Our team
Founder and President
Ayan Dualeh
Ayan obtained a Master of Management with a specialization in Human Resources Management and is deeply committed to giving back to her community and making a positive impact globally. One of Ayan’s most cherished achievements is founding the Harmony Iftar Dinner, a beloved initiative that brings people together in celebration and solidarity. In addition to this, she has launched several other impactful projects aimed at empowering individuals and fostering meaningful connections. Through Gateways to Success, Ayan provides mentorship to youth in Ottawa, helping them navigate the path from dreams to reality. Ayan is also the founder of the Women’s Power Lunch, a space dedicated to empowering women from diverse backgrounds. This initiative fosters mutual support and inspiration, creating a network of women who uplift one another in their personal and professional journeys. Currently, Ayan serves as the Chief Executive Officer of Digital Connections Inc., a leading fiber technology company, where she continues to drive innovation and excellence.
Vise President
Alan Riddel
Alan Riddell is a partner at Soloway Wright LLP, in Ottawa, who was educated at the University of Toronto, l’Université Laval and l’Institut d’études politiques de Paris. He has advised, published, lectured and litigated extensively in the fields of employment law, administrative law and human rights, in both official languages. His published work has been cited by the Supreme Court of Canada. He has appeared as counsel before that Court, and before many administrative tribunals, as well as before the Ontario Superior Court, the Ontario Court of Appeal, the Federal Court of Appeal. He is also an avid cross-country skier, canoeist and outdoor enthusiast.
Treasurer
Blandine Stringer
Blandine Stringer was born in Paris, France and moved to Ottawa, Canada in 1988, the hometown of her husband Daniel. She held manager’s positions in several organizations, among them the Association of Canadian Medical Colleges and CUSO, an NGO focusing on international development. She joined the Federal Government in 2009 and worked at Health Canada and the Public Health Agency of Canada as human resources specialist. She is or has been on the board of several organizations, the Capital Region Interfaith Council and the Women’s Federation for World among others. Blandine and her husband have two adult sons, one living in Ottawa and the other in Vancouver.
Communication
Fatima Suleiman
Fatima is a law student with a diverse background in private, public, and non-profit sectors. With a deep passion for international development and a commitment to social justice, she is dedicated to using the law as a tool for positive change. Fatima’s experience spans various fields, including legal research, policy analysis, and community advocacy. She has worked with organizations that address global issues, such as human rights, poverty alleviation, and sustainable development, gaining a broad understanding of how legal frameworks intersect with international development goals. Fatima is dedicated to continuing her work at the intersection of law and international development, where she hopes to contribute to meaningful change and address global challenges through legal solutions.
Secretary
Anisa Shafea
Anisa has dedicated many years to public service, beginning her career with Natural Resources Canada and later joining Environment and Climate Change Canada where she currently is a Regulatory Business Coordinator. Her outstanding contributions to the Recruitment of Policy Leaders Program earned her the prestigious Public Service Award of Excellence. With a deep passion for making a difference in the lives of others, she is thrilled to serve as a Board member for Samawada, where she can give back to her home country of Somalia.