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Seminar Title: "Hidden Struggles: Supporting At-Risk Youth and Formerly Incarcerated Muslims" Date: Sunday, February 23, 2025 Time: 2:00 PM – 5:30 PM Location: Masjid Vaughan 9954 Keele St. Maple, ON To Register Click Here |
THE PANELISTS
Rizwan Mohammad is a civic engagement professional with over 15 years of experience leading national initiatives to mobilize youth and community leaders to creatively participate in service learning and active citizenship. As a Senior Advocacy Officer with the National Council of Canadian Muslims (NCCM), Mohammad develops policy and engages in government relations to defend human rights and fundamental freedoms.
Imam Abdullah El-Asmar is a dedicated Muslim chaplain, serving Kingston Region Penitentiaries since 2014, where he provides spiritual guidance, counseling, and religious education to incarcerated individuals. He also supports Muslim students as a chaplain at Queen’s University. A Montreal native of Lebanese descent, he is currently pursuing a Bachelor’s in Islamic Sciences with Al-Azhar University. In addition to his chaplaincy work, he is a certified self-defense instructor and black belt martial artist, combining faith, knowledge, and discipline to serve his community.
Joe Brathwaite is a seasoned parole officer with over 30 years of experience supporting the reintegration of formerly incarcerated individuals. He specializes in connecting parolees with employment, housing, and community resources, promoting rehabilitation and public safety. In 2022, he received the Platinum Jubilee Community Service Award for advancing equity in the corrections system, and in 2023-2024, he was honored with the Emerson Douyon Multiculturalism Award for his dedication to inclusive correctional practices.
Omar Ortiz is a formerly incarcerated individual who has transformed his life through faith, education, and mentorship. While in prison, he embraced Islam and committed himself to self-improvement and service to others. Even before his conversion, he was dedicated to personal growth and uplifting those around him. During his incarceration, he earned both his high school diploma and a post-secondary diploma in Religious Studies. As a former inmate leader and mentor, Omar now works to support at-risk youth and individuals transitioning back into society, helping them navigate challenges and build a brighter future.
Warren Abbey is a former gang member who has transformed his life into one of mentorship, entrepreneurship, and advocacy. While incarcerated, he authored Honour Thy Brother, an urban crime novel set in Malvern, Toronto. Since reintegrating into society, he has launched multiple successful businesses across Ontario and is developing a nonprofit to support at-risk youth. Warren has been featured in films, interviews, and podcasts—including Let the Quran Speak—using his platform to inspire change. His journey is a testament to resilience, second chances, and the power of mentorship in transforming lives.
Humza Ali holds a bachelor's degree in Psychology, Neuroscience, and Behaviour from McMaster University and is pursuing a master’s in Psychotherapy and Spiritual Care at the University of Toronto. As a therapist at NORMM, he integrates Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) and Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT) to provide culturally and religiously sensitive care, creating a safe and empathetic space for clients to navigate emotional challenges and find meaningful solutions.
Imam Khalid Patel serves as a chaplain in provincial and federal institutions across Ontario, providing spiritual care, counselling, and religious guidance to incarcerated individuals. Through chaplaincy and community outreach, he supports personal growth, rehabilitation, and faith-based reintegration, helping individuals reconnect with their faith and build a better future.
Imam Ramzy Ajem is NORMM's founder and lead therapist with CTIO Certification. He has over 20 years experience in the field of Islamic Education, curriculum development and CVE. He has served as a CSC chaplain and has been recognized by the corrections and justice community for his success in rehabilitating offenders with terrorism related charges. Imam Ramzy is supported by a team of Imams, scholars, researchers and mentors who help released individuals lead responsible, productive and accountable lives.
Imam Abdullah El-Asmar is a dedicated Muslim chaplain, serving Kingston Region Penitentiaries since 2014, where he provides spiritual guidance, counseling, and religious education to incarcerated individuals. He also supports Muslim students as a chaplain at Queen’s University. A Montreal native of Lebanese descent, he is currently pursuing a Bachelor’s in Islamic Sciences with Al-Azhar University. In addition to his chaplaincy work, he is a certified self-defense instructor and black belt martial artist, combining faith, knowledge, and discipline to serve his community.
Joe Brathwaite is a seasoned parole officer with over 30 years of experience supporting the reintegration of formerly incarcerated individuals. He specializes in connecting parolees with employment, housing, and community resources, promoting rehabilitation and public safety. In 2022, he received the Platinum Jubilee Community Service Award for advancing equity in the corrections system, and in 2023-2024, he was honored with the Emerson Douyon Multiculturalism Award for his dedication to inclusive correctional practices.
Omar Ortiz is a formerly incarcerated individual who has transformed his life through faith, education, and mentorship. While in prison, he embraced Islam and committed himself to self-improvement and service to others. Even before his conversion, he was dedicated to personal growth and uplifting those around him. During his incarceration, he earned both his high school diploma and a post-secondary diploma in Religious Studies. As a former inmate leader and mentor, Omar now works to support at-risk youth and individuals transitioning back into society, helping them navigate challenges and build a brighter future.
Warren Abbey is a former gang member who has transformed his life into one of mentorship, entrepreneurship, and advocacy. While incarcerated, he authored Honour Thy Brother, an urban crime novel set in Malvern, Toronto. Since reintegrating into society, he has launched multiple successful businesses across Ontario and is developing a nonprofit to support at-risk youth. Warren has been featured in films, interviews, and podcasts—including Let the Quran Speak—using his platform to inspire change. His journey is a testament to resilience, second chances, and the power of mentorship in transforming lives.
Humza Ali holds a bachelor's degree in Psychology, Neuroscience, and Behaviour from McMaster University and is pursuing a master’s in Psychotherapy and Spiritual Care at the University of Toronto. As a therapist at NORMM, he integrates Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) and Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT) to provide culturally and religiously sensitive care, creating a safe and empathetic space for clients to navigate emotional challenges and find meaningful solutions.
Imam Khalid Patel serves as a chaplain in provincial and federal institutions across Ontario, providing spiritual care, counselling, and religious guidance to incarcerated individuals. Through chaplaincy and community outreach, he supports personal growth, rehabilitation, and faith-based reintegration, helping individuals reconnect with their faith and build a better future.
Imam Ramzy Ajem is NORMM's founder and lead therapist with CTIO Certification. He has over 20 years experience in the field of Islamic Education, curriculum development and CVE. He has served as a CSC chaplain and has been recognized by the corrections and justice community for his success in rehabilitating offenders with terrorism related charges. Imam Ramzy is supported by a team of Imams, scholars, researchers and mentors who help released individuals lead responsible, productive and accountable lives.