Board Chair
Dr. Vidya Sagar Hasija, Ph.D. (Electrical Engineering), ME (Power System), MBA (Operation Management), has more than 30 years of experience in defense R&D projects of strategic importance and spin-off projects for societal mission. He is a Fellow of the Institution of Engineers, Life Member, Laser Society of India, and Senior Member IEEE for the last 25 years
Director (Past Board Chair)
Dr. Panwar has over 25 years of experience in health care and business sectors. He has served people at large through Rotary Club in Kenya, Canada and on international basis. He organized several free medical camps and Diabetic Awareness walks, and Heart Walks, fundraising wheel walk, Rotary Family Health days.
Director
Vivian currently holds a bachelor’s degree in Social Work from York University, and a Post-Graduate Certificate in Human Resources Management from Humber College.
Vice Chair
Zafar has over 20 years of experience in qualitative and quantitative research. He holds a Master in (Eco & Social Studies) from University of Wales (U.K) and Research Analyst Program from Humber Institute (Canada).
Director
Santosh has over 7 years of experience in Community Development. He holds a master’s in education and Postgraduate in Research Analyst Program.
Treasurer & Secretary
Mervat Youssef is a demographer, researcher, statistician and data analyst. She is fluent in Arabic and English. She has a master’s degree in population studies from Cairo Demographic Centre (CDC). She also has a bachelor’s degree in Agriculture. Mervat is certified in Advanced Computer Studies. Her master’s degree thesis included adaptation of “European child feeding scoring and socioeconomic indices, to suit Egyptian children, which were applied in (CDC) for the first time and assisted students in their research papers”. Working for “Statistics Egypt”, she shared in various Egyptian surveys through gathering and analyzing population data.
Chief Executive Officer (CEO)
Srimanta has over 25 years of experience in research and project management in Canada, Asia and Africa (e.g. Ontario Public Health, Rotary, UN Migration Agency – IOM Sudan, WHO Fellow - China, Anhui University, Canadian Universities & Non-Profits, etc.). Srimanta is the CEO at the Social Planning Council of Peel, an adjunct professor at York University, professor (Part-time) at Sheridan, a Field Supervisor for graduate students in several Canadian universities, the past president of the Rotary Club Mississauga-Airport and a member of various associations. Srimanta has published one book (a comparative analysis of the gender inequality in India and China) and implemented more than 160 community research projects over 10 years. In addition to his doctoral degree, Srimanta holds a M.A. from the University of Western Ontario (Canada), a Master’s Certificate in Project Management from the Schulich School of Business at York University (Canada), a Master of Law in Population Sciences from Beijing University (China), a Master of Population Sciences from the International Institute for Population Sciences (India), and a M.A. in Statistics from Utkal University (India)
Research director
Christopher McLeish is a research director and program developer with the Social Planning Council (SPC) of Peel. He holds a Ph.D. and master’s in educational psychology from the University at Buffalo (UB). Christopher is the author of the 2016 Peel-Halton Workforce Characteristics Report, and the subject of his dissertation was the contextual influences on engagement with learning, including racial bias, among seventh-grade students. At the SPC of Peel, Christopher designed and delivered organizational evaluation seminars to higher education and private business professionals. Furthermore, he has taught Humber College and University at Buffalo (UB) students research methods and multiple branches of psychology. Christopher proposed, developed and led a seminar for UB Freshmen about stereotypes and their impact on emotions and quality of life. He has also applied his research on quality-of-life trends to designing and delivering social/physical wellness programs for seniors. Christopher possesses abundant skill and experience in student outcomes, quantitative and qualitative research methods, inclusive learning/working environments and organizational development.
Project Coordinator/Facilitator
Kiran Mata is a distinguished professional with a multifaceted career spanning business, social work, and education. At Pivot Strategy, she focuses on business development and marketing, driving strategic growth and innovation. Beyond her corporate achievements, Kiran is passionate about language and education, teaching German at a German school in Caledon. There, she shares her love for the language and culture. Kiran's commitment to community service is evident from her three years as Project Coordinator for the Social Planning Council of Peel, where she led initiatives to enhance the community's well-being and foster social development.
