About Us

Samawada A Community Bridge Building Organization is a registered Canadian charitable organization founded in 2018, dedicated to advancing clean water access, sanitation, environmental sustainability, and community empowerment for underserved communities. The name “Samawada,” meaning “carrying something good,” reflects our mission to deliver dignity, resilience, opportunity, and lasting impact through community-driven and transparent humanitarian solutions.

Vision

We believe in a world where every community thrives with equitable access to clean water, health, and sustainable livelihoods, achieved through technological innovation, radical transparency, and community-driven action.

Mission

Our mission is to deliver sustainable water, sanitation, hygiene, and environmental solutions to vulnerable communities, leveraging data-driven innovation to ensure absolute transparency and measurable, long-term impact for our partners and donors.

From Displacement
To Purpose

Samawada was born from Ayan’s journey; a story shaped by displacement, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to serve. Like many around the world, she became one of millions displaced by war, where vital infrastructure was destroyed, and families were left struggling to survive. Ayan’s family was among those forced to flee, eventually finding refuge where they rebuilt their lives with hope and determination. In 2018, she founded Samawada with a clear mission: to empower communities, expand opportunity, and restore dignity through clean water, education, and sustainable development. The name Samawada means “carrying something good.” It reflects Ayan’s belief that even after hardship, hope can be carried forward and shared. Through collaboration, innovation, and community-led action, Samawada is transforming struggle into possibility; building a future where every person has the chance to thrive.

Donate Now

Samawada Core Values

Equity

Every community deserves equitable access to essential human rights, especially clean water, sanitation, and opportunities that support long-term well-being and resilience.

Dignity

We honour the inherent worth of every individual by respecting their rights, choices, culture, and ability to shape their own future with dignity.

Transparency

We are committed to transparent reporting, measurable impact, and accountability to our donors, partners, and the communities we serve.

Innovation

We embrace affordable, scalable, and technology-driven solutions that strengthen humanitarian impact, improve transparency, and create sustainable change.

Environmental
Responsibility

We are dedicated to protecting and restoring natural ecosystems through environmentally responsible solutions that support both people and the planet.

Community
Ownership

We believe lasting impact is achieved through community-led solutions that empower local leadership, strengthen ownership, and build sustainable futures.

Board Of Directors

Ayan Dualeh

President

Ayan brings leadership in human resources, technology, and community development. With her work in fibre optics and expertise in organizational leadership, she guides Samawada’s strategy, governance, and partnerships, ensuring donor support translates into measurable and sustainable community impact.

Alan Riddel

Vice President

Alan is a Labour and Employment Lawyer with years of experience in workplace rights, human rights law, and collective bargaining. At Samawada, he strengthens governance, compliance, and advocacy, helping expand the organization’s sustainable development initiatives.

David Flores

Treasurer

David brings financial oversight and accountability to Samawada as Treasurer. With a strong background in finance, compliance, risk management and auditing. He ensures transparency in budgeting and reporting, supporting the organization’s long-term sustainability and donor confidence through ensuring compliance with company policies and procedures, and local regulations.

Fatima Suleiman

Communications

Fatima is a third-year Law Student with a passion for media and advocacy. As Communications Lead, she manages Samawada’s messaging and outreach, ensuring the organization’s mission and impact are effectively shared with donors, partners, and communities.

Anisa Shafea

Secretary

Anisa has experience in policy development and government relations through her work in the Government of Canada. She supports Samawada’s partnerships and strategic planning, ensuring alignment with development priorities and donor expectations.

Iftikhar Shaikh Ahmad

Iftikhar brings more than 30 years of leadership experience in humanitarian and international development organizations. Most recently, she served as Global Chief Programs Officer at Human Concern International, where she provided strategic oversight for programs across Africa, the Middle East, South Asia, and North America.

Our Team

IT & Data

Saranya Murugan — Web Developer
Estelle Tientcheu — Web Developer
Harman Goraya — Web Developer
Emma Brice — Senior Data Analyst
Sandhiya Balu — CRM Specialist (Monday.com)
Adetoun Adediran — Data & Operations Specialist
Loic Yvan Silatcham — Cybersecurity Specialist
Sireesha Pulipati — Director of AI & Digital Systems Strategy

Digital Design

Claudia Reinoza — UX/UI Designer
Sheldon Chen — Graphic Designer

Marketing & Communications

Navroop Kaur — Growth and Performance Project Manager
Man In Du — Content Creator

Operations & Management

Hiralba Dodiya — Business Developer
Ada — Business Analyst (Community Reporting App)
Megan King — Event Manager
Sabina Ocharo — Student Intern

Health & Community Engagement

Mustaf Egal — Health, Hygiene and Fundraising Specialist
Dr. Vayshali Patel — Research Lead
Essohanam Karoue — MEAL Officer
Ananias Sentozi — Head of International Programs

Fundraising & Partnerships

Ashim Poudel — Program Development and Fundraising Manager
Ananias Sentozi — Head of International Programs, Fundraising and Partnerships
Mustaf Egal — Health, Hygiene and Fundraising Specialist

Legal

Mohammed El Mendri — Director, Legal Operations
Jennifer Desbiens — Legal Analyst