Annual General Meeting

Dear Members of the Selection Committee,

I am writing to express my earnest interest in the Youth Director position on the Board of Amnesty International Canada (English-Speaking Section). As a former refugee from Afghanistan and a dedicated human rights advocate, I am committed to contributing my experiences and insights to advance Amnesty International’s mission.

In 2024, I was honored to be selected as one of seven members for a seven-month term on the Refugee Advisory Committee (RAC) under the Canadian Orientation Abroad program with the International Organization for Migration (IOM) Canada. Chosen from over 700 applicants, our committee provided critical guidance on policies and initiatives aimed at supporting refugees transitioning to life in Canada. This role allowed me to collaborate directly with policymakers, ensuring that refugee perspectives were integral to program development and implementation.

Since arriving in Canada in 2021, I have pursued academic excellence, graduating as an Ontario Scholar and receiving my school’s Leadership and Citizenship Award for my humanitarian efforts and active participation in Model United Nations. Currently, I am studying Social Sciences at the University of Toronto, where I serve as the Vice President of Internal Affairs for the Afghan Student Association. In this capacity, I co-founded a mentorship program that has assisted over 100 Afghan girls and women in navigating the post-secondary application process, promoting education and empowerment within our community.

My commitment to human rights extends beyond academia. As a Global Youth Ambassador for Theirworld and a collaborator with organizations like World Vision Canada, I have actively engaged in campaigns focusing on education, women’s rights, and peacebuilding. Most recently, I was selected to represent Canada as a delegate for the Major Group for Children and Youth at the ECOSOC conference in New York, where I will advocate for equitable opportunities and safe passages for refugees.

To further enhance my advocacy skills, I completed the International Human Rights Certificate for Young Leaders program offered by the World Anti Extremism Network. This intensive four-week course provided me with firsthand experience and knowledge from world-renowned human rights advocates, equipping me with the tools needed to continue my work in defending human rights and freedom in challenging environments.

I am passionate about bringing a youth-driven, refugee-informed perspective to Amnesty International Canada’s Board. My experiences have equipped me with a unique understanding of the challenges faced by marginalized communities and the importance of inclusive policy-making. I am eager to contribute to Amnesty International’s efforts in promoting human rights and social justice.

Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the opportunity to discuss how my background and experiences align with the goals of Amnesty International Canada.

Sincerely,
Abdul Basheer Arifi

“My name is Almeera Khalid (she/her), and I am honoured to submit my nomination for the Board of Directors and Global Delegation of Amnesty International Canada. As a long-time advocate for human rights, youth empowerment, and racial justice, I bring a unique combination of grassroots activism, public policy expertise, and governance experience that strongly aligns with Amnesty’s vision for transformative leadership.

My journey with Amnesty began over a decade ago as a Youth Advocate, where I helped mobilize young people on human rights issues. I served as the National Activist Coordinator for the Midwest AIUSA. I went on to serve as Vice President and President of the Amnesty International chapter at the University of Toronto, and later as a member of the National Youth Action and Advisory Committee (NYAAC). In that role, I advocated for meaningful youth inclusion in national strategy and decision-making. A highlight of my tenure was proposing what has now become Amnesty’s Youth Portal—a national platform to centralize and strengthen youth engagement.

Professionally, I currently serve as Public Policy Manager at the Canadian Race Relations Foundation, where I lead anti-racism policy and research initiatives that inform national conversations and institutional practices. Previously, I worked as a Policy Specialist at UNICEF Canada, advancing child rights in both Canadian and international contexts. My work consistently centres equity, decolonization, and rights-based frameworks that elevate historically marginalized communities.

Academically, I hold a Master’s degree in Refugee and Forced Migration Studies from the University of Oxford, equipping me with a global perspective on systems of displacement, protection, and justice. This complements my on-the-ground work in youth engagement, racial equity, and systems change.

I bring to this role not only passion, but also practice: from leading campaigns to shaping public policy to stewarding inclusive governance models. I am committed to strengthening Amnesty’s movement—ensuring it is bold, inclusive, and grounded in community.”

Tansi, Boozhoo, my name is Andrea Baedak. I am a Metis citizen of the Metis Nation British Columbia, originally from Treaty 1 Territory, with a career dedicated to advancing human rights, Indigenous self-determination and narrative sovereignty. We are operating in a rapidly shifting political and social landscape where fundamental human rights are increasingly at risk, and this is what brings me to volunteer for this work with Amnesty International Canada. I believe my experience in governance, policy advocacy and media strategy aligns directly with the leadership and direction, governance, financial oversight, and policy development responsibilities of Amnesty International Canada’s Board of Directors, as well as the decision-making, representation and leadership elections roles within the Global Delegation.