Social Service Worker
Karrol is a Social Service Worker, completing her Bachelor of Social and Community Development at Sheridan College. Karrol has a strong community outreach background and is currently working with various non-profit organizations. She is deeply committed to addressing social justice issues affecting vulnerable and marginalized communities and advocates to support individuals facing systemic barriers, such as homelessness, poverty, and discrimination. Karrol provides direct support services, case management, and facilitating educational workshops to empower community members.
Social Service Worker
Rana Kak is a social service worker with the Social Planning Council of Peel. She holds a Social Service Worker diploma from Sheridan College and is completing her Bachelor of Social and Community Development at Sheridan College. She worked as an outreach coordinator with My Women Support Community. Rana is dedicated to advocating for marginalized communities and has a strong background in community outreach, program development, and support services. Her work focuses on empowering individuals and fostering community engagement through various initiatives and projects. With a passion for social justice.
Research Associate
Sheree-Ann currently works as a Research Associate with the Social Planning Council of Peel. She is completing her 3rd year in the Bachelor of Social and Community Development Honours Program. Additionally, she holds a Social Service Worker Diploma from Sheridan College. With over 13 years of experience in Human Resource Administration, Sheree-Ann brings a wealth of knowledge and practical skills to her work. Her background has equipped her to manage various administrative tasks effectively and support both staff and organizational objectives. Sheree-Ann is deeply passionate about working with women and children, dedicating her efforts to improving their lives and providing them with the support they need to thrive.
Research Associate
Sandra Gore is a highly experienced professional with a background spanning over 15 years in the healthcare sector and senior population community. She is proficient in English and holds an Addictions and Community Service Worker, High Honors (CDI College), a Social Service Worker Diploma, Honors (Sheridan College), and a Licensed Practical Nursing degree (Knox Community College). Currently pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Social and Community Development Work at Sheridan College, Sandra also serves as an intern Research Associate at the Social Planning Council of Peel. In this capacity, she is actively involved in quantitative and qualitative research, focusing specifically on the senior population.
Research and Recruitment Associate
Taofikat is a research and recruitment associate at the Social Planning Council of Peel and is in her final year at Sheridan College, pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Social and Community Development. Throughout her academic journey and work experience, she has been involved in numerous research projects, gaining extensive experience in both quantitative and qualitative methodologies. Her diverse experiences include developing comprehensive grant proposals, conducting detailed program evaluations, and supporting recruitment efforts at the council. Taofikat is deeply passionate about equity, diversity, and inclusion, with a particular focus on initiatives that promote community mental wellness and women’s empowerment. Additionally, she is dedicated to fostering positive workplace environments that support well-being and collaboration.
Marketing Specialist
Aditi Dash is a marketing specialist at SPC Peel and a second-year student at the Schulich School of Business at York University. Her choice to work with SPC Peel is driven by her passion for community involvement and her desire to create real change. Fluent in English, French, Hindi, and Odia, she possesses a diverse communication skill set. Beyond her professional and academic pursuits, she enjoys reading, dance, and art. With a commitment to excellence and collaboration, she aims to make a meaningful impact both professionally and within her community.
Website Designer
Mehar Giri is a web designer at the Social Planning Council of Peel (SPCP). He recently completed a cybersecurity analyst course from InTelle College and holds an undergraduate degree in aerospace engineering from Carleton University. He believes in SPCP’s vision of improving the quality of life for everyone across Brampton, Mississauga, Caledon, and Ontario. He looks forward to taking on new challenges and supporting SPCP in any way possible. In his spare time, he enjoys watching movies, singing, and learning about computers. He is fluent in Nepali and conversational in Hindi.
Website Designer
Harini Thirunavukkarasu Premalatha is a website designer at the Social Planning Council of Peel. She is currently studying as a computer engineering student at York University. She is fluent in English and Tamil. She is really passionate about helping and being part of her community. She enjoys collaborating in teams and working with others. She likes to cook and bake in her free time.
