered social worker with the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers (OCSWSSW), contributing to diverse community agencies across the city.
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His academic path reflects a lifelong dedication to learning and cross-cultural practice. He holds a Master’s degree in Sociology from Bangladesh and completed the International Community Health program at the University of Oslo, Norway. In Canada, he further strengthened his professional foundation through a Certificate in Social Work Practice and a Bachelor of Social Work from Toronto Metropolitan University, followed by a Master of Social Work from the University of Waterloo. Mostafa brings to Raising the Hope not only his professional expertise but also a vision of bridge-building and compassionate leadership, making him an invaluable guide in advancing the organization’s mission.
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​Connect with him on LinkedIn to explore his professional journey @ linkedin.com/in/mostafakamal2
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Amirul Islam
Vice President
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Amirul Islam brings over a decade of dedicated service in social work and community development across the Greater Toronto Area. He began his academic journey in Bangladesh, earning a bachelor’s degree in social work from the University of Rajshahi and an M.Phil. in Anthropology from the National University, where his research examined the impacts of micro-credit on borrowers. After moving to Canada, he strengthened his expertise with a Post-Graduate Diploma in International Project Management from Humber College and a Certificate in Community Mental Health Case Management from George Brown College.
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His professional experience spans a wide range of government and non-government agencies, including seniors’ centers, newcomer and settlement services, adult day programs, shelter and housing initiatives, and services for individuals with developmental delays. Currently, Amirul works with senior clients, where his compassion and practical insight continue to make a
difference. Beyond his professional life, he is passionate about history, culture, and the natural world. He is actively involved in a community garden that supports a local kitchen, food bank, and homeless shelter, and he finds renewal through hiking, running, and long-distance trail activities. Amirul’s commitment to service, learning, and community well-being enriches his role on the board.
Jakaria Muhammad Moyen Uddin
General Secretary
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Jakaria Muhammad Moyen Uddin has built a distinguished career at the intersection of international development and Canadian social services, dedicating his expertise to supporting vulnerable populations and promoting community well-being. Since 2019, he has served in a permanent full-time role with LOFT Community Services in the Mental Health and Justice program, where he assists clients with court appointments, liaises with probation officers, and empowers individuals through life skills such as housing, budgeting, and daily living. Alongside this, he has contributed since 2013 in a permanent part-time capacity with Regeneration Community Services, a not-for-profit organization providing housing and support for adults living with mental health and addiction challenges.
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Jakaria’s Canadian academic background includes a Bachelor’s degree in Applied Science in Family and Community Social Services from the University of Guelph, a Social Service Worker Diploma from Humber College, and a Community Mental Health Case Management Certificate from George Brown College. Before immigrating to Canada, he developed strong international experience as a Training Officer with INTERCOOPERATION (IC), a Swiss non-profit organization, where he conducted training needs assessments, designed modules, and led forestry and development projects. He also contributed to Helen Keller International’s Gardening and Nutrition Education Surveillance Project, encouraging the production and consumption of Vitamin A–rich foods to address nutritional deficiencies and prevent blindness. Earlier in his academic life, Jakaria earned both a Bachelor’s and a Master’s in Plant Pathology from Bangladesh Agricultural University. His career reflects a lifelong commitment to empowerment, resilience, and holistic support for communities in need.
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Connect with him on LinkedIn to explore his professional journey @ linkedin.com/in/jakaria-uddin-9a638494
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​Moshfaqus Salehin
Joint Secretary​
Moshfaqus Salehin has devoted more than two decades to advancing social services, with a career that spans both international and Canadian contexts. He began his work in 1999 in Bangladesh, leading programs that supported sex workers, substance users, and LGBTQ communities through HIV/AIDS prevention, empowerment, and community mobilization. Until 2014, he played a central role in implementing projects that addressed public health and the needs of marginalized populations before immigrating to Canada in 2015.
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In Canada, Moshfaqus pursued formal training with a Social Service Worker Diploma from Humber College and has since built a dedicated career in frontline social services. Since 2016, he has been committed to tackling homelessness and is currently a full-time professional in the non-profit housing sector with Houselink & Mainstay Community Housing in Toronto. Complementing his practical experience, he holds a Master of Public Health degree from Bangladesh, equipping him with a strong foundation in community health and systemic interventions. His work reflects a lifelong dedication to equity, empowerment, and inclusive service, making him an invaluable contributor to the board’s mission.
