Our Founders
In tribute to our visionary Founder, Shirin (Mandviwala) 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, applied business neuroscience expert, and the force behind Federation of Women Empowerment & Support, Women of Montreal Entrepreneurial Network, and The Women Chamber of Business & Economic Development.
She brings one three 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
Leadership & Governance
HANNA
ABDEL HAMID
Executive Director, Strategic Partnerships
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., Hanna brings strategic insight, operational strength, and a deep commitment to inclusive leadership and growth.
DIANA
AMABELLE
Director, Programs & Initiatives, Global
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.
TAHERA
MANDVIWALA
Senior Partner, TDT Legal
Tahera is a Solicitor of England & Wales, Attorney of the State of California (USA), and Senior Partner at TDT Legal. She heads the firm’s International and Private Client practices, and advises highly reputed clientele including multinational corporations, funds, foreign governments and prominent high net-worth individuals worldwide. The Association of International Wealth Management has recognised Tahera as a Leading Woman in Law, and Rotary International has awarded her the highly prestigious Vocational Excellence Award for outstanding services in the field of law. Tahera also carries our Late Founder's legacy of women empowerment through leadership.
Officers
Dr. Shuaa Basalom
Director, Programs & Initiatives
Health & Wellness
Nav Saluja
Treasurer
Event Partners
TEAM STUDIOS SANAA
Angélique Sanches
Project Manager
Kristelle Roberts
Content Strategist
Josie Lefebvre
Audiovisual Technician
Our 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.