Meet White Ribbon's Male Allies

Hassan is a social activist and graphic designer who immigrated to Canada in 2023. Having experienced violence firsthand, he is deeply committed to fighting against it. His journey in advocacy began with creating powerful and engaging designs to raise awareness about social issues while he was volunteering during his school years. Over time, he expanded his efforts through community engagement, discussions, and initiatives promoting equality and justice. Most recently, he served as a Male Ally for White Ribbon’s Male Ally Program, working to raise awareness about gender-based violence and promote gender equality.

Elias Chalhoub is a student and activist of Lebanese origin who first came to Canada in 2021. Elias is passionate about art, to the extent that he decided to pursue a career in Fine Arts and use art as a tool to promote cultural diversity alongside many of his beliefs.

In 2024, Elias became an advocate against gender-based violence by joining White Ribbon as a Male Ally. Since then, he has been actively spreading knowledge and awareness among fellow men in his community.

Joe Lebbos is a medical doctor and experienced crisis responder who relocated to Canada in 2024. With a deep commitment to promoting inclusion, diversity, and equity, Joe strives to create environments that value individuals from all backgrounds and perspectives. He is passionate about fostering a culture of equality and ensuring that people’s lived experiences are recognized and respected, both in healthcare and beyond.

As a strong advocate against gender-based violence, Joe serves as a White Ribbon Male Ally, actively engaging fellow men in his community to raise awareness and encourage positive change.

Mazen is a dedicated chef and humanitarian who came to Canada to build a new life. He works full-time to feed the unhoused population, using his culinary skills to provide warm, nutritious meals to those in need. With a deep sense of compassion and commitment to social well-being, Mazen believes in the power of food to bring dignity and hope to vulnerable communities. His work reflects his unwavering dedication to making a meaningful impact through kindness and service.

Jawid Rashid is an ambitious and dedicated individual with a diverse international background. Born in Afghanistan, Jawid completed his high school education in his home country before pursuing higher education abroad. He earned his bachelor’s degree in Economics and Business from Kazakhstan, where he expanded his academic and cultural horizons. Later, he furthered his studies by obtaining a Master’s degree in Business Administration from Türkiye, enriching his expertise in the field of business.

Throughout his academic journey, Jawid was actively involved in volunteer work and various activist groups, contributing his time and skills to causes that mattered to him. His commitment to social change and community engagement has been an essential part of his personal and professional development.

In 2023, Jawid moved to Canada, where he continues to focus on his career while also nurturing his passion for social and cultural activities. With his strong educational background, dedication to community involvement, and eagerness to make a positive impact, Jawid aspires to continue contributing to society through various meaningful engagements.

Lorenzo is passionate about working within the community to foster positive change and support others. He is committed to advancing toward a society that embodies equality and equity. Lorenzo actively strives to prevent violence against women, emphasizing the importance of education and collaboration with men to champion male allyship and promote healthy masculinities. His dedication to these causes reflects his commitment to creating a more inclusive and harmonious community for everyone.

Saadat’s journey began in Afghanistan, where he had the privilege of attending both school and university. Throughout his life, he has been a passionate advocate for equality and social justice, dedicating himself to creating positive change within his community. When the Afghan government collapsed in 2021, Saadat made the life-changing decision to immigrate to Canada with his family, embracing the hope of new beginnings and opportunities.

As a married man and a father to a son, Saadat takes great pride in the resilience and determination that have guided him through life’s challenges. His passion for connecting with people continues to inspire him, and he strives to cultivate meaningful relationships wherever he goes. At his core, Saadat is a devoted, hardworking individual who values the love and support of those around him.

Pierre moved from Beirut to Canada in August 2022. He was raised in a very modest neighborhood in Beirut, where his parents taught him to respect every living creature and always help others. As a scout leader for over 10 years, Pierre aimed to teach others the values of care, respect, and integrity that he was raised with.

Currently, he assists newcomers with their settlement in Canada, putting all his energy and knowledge into the service of others, regardless of their background, race, or sexual orientation. To conclude, Baden Powell, the founder of Scouting, once said: “Try to leave this world a little better than you found it.” Pierre hopes that during this program, he can help create a better world and promote gender-based violence prevention.

Originally from Afghanistan, Alijan relocated to Canada in 2021 following the fall of Afghanistan to the Taliban. He is a motivated professional who earned a Master’s in Public Administration, specializing in data analytics, from Syracuse University’s Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs in New York, USA.