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Saiful Aziz
Treasurer
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Saiful Aziz brings more than 17 years of experience in social services, blending strong financial management skills with a deep commitment to supporting individuals in crisis. He holds a Master’s degree in Finance from Bangladesh and a Social Service Worker Diploma from Humber College, Canada, complemented by numerous professional training certifications that enrich his practice.
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Saiful’s career began in Bangladesh, where he served as a Project Manager for a charity organization, working directly with disadvantaged communities. In this role, he managed funds, developed and implemented programs, and reorganized services to ensure that support remained responsive to client needs. After moving to Canada, he transitioned into frontline social service work, focusing on individuals facing mental health and addiction challenges. He has worked extensively in crisis intervention and counseling, and is currently part of the Gerstein Crisis Centre, contributing to the Mental Health and Justice Safe Bed program. His previous work with the Toronto Community Crisis Service further underscores his expertise in rapid response and client-centered care. Saiful’s unique combination of organizational strategy and hands-on service makes him a valued member of the board.
Sonia Afrin
Program Secretary
(From Oct 2025 – present)
Sonia Afrin is an internationally educated community and social services professional with over 20 years of experience leading development initiatives in Bangladesh and internationally. She worked with organizations such as UNICEF and CARE Bangladesh, managing programs, developing partnerships, and teams that create lasting social impact. Currently, she is coordinating the Transitional Housing Program at The Salvation Army and serves as a Resettlement Counselor at Polycultural Immigrant and Community Services in Toronto. She holds master’s degrees in Economics and Public Health, and a Women’s Leadership certificate from the Coady Institute, Canada. She is passionate about community development, collaboration, inclusion, and creating sustainable social change.
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Umme Hanna
Communication Secretary
(From Oct 2025 – Present)
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Umme Hanna is a seasoned Human Resources professional with over 12 years of progressive leadership experience across retail, manufacturing and global organizations. She has built a strong career driving strategic people initiatives that enhance organizational performance and foster inclusive workplace cultures. As a Senior Manager of HR, Administration and Compliance at Sailor by Epyllion Group, Umme played a pivotal role in aligning HR strategies with business goals and leading change management initiatives across corporate and retail operations. Previously, she served with multinational companies such as Avery Dennison and Bata Bangladesh, where she championed diversity, employee engagement, and leadership development programs. Her visionary leadership helped introduce gender diversity in retail sales and develop the first cohort of female store managers in Bangladesh’s shoe retail industry.
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She brings deep expertise in HR strategy, compliance, performance management, and organizational development. Beyond her corporate achievements, Umme is deeply committed to community and social services, volunteering with The Salvation Army, True Davidson Acres long term Care, and various local community initiatives in Toronto.
Umme holds a Postgraduate Diploma in Human Resources Management, a Diploma for Higher Education in Business Administration (HRM) from the University of Wales, and is currently pursuing a Level 7 Diploma in Strategic Management and Leadership from the UK. Her global perspective, ethical leadership, and passion for empowering people make her a valuable contributor to any board seeking to strengthen its people, culture, and governance focus.
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Mahbub Alam
Finance Secretary
(From - March 2022 to September 2025)
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Mahbub Alam is a Registered Social Worker with more than nine years of experience serving diverse communities in both Canada and abroad. He holds a Master’s degree in Social Work from the University of Dhaka, Bangladesh, and completed the Canadian Social Work Practice program at Toronto Metropolitan University (formerly Ryerson University). This strong academic foundation supports his ability to navigate complex social contexts and provide inclusive, client-centered care.
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Throughout his career, Mahbub has worked in shelter systems, community programs, and the financial sector, addressing pressing issues such as homelessness, poverty, domestic violence, mental health, addictions, and financial insecurity. Currently serving as a Case Worker with the City of Toronto, he applies a practice grounded in a client-centered approach, anti-oppressive framework, and a deep respect for each individual’s dignity and worth. His professional strengths include conducting clinical assessments, creating and implementing care plans, crisis intervention, counselling, de-escalation, and conflict resolution. Knowledgeable in community resources across the GTA and social work legislation such as the Mental Health Act, PHIPA, and ODSP, Mahbub combines practical skill with compassionate leadership. He remains committed to lifelong learning and professional growth, making him an invaluable contributor to the board and to the communities he serves.
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