​Build from our values. Build for the world.

​About the event

​What does it really mean to be a builder?

​Is it limited to solely launching a tech startup, developing an app or creating the latest enterprise solution?

​Or can we use these mediums, within our respective disciplines, to transform the systems and societies around us?

​This event brings together five Muslim leaders from different backgrounds who share one common thread: their work extends beyond solving the immediate problem in front of them. Each has used their discipline to influence communities, institutions and the systems they operate within.

​Through five distinct stories, this conversation expands our understanding of what it means to be a founder or builder.

​The goal of this event is to think beyond short-term solutions. We want to consider how our Islamic values can guide us in building work that serves something greater than ourselves and meaningfully changes the world around us.

​From technology to storytelling to politics to art to justice. Muslims can build the systems society needs; rooted in our values, for the world.

​About the speakers

​Dr. Mohamad Sawwaf is the Co-Founder and CEO of Manzil, a Canadian Islamic fintech company creating Shariah-compliant financial solutions, including home financing and investment products. He holds a doctorate in Islamic finance, an MBA specializing in finance from the University of Toronto’s Rotman School of Management and an MSc in Corporate Governance. His work demonstrates what it can look like to build financial infrastructure around a community’s values rather than asking that community to compromise them.

​Fares Al Soud is a Palestinian-Canadian Member of Parliament for Mississauga Centre, elected in 2025. As one of Canada’s youngest MPs, he brings a fresh perspective to federal politics. Before his election, Al Soud worked as a Policy Advisor in the Minister’s Office at Fisheries and Oceans Canada, engaging with stakeholders on fisheries, environment, and infrastructure issues. He is a passionate advocate for youth involvement, diversity, and inclusion in government, aiming to amplify young Canadians’ voices in decision-making.

​Yasin Osman is a Toronto-based photographer, visual storyteller and the Founder of Shoot For Peace. Founded in 2015, the organization uses art, mentorship and accessible creative programming to support underserved youth and strengthen communities. Yasin’s photography has appeared in publications including Maclean’s and VICE, and he is also a regular cartoon contributor to The New Yorker. His work illustrates how storytelling and artistic expression can become tools for healing, representation and community transformation.

​Umair Ashraf is the Executive Director of The Canadian-Muslim Vote, a non-partisan organization working to strengthen Muslim civic engagement and political participation across Canada. He brings more than a decade of experience in consulting, operations, campaign management and community mobilization. Through voter education, leadership development and national organizing, his work explores how communities can turn shared concerns into sustained civic action and meaningful public influence.

​Zubair Patel is the Director of Strategic Initiatives and Partnerships at BHive, where he works across economic development, startup incubation and partnerships supporting entrepreneurs entering and growing within the Canadian market. He previously served as Director of Community Outreach in the Office of the Prime Minister of Canada. His experience across government, business and innovation offers a perspective on how ideas move from communities into institutions, partnerships and systems with broader public impact.

​About Pillars Network ​

​Pillars Network is a Canadian Muslim movement building spaces and programs for Islamic education, professional growth and cross-sector collaboration. We exist to bring Canadian Muslims into the same rooms to learn, connect, upskill and collaborate around what we are responsible for building together. ​Questions? Email the Pillars Network team or reach out to the Co-Founders directly: Afifa, Muhib or Nabeeha.

​About Urban Alliance

​Thank you to Urban Alliance, our funding partner.

​Urban Alliance on Race Relations is a non-profit charitable organization that works primarily and proactively with the community, public and private sectors to provide educational programs and research, which are critical in addressing racism in society.

​About Shoot For Peace

​Thank you to Shoot For Peace, our venue partner.

​Shoot For Peace is a non-profit organization with the mission of community healing through art. They aim to deliver community programming that makes art accessible to underserved youth and launch a generation of storytellers empowered by their identities and experiences, prepared for success.