As the founder of Michif Media and the Indigenous Communications and Media Institute (ICMI), I have demonstrated strategic leadership and direction by building platforms that amplify Indigenous voices, challenge systemic injustices and promote human rights through storytelling. My experience in governance includes working as a consultant, providing government relations, advising non-profits, and managing issues. I served as a consultant to CBC for several years, leading a successful CRTC campaign for the CBC’s application to operate a new FM radio station in Vancouver. I also developed their citizen journalism training and have worked to ensure responsible representation of Indigenous issues in mainstream media. I have experience in financial oversight, having managed budgets and fundraising efforts.

My experience in policy development is evident. I successfully shaped electoral policy to uphold the voting rights of unhoused citizens, worked with Stephen Lewis to frame housing as a human right, and persuaded The Globe and Mail to produce its first-ever series on homelessness and mental health back in 2004. These experiences showcase my ability to navigate complex policy landscapes, ensuring that human rights remain central to decision-making.

On the international stage, I am committed to strengthening decision-making processes that reflect the diverse voices of human rights defenders, particularly Indigenous Peoples who have long been excluded from key global discussions. My experience engaging with media, government, and advocacy organizations provide me with the ability to serve as a strong representative for Amnesty International Canada at the Global Assembly, ensuring that grassroots movements and underrepresented perspectives are brought into Amnesty’s global strategies. As well, my MBA in Indigenous leadership will help me contribute and support governance structures that uphold Amnesty’s mission.

Last year I completed the Tribal Leadership program at Harvard Executive Business School on Leading People and Investing to Build Sustainable Communities. My consulting work over nearly 25 years has been focused on issues related to poverty, mental health & addictions, housing and HIV, bringing a decolonized lens to find solutions and build understanding, relationships and I have worked hard to advocate for change.

I am deeply committed to Amnesty International’s role in advocacy, accountability and global solidarity, and I would be honoured to contribute my expertise in guiding Amnesty’s governance, policies, and global engagement.

Thank you for your consideration!

My name is Aymen Dewji and I am pleased to present myself as a potential candidate for the Board of Directors. I have always had a desire to connect my professional skills in service to something beyond myself. Central to my personal mission is a desire to amplify the voices and strengthen the power of marginalized communities. This stems from my own lived experiences as a member of a minority group, a visibly practicing Muslim. The recent events unfolding in the world and the blatant disregard for international humanitarian law by world governments has motivated me to passionately elevate the voice of the oppressed. I have watched faith communities continue to be villainized with limited power to effect systemic change.

I have spent my career helping Fortune 500 organizations meet their strategic and operational goals and my specific skill-set lies in enterprise transformations, governance and strategic management. If selected what I can bring to this board is a focus on strategic planning and transformation, governance and policy building, operating model development and communications management. If elected I would bring the following:

• Provide insights and ideas to align on the strategic and longer-term operational objectives of Amnesty
• Develop strategies and implementation plans to identify and address existing service gaps within the market as it pertains to the advocacy, representation and inclusion of underrepresented oppressed groups
• Develop a governance / operating framework that is agile and responsive to the changing needs of the constituents serviced by Amnesty
• Identify and cultivate strategic alliances with organizations that are able to further the agenda of Amnesty
• Experience forming my own Charity, LifelineRise Foundation
• Insights to ensure inclusive advocacy, representation, & power of the BIPOC community
• Skills in governance, strategy, & multilateral partnership and past Board experience

I hold a Masters in International Labour Relations and HR from the London School of Economics (LSE) and a Bachelors in Business from the Richard Ivey School of Business.

Hi. I joined Amnesty in 1982 and have been a Grass Roots Activist ever since. My human rights work has varied and had the continuous threads of supporting The Urgent Action Network, Write-for-Rights, Indigenous Rights, and Campaigns Against Torture and the Death Penalty. I have a financial background and experience with administration and operations and work in the social fields. I have been a member of a local group since I joined Amnesty.

Bernard Fouché has more than 30 years of experience leading businesses and IT projects, managing multidisciplinary teams in a variety of fields: entertainment, hospitality, passenger transportation and inter-governmental organizations.

As Senior Director, Project Development, he is responsible for the delivery of B2B bespoke and special events within the Events and Experiences division of Cirque du Solei.

Previously, Bernard held the position of Chief Operating Officer (COO) of Lune Rouge Entertainment, a company founded by Guy Laliberté to develop immersive entertainment experiences and explore new creative horizons. He also headed the Cirque du Soleil Innovation laboratory (C:Lab), a key strategic initiative to develop new acts and entertainment products using state of the art technologies in partnership with industry leaders in technology and human performance.