Community & Social Services Worker
Zareen Subha is a Social Community Worker at the Council. She holds a diploma in Social Work from Sheridan College and will begin her Bachelor's in Social Work at Toronto Metropolitan University this September. A dedicated lifelong learner, she thrives in team environments. She has extensive experience supporting diverse populations, including older adults and individuals with exceptional abilities. In addition to her professional skills, she enjoys reading and journaling and is fluent in Bengali and English.
Community & Social Services Worker
Sarah Victor has recently completed her Social Service Worker program diploma and is excited to continue her education by pursuing an Honours Bachelor in Social and Community Development. She is deeply passionate about collaborating with others to create a better future, holding a strong commitment to social justice and community improvement. She believes in the power of teamwork and collective effort to address societal challenges and enhance the well-being of individuals and communities. She aims to leverage her skills and knowledge to make a meaningful impact and contribute to positive change.
Community & Social Services Worker
Mathew Jacob recently completed his third year in the Public Health program at Toronto Metropolitan University. He is currently a Community and Social Service Worker at the Social Planning Council of Peel. His experiences have taught him that community development is crucial for enhancing quality of life and can only be achieved through collective effort. Ambitious and goal-oriented, he consistently strives to improve the community for future generations.
Community & Social Services Worker
Joshua is a Community and Social Services Worker currently in his fourth year of the Social Work program at Toronto Metropolitan University. Passionate about clinical social work, he focuses on supporting individuals with mental health and addiction challenges and advocating for marginalized groups. His experience includes volunteering for Transitions to Communities, a project by the Mood Disorders Society of Canada, assisting veterans and former first responders in transitioning to civilian life. He also completed a field placement at Our Place Peel’s Brampton Youth Shelter, supporting homeless youth. In his free time, he enjoys training in martial arts, biking, and nature walks.
Community & Social Services Worker
Jessica is a Community and Social Service Worker at the Social Planning Council of Peel. She is currently pursuing a Bachelor of Social Work at York University. Passionate about community involvement and outreach projects, she enjoys the opportunity to collaborate with like-minded individuals. Additionally, she is fluent in Cantonese and English.
Community & Social Services Worker
Ikenna Agusiegbe is a dedicated Community and Social Service Worker and a second-year Chemical Engineering student at Toronto Metropolitan University. He is deeply passionate about community-oriented projects and plans to continue this work in his postgraduate career. In his free time, he enjoys playing soccer and basketball, as well as cooking and watching movies. With a strong commitment to community service and diverse personal interests, Ikenna aims to make a significant impact in his professional and personal endeavours..
Community & Social Services Worker
Eman Hassan is a Community and Social Service Worker with a degree from Sheridan College. Passionate about fostering community well-being, she strives to make a positive impact through compassionate assistance and collaborative efforts. She advocates for the needs of individuals and families, empowering them to thrive within their communities. Additionally, she is fluent in Urdu, Hindi, and English.
Community & Social Services Worker
Danish Siddiqui has completed a Social Service Worker Diploma at Sheridan College, with graduation anticipated in June. A fast-paced and dedicated worker, he was motivated to join this 8-week program to assist diverse populations, including youth, newcomers, and seniors. Over the next 8 weeks, he aims to enhance his skills in community service by conducting qualitative and quantitative research and developing programs that meet community needs and preferences.
Community & Social Services Worker
Akansha is a Community and Social Services Worker at the Social Planning Council of Peel. She holds a Social Service Worker diploma and will soon pursue a Bachelor's in Social and Community Development at Sheridan College. With over 7 years of experience in child and youth services, she is passionate about youth development and committed to bringing positive change to her community. Additionally, she is fluent in Hindi, Gujarati, and English.
Community & Social Services Worker
Afraah Ansar is a community and social service worker at the Social Planning Council of Peel. She is pursuing a bachelor's degree in nursing at York University, with a long-held dream of becoming a pediatric nurse. Passionate about being a helping hand to the youth, she is excited to have the opportunity to work with them during her time at SPCP. In her spare time, she enjoys baking desserts, watching movies, and taking photos. She is fluent in Tamil.
