Our Founders
In tribute to our visionary Founder, Shirin Hussain, whose spirit ignited in us, a flame of women empowerment.
Though she no longer walks among us, her legacy is etched into the very soul of our organization. Her relentless commitment to women's empowerment through NAARI (Hindi for "WOMAN") remains our guiding light, and her visionary leadership echoes through every initiative we pursue. Her impact was not momentary, it was transformational, and it lives on in the lives she uplifted.
Today, her torch burns brighter than ever. Through F.O.W.E.S., Sabah Hussain, her daughter, carries that legacy forward with fierce passion, unshakable commitment, and the same fire that once lit the path. Guided by her mother’s vision, she leads the charge to elevate women globally, advancing the mission with strength, purpose, and a relentless pursuit of impact.
Late SHIRIN HUSSAIN
Founder, NAARI (Parent Foundation)
Sabah is a seasoned entrepreneur, angel investor, executive board advisor, bold business architect of transformation, a global strategist, and the force behind F.O.W.E.S., W.O.M.E.N. and The Alpha Women Network. She brings decades of executive leadership, global business development, business neuroscience expertise and entrepreneurial insight, combined with a deep, unwavering commitment to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and systems that empower women at every stage of their journey.
A builder at her core, Sabah leads with clarity, strategy, and vision. She creates infrastructure where others see chaos, and momentum where others feel stuck. Her expertise spans cross-border trade, business intelligence, mindset reprogramming, and operational scale, and she channels it all into a singular mission: to ensure women are not just invited to the table, but are equipped to own it, expand it, and redefine it.
Sabah envisions a world where women are powerful economic drivers, ethical leaders, and architects of generational change. As Chair, she leads with integrity and long-range vision, grounding every decision in sustainability, inclusivity, and global collaboration. What she brings is more than experience, it’s a legacy in the making.
SABAH HUSSAIN
Founder, F.O.W.E.S
Governance & Leadership
PASCALE
NGUYEN
Executive Director, Finance & Compliance
Pascale is an ICF Certified Coach and seasoned executive with over 25 years in the financial services industry. A serial entrepreneur, she has founded and led firms in strategy consulting, wealth management, and insurance, and brings operational expertise from the franchise sector.
Passionate about mentorship and women’s advancement, Pascale champions empowerment and inclusion. As a Board Member of F.O.W.E.S., she brings entrepreneurial vision, strategic insight, and purpose-driven leadership to advance the organization’s mission.
SANKA
KANGUDI
Executive Director, Programs & Initiatives
Sanka brings over 20 years of experience in global HR, internal communications, and business strategy consulting. She is the founder of Trendsetting@Work, bridging gaps between traditional business tools and modern complexities.
A committed mentor and advocate, Sanka hosts the "SME Heartbeats" podcast, serves on multiple boards, and supports leaders across sectors. As a Board Member of F.O.W.E.S., she brings expertise in talent optimization, strategic communications, program development, and organizational agility.
SADIA
SAJID
Executive Director, PR & CSR
Sadia is a tech and social impact leader and award-winning advocate for Diversity, Equity & Inclusion and women’s empowerment. As VP at Cronomagic, she leads global strategy and operations.
Founder of Syncmag and Vice Chair of the Canada-Pakistan Affiliated Chamber of Trade, she amplifies under-represented voices and promotes inclusion.A recipient of the King Charles III Coronation and Queen Elizabeth II Platinum Jubilee Medals, Sadia brings strategic leadership and global experience to F.O.W.E.S.
HANNA
ABDEL HAMID
Executive Director, Finance & Compliance
Hanna is an award-winning executive and recognized leader in business operations, market expansion, and team development, driving strategic growth, fostering innovation, and leading high-performing teams. Named one of Canada’s Top 100 Most Powerful Women in 2024 by WXN, she blends vision with operational excellence across finance, strategy, and stakeholder engagement.
As a Board Member of F.O.W.E.S., she brings strategic insight, operational strength, and a deep commitment to inclusive leadership and growth.
DIANA AMABELLE
NWAKANMA
Director, Programs & Initiatives, Nigeria
Diana, preferred to be called Amabelle, is a results-driven programs executive with 14+ years of experience in social development, youth empowerment, advocacy, and nonprofit leadership. At LEAP Africa, she leads youth-focused initiatives across Africa, advancing gender equity, inclusion, and community development.
As a Revolving Board Member of F.O.W.E.S., Amabelle will bring strategic insight, programmatic expertise, and a strong commitment to women’s empowerment through initiatives that strengthen the organization’s regional impact.
DR. SHUAA
BASALOM
Programs & Initiatives, Health & Wellness
Dr. Shuaa is a dedicated medical professional, women’s health advocate, and wellness educator with extensive expertise in holistic health and preventive care. Her passion for fostering balance and well-being among women aligns seamlessly with F.O.W.E.S’ mission to empower, educate, and uplift women globally.
As Director of Women’s Health and Wellness at F.O.W.E.S, Dr. Shuaa will lead impactful health programs, awareness initiatives, and workshops empowering women throughout their personal and professional journeys.
Our Event Partners
TEAM STUDIOS SANAA
Angélique Sanches
Kristelle Roberts
Josie Lefebvre
Our Strategic Contributors
Mentors & Coaches
Our mentors and coaches are instrumental in offering guidance, knowledge, and support to our focused programs contributing to skill development, boosting confidence, and serving as role models, inspiring women to excel. Their dynamic mentorship fosters a culture of growth and empowerment, enhancing the overall success of women within F.O.W.E.S.
Volunteers
At F.O.W.E.S. we believe in the transformative power of collaborations and partnerships to amplify the impact of our initiatives. By joining forces with like-minded organizations, businesses, and individuals, we create a collective force that transcends boundaries and brings about positive change. F.O.W.ES. believes in fostering a supportive ecosystem that breaks barriers and empowers women.
Speakers & Panelists
Our speakers and panelists are the voices that ignite inspiration, knowledge, and meaningful dialogue. They are more than just thought leaders, they are trailblazers who ignite the torch of empowerment. As advocates of change, our speakers and panelists shape the conversations that lead to action, making them invaluable pillars in our mission to create an empowered world for women everywhere.
Donors & Supporters
Our supporters play a pivotal role in driving positive change and fostering the empowerment of women. Their unwavering help serves as a catalyst for transformative programs, enabling women to break barriers, access education, and build brighter futures. In our women empowerment organization, donors are not just contributors; they are champions of progress, advocates for equality, and key partners in creating a world where every woman has the opportunity to thrive and fulfill her potential.
Collaborators & Sponsors
At F.O.W.E.S., we believe in the transformative power of collaborations and partnerships to amplify the impact of our women empowerment initiatives. Joining forces with like-minded organizations, businesses, and individuals, helps us create a collective force that transcends boundaries and brings about positive change to a wider audience. Together with our collaborators, we foster a supportive ecosystem that empowers women, breaks down barriers, and promotes equality.
Funding Partners
Our funding partners play a pivotal role in driving positive change and fostering the empowerment of women. Their unwavering support serves as a catalyst for transformative programs, enabling women to break barriers, access education, and build brighter futures. In our women empowerment organization, donors are not just contributors; they are champions of progress, advocates for equality, and key partners in creating a world where every woman has the opportunity to thrive and fulfill her potential.