He has also held several key positions where he led the design and implementation of IT and business transformation programs and IT PMOs, notably at Air Canada, VIA Rail Canada and TC Transcontinental.

Prior to his career in the private industry, he worked for the United Nations as deputy-chief and administrator of several humanitarian and peacekeeping missions.

Bernard was also a member of the Boards of Directors of the Canada China International Film Festival and the Entertainment Technology Summit (2016 to 2018).

He holds a certification in corporate governance from the Collège des Administrateurs de Sociétés (ASC) – Laval University (2021).

As a war survivor and immigrant, I am knowledgeable in trauma informed workshops and inclusive research. I have lived experience when it comes to human rights, disability inclusion and mental wellness. I would like to use my expertise and lived experience to contribute to Amnesty International.

“As someone deeply committed to grassroots justice, financial transparency, and amplifying underrepresented voices, I’m honored to put my name forward for the Board of Directors of Amnesty International Canada’s English-Speaking Section. I bring over a decade of experience in governance, youth advocacy, and financial strategy, paired with a strong alignment to Amnesty’s mission, particularly in Indigenous rights and systemic equity.

My leadership journey began over 10 years ago with Big Brothers Big Sisters, where I progressed from mentee to Treasurer on the national youth council, and now serve as a Board Observer with Big Brothers Big Sisters Canada. In those roles, I co-developed the national Youth Engagement Strategy to embed youth voices in governance, secured sponsorship from Mercedes Benz Canada for the Youth Advisory Council and authored economic commentary on Canada–U.S. tariffs, distributed to 120+ agencies to support fiscal planning. I also served as Chair of the City of Lethbridge Youth Advisory Council, where I led a youth-driven initiative in partnership with three local news outlets and 28 businesses to promote community economic resilience through a “Buy Local” campaign. These experiences reflect my commitment to bottom-up, collaborative leadership, a model I believe is vital for Amnesty’s member-driven structure.

Professionally, I work as a venture capital analyst at San Francisco based Builders VC, where I am helping deploy $600m USD in capital over the next 6 years. In this role, I sit on both sides of the table, evaluating pitches from startups and supporting our portfolio companies as they scale. I often serve as a fractional CFO, helping early-stage ventures craft their fundraising strategies, build financial infrastructure, and navigate the high-stakes process of securing capital. I know what it takes to raise money intelligently, assess risk in uncertain conditions, and pitch a bold vision in a way that earns trust and investment. These are the very skills Amnesty needs right now as it navigates financial challenges and organizational restructuring—and I bring them with a strategic mindset rooted in mission, not margin.

These skills are especially relevant as Amnesty International Canada navigates financial constraints and organizational restructuring. I bring a strategic mindset rooted in innovation, financial discipline, and opportunity-building, and I’m confident in helping steer Amnesty toward long-term resilience without compromising the integrity of its mission.

At the heart of my work, however, is a profound commitment to community wellness, equity, and trauma-informed care. I am the co-founder of BirchBark Health, a nonprofit dedicated to improving access to culturally safe healthcare for Indigenous communities in remote and rural areas. Since launching, we have raised close to $75,000, established a strategic partnership with Telus Health, and worked alongside Indigenous leaders like Dr. Tailfeathers to co-create solutions that reflect local knowledge and priorities. This initiative was born out of my frontline work as a mentor at a First Nations Safe Home and with Big Brothers Big Sisters, where I’ve spent years walking alongside youth navigating systemic barriers—racism, poverty, abuse, and intergenerational trauma.

I offer Amnesty a combination of board-level governance, financial and fundraising expertise, and on-the-ground community engagement. I’m passionate about building a future for Amnesty that is financially resilient, grounded in collaboration, and innovative in its pursuit of justice—where human rights are defended boldly, inclusively, and from the ground up.

My name is Dione Valentine, I am writing to express my interest in serving on the Board of Directors for Amnesty International Canadian Section (English-speaking). As a senior project management professional and a final-year PhD candidate in Organizational Development and Change, with a research focus on Toronto Police Services and policing individuals with mental health issues, I bring a unique blend of leadership, governance expertise, and deep academic insight into systemic change and social justice.

Dear Selection team,

I am excited to submit my application for a position on the Board of Directors (as Chair or Director) of Amnesty International Canada. As a seasoned executive with extensive governance experience in both corporate and not-for-profit sectors, I am eager to contribute my expertise to Amnesty’s critical human rights work. I am a confirmed member of Amnesty International Canada, committed to upholding its values and mission.

