Senior Management Team
Fatima Filippi,
Executive Director
Fatima Filippi is a passionate and dedicated leader committed to empowering women and fostering community development. As the Executive Director of Rexdale Women's Centre, she plays a pivotal role in driving the organization's mission to provide comprehensive support and resources to women in the Rexdale community.
With a background in social services and community development, Fatima has spent over four decades advocating for gender equality and social justice. Her journey began with hands-on experience in various community outreach programs, where she developed a deep understanding of the challenges faced by women in underserved communities.
Throughout her career, Fatima has been a vocal advocate for women's rights, championing initiatives that address issues such as domestic violence, economic inequality, and access to education. Her leadership at Rexdale Women's Centre is characterized by a collaborative approach, working closely with staff, volunteers, and community partners to create a supportive network for women to thrive.
Under Fatima's guidance, the Rexdale Women's Centre has expanded its programs and services, reaching more women and families in need. She is known for her innovative thinking, implementing initiatives that focus on skill development, education, and holistic well-being.
Her tireless dedication to building a more equitable society has earned her recognition and respect both within the organization and the broader community. Fatima Filippi continues to inspire positive change, working towards a future where all women have the opportunity to lead fulfilling lives.
Dr. Saadia Akram-Pall,
Director of Programs
Dr. Saadia Akram-Pall is a distinguished leader and scholar dedicated to advancing social programs that create lasting impact. Serving as the Director of Programs, she brings a wealth of expertise and a passion for community development to her role.
Dr. Akram-Pall earned her doctorate in Psychology from the University of Toronto, two Master's degrees, and a postgraduate specialization in Clinical Psychology. She has special interests in diversity, immigration, settlement, and critical multicultural framework. Her academic journey reflects a commitment to understanding the intricate dynamics that shape societies and finding practical solutions to address pressing issues.
With a career spanning over three decades, Dr. Akram-Pall has been at the forefront of designing and implementing programs that drive positive change. Her early experiences in grassroots organizations exposed her to the diverse needs of communities, motivating her to pursue a career dedicated to program development and social justice.
In her role as the Director of Programs, Dr. Akram-Pall oversees a dynamic portfolio aimed at addressing critical societal challenges. Her strategic vision and keen understanding of the nuances of social issues have been instrumental in shaping initiatives that promote inclusivity, education, and sustainable development.
A trailblazer in her field, Dr. Akram-Pall is recognized for her innovative approach to program design. Her work often involves collaboration with interdisciplinary teams, forging partnerships with community stakeholders, and leveraging research to inform evidence-based practices.
Beyond her administrative responsibilities, Dr. Akram-Pall is an advocate for mentorship and education. She actively engages with emerging leaders in the field, guiding them to navigate the complexities of social programs and inspiring a new generation of change-makers. She has participated in various research projects, and her articles have also been published in professional journals. Her book Abnormal Psychology has been recommended for graduate studies. Dr. Akram-Pall's recently co-edited book Asian Families in Canada and the United States: Implication for Mental Health and Well-Being closely analyses Asian Canadian and Asian American immigrant families in an integrated yet nuanced way. This book is also recommended for postgraduate academic studies and for enhancing knowledge and understanding of immigration and mental health inter-relationships. Her dedication, coupled with a deep sense of empathy, has earned Dr. Akram-Pall the respect and admiration of colleagues and community members alike. As the Director of Programs, she continues to drive transformative change, leaving an indelible mark on the landscape of social initiatives.
Adam M. Chanda, MBA, CPA, CMA
Director, Finance and Administration
Adam has over 30 years of global senior management experience in corporate finance, corporate treasury, banking and general management.
Adam is the Director of Finance & Administration as well as advisor to the leadership team at Rexdale Women’s Centre. Adam collaborates with the Executive Director to develop the organization’s government and non-government revenue generation plan. He provides financial direction and analysis to RWC’s operations and ensures the integrity of financial reporting through implementation of adequate controls, performance measurement and monitoring including annual funding plans, expenditure forecasts, monthly, quarterly and annual reporting, forecasting as well as project tracking. He ensures financial contracts compliance and meeting revenue targets.
In his past role as the Deputy Group Treasurer for Mawarid Holding Company in Saudi Arabia, Adam raised multi-billion-dollar aggregate debt financings from European, Asian and Middle Eastern banks. Before this role, he was the Senior Vice President and Regional Director of Mawarid Group’s satellite television broadcast centre in Italy. Adam has also worked in corporate and trade financing, syndicated facilities and club deals in Montreal for the Bank of Tokyo and National Westminster Bank.
During his tenure at Mawarid Group, Adam worked on an IPO readiness project led by Rothschild & Co. for a media company premium listing on the London Stock Exchange. He managed merger negotiations led by Goldman Sachs and Lehman Bros. for two of the largest Pay TV operators in the Middle East. He also managed multiple management consultancy assignments led by McKinsey & Co. and Bain & Co.
Adam’s board experience is extensive and international. While at Mawarid, he served on group companies as a member of the executive committee for the telecom group, a member of the audit committee for the insurance group and a member of the finance committee for the media group. He is currently a board member, board treasurer and chair of the finance and audit committee for Albion Neighbourhood Services, a not-for-profit housing relief agency for the Municipal government. Adam also attends Rexdale Women’s Centre board meeting as the finance representative of the organization.
Adam received his MBA from HEC Montreal (University of Montreal) and earned his BCom from McGill University in Montreal. Adam is a Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA) in Ontario. He has completed the Directors Education Program (DEP) at Rotman School of Management at the University of Toronto and is in the process of completing the ICD.D certification with the Institute of Corporate Directors.