Currently, Alijan works as a Market Researcher and Data Analyst at a sales growth company. In addition to his professional work, he volunteers with newcomer communities in Toronto, helping them navigate the challenges of cultural adjustment, life hardships, and resettlement.

Solomon moved from Ethiopia to Canada in November 2022 he is happily married with two children, who he describes as his pride and joy, and has an educational background in electrical engineering and medical laboratory technology. He is a hardworking and dedicated individual who is always looking to improve and learn new things. He is currently taking an IT infrastructure bridge course at Humber College to gain a deeper understanding of the Canadian market and acquire the necessary skills to excel in the field. Solomon is deeply committed to giving back to the community through volunteer work and wants to use his skills and knowledge to make a positive impact on society.

Asaâd Oubrahim moved from Morocco to Canada in 2022. He is highly interested in art and music and is a musician and a writer. Asaad aims to spread healthy thinking in his community and support people who struggle with mental health. He believes that every single person should be treated with kindness and respect. He hopes to gain new skills and knowledge and enjoy new opportunities in Canada.

Bob Bradshaw Byakuleka is an ardent Socio-Political activist and businessman who came to Canada in 2022. He brings with him a wealth of experience dealing with disadvantaged communities, as a UN volunteer, and his worldwide travels in promoting Agriculture.

Bradshaw is a highly compassionate individual, as reflected in his passion to promote COVID -19 vaccination and outreach programs with TSN and ICHA. Bradshaw is a strong advocate against gender-based violence (GBV). As a White Ribbon Male Ally, he has continuously engaged fellow men from his community to create awareness.

Mosab Ahmed moved from Sudan to Canada on May 26, 2022. Since then, he has volunteer in the Sudanese community and worked as a computer lab volunteer at his university. Mosab has an educational and professional background in the IT field and has experience working with diverse communities and managing successful projects.

Taoufik is a leading community member that enriches the lives of individuals. He founded a school to help youth to better understand life and face challenges. Taoufik's experience and interest lie in helping and promoting inclusive ideas to make the world a better place.

Ahmad AlMohamad came to Canada in 2016. Ahmad has a great passion for community activities and for helping newcomers. Ahmad would love to give back to his community and support newcomers in their integration journey. Ahmad has a great passion for spreading awareness about the impact of violence and in providing the resources needed to prevent and end all forms of violence against women and girls. Ahmad is keen to engage his community and share key resources to help women and girls who might be at risk of domestic violence.

Daniel Wayanda, graduated from a nursing school. He is currently working as a practical nurse. Daniel has also worked in pharmaceutical companies. In addition, Daniel is an artist and the founder of ALLARTS4ALLHEARTS—where he creates diverse artworks and paintings. Daniel can be found on Instagram at @allarts4allhearts. Daniel is passionate about creative expression and art for social change; where he envisions healthy couples, who also live in a healthy home. Daniel believes that his art can promote healthy relationships and can be used as a tool to raise awareness about domestic violence.

Junior Mandoko, a Franco-Ontarian, Master of Law (LL.M), researcher, federal civil servant, college professor and author of two books on human rights, women's rights, food security and sustainable development. Junior is very involved in the Francophone community of Ontario, he is interested in Immigration Law, Refugee protection and Women's rights. Junior has always been committed to ending sexual violence in all its forms. Junior has published several articles on this subject in order to raise awareness on the importance of maintaining harmonious social relations between women and men in society.

Khalid Ouadoud, holds a Bachelor’s degree in linguistics and a degree in international trade and international marketing. Khalid moved to Canada in 2003 and settled in Montreal. Khalid has been living in Mississauga since 2017 and working in an international shipping company. Khalid is a father of two teenagers; which has always engaged him to be part of their activities and encouraged him to seek a certificate for soccer coaching—a sport that his children are passionate about.

​Yaya Diane, holds a Master's degree in Financial Crime investigation. He has several years of experience in the banking and the financial field. Yaya is currently a Credit Risk Analyst at American Express. Yaya also works in the Afrogui Association as a Secretary General of Information and Communication. Yaya is also a member of the Parent Council of the Viamonde School Board. Yaya has always taken part in activities that promote the right to equality between men and women and gender-based violence prevention.

Ammar is of Syrian background, and immigrated to Canada in 2015. He has continued his education in Canada and became a certified Project Manager. Ammar decided to be a White Ribbon male ally, because he believes in women’s right to live free from violence. The impact of violence ranges from immediate to long-term multiple physical, sexual and mental consequences, and he believes that we should all stand to stop the violence against women and girls, by educating others and sharing knowledge.

