Board of Directors

  • Board Chair

    Tabassum Wyne is the founder and board chair of the Muslim Advisory Council of Canada, driven by an unwavering commitment to champion human rights and advance equity through effective policy implementation. Her exceptional effectiveness has been acknowledged in the House of Commons.

    With a proven track record of strategic leadership and adept stakeholder management, Tabassum has held advisory positions at prominent national institutions, including:

    -The Canadian Medical Association Journal (CMAJ), where she reports directly to the Editor-in-Chief, influencing crucial cross-country dialogues on issues such as the impact of Islamophobia and racism on health equity.

    -McMaster Children’s Hospital, providing direct reporting to the President on matters of anti-racism within the healthcare sector.

    Additionally, she was invited to serve on the One Child Every Child Advisory Council, established to advise and advocate for policies supporting the needs of children, youth, and families from equity-deserving communities.

    Through her steadfast dedication and extensive experience, Tabassum, alongside her team, is committed to advancing research, recognition, and resolutions for the health implications of racism and Islamophobia across Canada.

    In addition to her professional accomplishments, Tabassum has been recognized with several prestigious awards, including the Milton Chamber of Commerce Small Business of the Year Award and the Children's Healthcare Canada Organizational Leadership Award.

    On a personal note, Tabassum is also a proud participant on Food Network Canada’s Wall of Chefs (2020)

  • Sarah Jama is the co-founder of the Disability Justice Network of Ontario and holds a Social Sciences degree from McMaster University, as well as a Lead Organizer Certificate from the Centre for Labour Research and Education at the University of California, Berkeley. A powerful public speaker and educator, she has delivered keynote addresses and workshops for leading organizations including the Elementary Teachers Federation of Ontario (ETFO), CUPE Ontario, and the Broadbent Institute.

    From 2023 to 2025, Sarah served as the Member of Provincial Parliament for Hamilton Centre. In October 2023, she became the first Canadian politician to publicly call for an end to the occupation of Palestine following the escalation of violence in Gaza. Her principled and deeply human stand sparked national debate and highlighted the critical importance of speaking truth to power. Despite being removed from caucus and formally censured, Sarah remained resolute-continuing to advocate for dignity, justice, and the protection of free expression. Her courage in the face of political pressure has earned her widespread admiration and support from human rights defenders and civil liberties organizations across the country.

  • Dr. Ben Thomson is a renowned  public health expert, nephrologist and general internal medicine doctor, an award-winning educator, and global humanitarian physician.

    Dr. Thomson’s efforts have markedly improved healthcare in Indigenous communities in Ontario and globally in places including Uganda, and in Gaza through initiatives like the Keys of Health Fellowship and EmpowerGaza. Dr. Thomson envisions a world where resilient, compassionate healthcare is accessible to all communities globally.

  • Azim is a dynamic communications and public relations professional with over ten years of proven experience in engaging diverse audiences, developing effective strategic communications plans, and offering branding solutions for organisations. He currently works for a large agency of the government, leading community relations strategies for major infrastructure projects, working alongside elected officials of all levels of government, in addition to various community organisations and stakeholders. He is a graduate of the University of Toronto’s Political Science department and also holds a Corporate Communications Certificate from Humber College.

  • Aadil Nathani is a graduate of the University of Toronto (Hons. B.A.) and Windsor Law (J.D). Aadil works as an Associate Lawyer at a boutique law firm in Toronto.

    Aadil has experience as a community organizer within the Muslim community for the better part of a decade. He has been involved in civic engagement, advocacy and policy development on municipal and national levels.

    Aadil is passionate about education and is striving to open a path for the Muslim community, especially Muslim youth, to become innovative changemakers on anti-racism policy in Canada.