With multi-country and global experience in a science-led industry, I have led organizations through complex regulatory and public policy landscapes, experience that aligns with Amnesty’s advocacy efforts. I currently serve on corporate and volunteer boards, including as an independent director on a TSX-listed company and Chair of both a local Humane Society and local YMCA, demonstrating my ability to provide strategic oversight, financial stewardship, and policy governance in mission-driven organizations.

For over 15 years, I have been deeply engaged in volunteerism, dedicating my time and skills to important causes including homelessness, inclusion/DEI, youth development/leadership, child protection. My governance expertise includes chairing committees focused on human resources, policy development, and risk management. I understand the fiduciary responsibilities of board leadership and am adept at ensuring alignment between organizational strategy and operational execution. Additionally, my experience in stakeholder engagement, both at the community and international policy levels, equips me to contribute meaningfully to Amnesty’s governance, fundraising, and advocacy initiatives. I have accumulated approximately nine years of experience as Chair across multiple organizations, providing leadership, strategic direction, and governance oversight. This experience has strengthened my ability to facilitate board discussions, build consensus, and drive organizational priorities forward. My background aligns well with the Chair position’s responsibilities as posted, ensuring effective evidence-based decision-making, and strong collaboration with senior leadership.

As an actively involved Canadian citizen, Amnesty International’s commitment to justice, freedom, and human dignity resonates strongly with me. I would be honored to play a role in strengthening its impact. I welcome the opportunity to further discuss how my experience aligns with the needs of the Board in any capacity.

Thank you for your time and consideration.

Sincerely,
Eileen McCormack

I am Emir Onur Romano Cilek, a human rights leader with 13+ years of executive experience in nonprofit governance, refugee protection, and advocacy across Turkey, Canada, and the U.S. Currently pursuing an MA in Global Leadership at Royal Roads University, I merge frontline humanitarian work with strategic policy innovation. Why I’m a Strong Candidate:

1. Nonprofit Leadership & Governance:
   • Founded 5 NGOs:
     • Ateistler Meclisi (Congress of Atheists, Turkey)
     • Ateist Dergi (Atheist Magazine, Turkey)
     • Ateizm Dernegi (Association of Atheism, Turkey)
     • Society of Agnostics and Atheists of Georgia
     • Ateizm Dernegi International Foundation Canada
   • President of Atheist Alliance International (2016–2017): Oversaw 13 global projects, increased funding by 40% through transparency reforms.
   • Chair of Human Rights, Centre for Inquiry Canada (2021–present):
     • Lead policy development and refugee programs (e.g., Assistance for Apostates).
2. Refugee & Human Rights Expertise:
   • Programs Managed:
     • Atheist Refugee Assistance Program (ARAP) under Ateizm Dernegi Turkey (109 refugees assisted).
     • Assistance for Apostates (A4A) under CFIC Canada (46 cases).
     • Secular Rescue under CFI USA (46 high-risk cases since 2024).
     • Combined annual budget: $214k USD.
   • Policy Advocacy: Drafted Canada’s E-Petition 3114 (2021) for atheist asylum seekers; lead prison reform research (2023–2025).
3. Advocacy & Coalition-Building:
   • Secured UN Consultative Status for Ateizm Dernegi and AAI.
   • Organized 100+ events, produced 400+ podcasts, and served as spokesperson for secular human rights.
4. Operational Excellence:
   • HR: Improved volunteer retention by 25% via structured recruitment.
   • Financial Stewardship: Raised $150k in 2023 through grants and donor campaigns.

My work defending persecuted atheists and advancing inclusive policies aligns with Amnesty’s mission. I offer proven governance skills, global networks, and a commitment to intersectional justice.

My name is Fatima Ijaz and I am a member of United Steel Workers (USW) 1998. I am also on the executive of USW 1998 as a trustee. I attend regular executive and general membership meetings where we discuss the activities of committees, spending and priorities of the union. This experience has taught me about governance decisions similar to those that is required by the Board of Directors. As a union member, I believe an injury to one is an injury to all. Over the last couple of years, I have become increasingly involved in global conflicts and Canada’s role in them. For instance, many Canadian mining companies are involved in illegal activities abroad and due to successful lobbying, the ombudsman for responsible enterprise is an organization with minimal ability to create change. Issues like this have made me realize that the power to change this lies with non-profit organizations like Amnesty International and civil society. I believe that organizations like Amnesty International can amplify these issues to civil society and facilitate change. I would like to be part of the board that would make decisions to support these important campaigns.