Desire is a Canadian man born in Eastern Africa in Burundi. He moved to Canada in March 2002, and settled permanently in Toronto. He graduated with a Masters Degree in Public and International Affairs from York University. Due to his high interests in immigration and refugees’ issues, he also completed a graduate certificate in Forced Migration and Refugees Issue, also from York University.

His work experience is highlighted by his commitment to immigration and refugees’ issues, and he currently serves as a homeland agent for Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada in GTA.

Habib was born in Morocco, obtained his MBA in financial management in USA and moved to Toronto, where he has lived for the last 15 years. Habib volunteered in several non-profit organizations such Moroccan Association, OUMA youth soccer, and various others.

He is inspired by the possibility of change, and is deeply concerned about all forms of gender-based violence, including physical, sexual, emotional/ psychological, and financial, and the long term physical and mental health harm of gender-based violence. For these reasons, he wants to be a White Ribbon male ally in Toronto.

Mahdi is of Djibouti origin and a former Foreign Service Officer, who volunteered in foreign aid programmes funded by Global Affairs Canada. He has been part of projects aimed to increase the ability of local in-country partners to address local challenges and enhance Canadians’ participation in, and understanding of, Canadas’ international development work. Having a great passion for community service, he was also the secretary of the non-profit organization ‘Madbakh Women Initiative Inc’, an initiative in the heart of Etobicoke aimed at empowering children and families in the eastern African communities.

Sofonias is a Torontonian originally from Ethiopia. He is currently attending his last year at Ryerson University studying Biomedical Science. He also has a tremendous passion towards visual art, which he uses to spread awareness of various issues in his community, in the hopes of making an inclusive environment for everyone.

Abdellah moved to Montreal, Canada in 1999 from Morocco. After a few months in Montreal, Abdellah left for the United States to pursue his dream of studying business where he got his MBA. Abdellah decided to settle down in Toronto, and lives in the North York community. Abdellah has volunteered in numerous non-profit organizations, including United Way, the Moroccan Association of Toronto (AMDT), where he was president in 2011 and vice-president from 2006 to 2008.

Basim is of Pakistani origin and is a high school student looking to pursue an engineering degree. With a passion for community service he enjoys being an activist. Cultural norms, personal experiences and his volunteer work in the community have driven him to spread the word of violence against women, and its prevention.

He is a firm believer of giving back to the community, which is why he decided to participate in The Immigrant and Refugee Communities, Neighbors, Friends, and Families Campaign.

Kamalendran is a first year student in the Social Service Worker program at Seneca College, specializing in immigrant and refugee settlement. He is an outreach intern at CanTYD, acting as a male ally/mentor with youth.

​This is opportunity is aligned with his goal in obtaining a diploma in social service work, breaking stigma leading to discrimination and neglect.

He is inspired by the possibility of change, and is deeply concerned about all forms of gender-based violence, including physical, sexual, emotional/ psychological, and financial, and the long term physical and mental health harm of gender-based violence.

Ralph was born in Montreal to parents from Haiti. He settled in Toronto soon after completing his degree at McMaster University. Ralph was particularly affected by the Montreal Massacre, at that time, his oldest sister was a student there. Ralph reflects back to that day. “My my sister had night class, my family was worried because we didn't have cell phones, as they were not as commons today. Thankfully, she arrived home unscathed, but I will never forget this tragic event.”

Tam is Abyssinian by origin and a first year student at Seneca College, Social Service Worker Program with a focus on immigration and refugees. Tam is working toward obtaining a diploma and career in social service work. He is a passionate about addressing systemic racism centering around Black/Brown community.

​My name is Leroy, and I’m a peer champion with OCASI’s Immigrant and Refugee Communities, Neighbours, Friends and Families Campaign and White Ribbon Canada.

A peer champion is someone who works with other guys in his community to end gender-based violence by teaching others how they can promote healthy masculinities and consent culture.

​I’m a student at Seneca College studying social services, and I choose to be a peer champion for many reasons, not just because a woman gave birth to me.

I joined White Ribbon because of the connection I found in women that has helped shape my life, which replicates a “Best Practice of my existence of 42 years.”

I noticed that I gained more moral support, financial success and opportunities growing up as a youth, becoming a man, from the women I came across in my life.

He is a firm believer of giving back to the community, which is why he decided to participate in The Immigrant and Refugee Communities, Neighbors, Friends, and Families Campaign.