Launch Event 2024

Personal Branding versus Corporate Branding was the theme of our first event  held on Feb 10, 2024. 

Moderators: 

Rida Dar (Moderator: Personal Branding)
Rida Dar Founder of Girlsonaroll & ProInfluencer, Digital Marketing Expert, Entrepreneur, Educator & Researcher at Sheridan College, ILAC & Greystone College, and Influencer Marketing Consultant.

*Recognized as Business Women in Tech 2023

Salman Abedin (Moderator: Professional Branding)

A veteran of over 20 years of inter-disciplinary creative thinking and strategizing in marketing, advertising, teaching, and mentoring, interested in design thinking, innovation strategy, and digital project development. Specialties: Design thinking, idea generation, managing the creative and development process, creating and leading teams, innovation strategy, and digital strategy. Currently faculty of Conestoga College & Toronto School of Management

Panelists: 

Suman Ali
Suman Sayed Ali, a distinguished Celebrity Chef, Entrepreneur, Media Personality, and Educator.

Chef Suman Ali advocates for the Middle Eastern / also halal food concept in North America, as well as Women in Leadership in the Culinary, Hospitality & Tourism sectors. Representation matters, chef Suman aims to inspire other newcomers and other women to enter the workforce.

(1) Suman Ali Sayed | LinkedIn 

Sami Abboud

Sami Abboud, is an International business and brand consultant with over two decades of experience in different industries. In 2023, Sami ventured into the digital realm as a consultant for the largest Muslim streaming service, leading the launch of a 3D cartoon and game set for 2024. A significant highlight of 2023 was Sami's authorship of "Future of Halal," a comprehensive book on the Halal industry's future trends and opportunities. This publication showcases his expertise and positions him as a thought leader in the Halal business sector.

(1) Sami Abboud | LinkedIn 

Rumina Rizvi

Rumina is a blogger, content creator and social media expert based in Canada. She has a degree in marketing and after moving to Canada started blogging about the local Halal food scene. Since then her following has grown and now apart from creating content, she also works with various brands in Canada and also provides social media strategy and consultation for Canadian businesses. Hers is an incredible story of using your skill and talent to chart a unique career for yourself.

𝙍𝙪𝙢𝙞𝙣𝙖 𝙍𝙞𝙯𝙫𝙞 (@foodiliciousmuslimmom) • Instagram photos and videos 

Arsy (Arsalan Shirazi)

Arsy Tv is a Stand-up Comedian and Political Commentator from Toronto. His signature TikTok rants seamlessly blend comedy and commentary on current events which have helped him gain over 50k+ followers and 5 milion+ views on his @arsytv social channels, as well as features in several media publications including Narcity, 6ixbuzz, and the Toronto Star.

Arsy (Arsalan Shirazi) (@arsytv) • Instagram photos and videos 

Desi Farmer (Aurangzeb Mubashar)

Corporate Employee turned Civil Servant turned full-time Farmer focusing on breeding, rearing, and sale of livestock. Passionate about horses and their training & rehabilitation. Team Member of the Mounted Archery Team of Canada and the Canadian Tentpegging Team. Only Equestrian Athlete in these disciplines to represent Canada and Pakistan at various championships globally.

(2) Aurangzeb Mubashar | LinkedIn 

Fazal Siddiqi

Fazal is the CEO of Opal Marketing Group with Opal, the multicultural advertising agency, OIM, the influencer marketing platform and agency, and Sampy, the digital sampling and tracking platform under its umbrella. Fazal and his team has been helping clients connect with new immigrants and diverse communities in the US and Canada for 13 years. Fazal is passionate about working with new businesses and helping them grow.

(2) Fazal Siddiqi | LinkedIn 

Qashif Effendi

Qashif Effendi is a focused leader with over 27 year’s experience in CEO, Director and General Management positions in companies such as Caltex, Philips, Unilever (Beverages and Spreads and Cooking Categories), Tetley, 180 Degrees, Abu Dhabi National Industrial Projects Co., Reem Rice Mills (Pvt.) Ltd., Three Musketeers Kids Company, Greeniche Natural Health Inc and ICS-Nett in USA, Canada, UAE and Pakistan. He is fluent in all aspects of general management, branding, marketing, sales and business development with a solid track record of brand and business turnarounds. 

(2) Qashif Effendi | LinkedIn