Our Team

Jobran is a community leader and advocate for peace with expertise in political science and international development.

He has a background in engineering and business and has completed two Master's degrees, one in post-war studies at the University of York in the UK and another in Political Science at York University in Toronto, Canada.

In addition to his academic pursuits, Jobran is a passionate self-starter and entrepreneur who co-founded Common Ground community house in 2018.

Through this initiative, he helps newcomers and Canadians build a shared identity as citizens in Canada through civic engagement, community participation, economic empowerment, and self-care.

He also believes in the transformative power of art to bring people together and heal societal divisions. 

Jobran is responsible for providing overall leadership and strategic direction, ensuring the organization fulfills its mandate to serve newcomers and refugees in Canada, overseeing board meetings, and representing the organization in external relations and partnerships. 

Eyas is a dedicated community worker and board member of the Common Ground community house.

In addition to his work in the community, Eyas is a PMP-certified project manager with a strong foundation in both technical and business principles.

He holds a MicroMaster in Supply Chain Management from MIT and a degree in mechanical engineering from Damascus University.

With over 10 years of experience in retail display manufacturing, Eyas has a proven track record of delivering successful projects on time and within budget.

His expertise includes supply chain management, product development, and client relationship management, and he is passionate about driving continuous improvement and leveraging innovative technologies to drive business growth. 

Eyas supports the President in their responsibilities, assists in the development and implementation of organizational strategies, acts as a liaison between the board and other stakeholders, and assumes the President's duties in their absence, ensuring the organization's commitment to serving newcomers and refugees is upheld. 

Wafi is a founding member of Common Ground Community House and an advocate for diversity and inclusion.

He has a background in electronics and computer engineering from Damascus University and a Micromaster in Supply Chain Management from MIT.

Wafi is also a member of the Professional Engineers of Ontario and is currently pursuing an MBA from the Schulich School of Business with a focus on finance and strategy in non-profit organizations.

In addition to his professional pursuits, Wafi is passionate about social good and has volunteered as a clown for children with cancer, taught music therapy to kids with special needs, and worked as a kitchen assistant at open door meals at churches. 

Wafi is responsible for overseeing the financial management of the organization, including budgeting, financial reporting, and ensuring compliance with financial regulations. They provide financial guidance to the board, monitor the organization's financial health, and ensure resources are allocated appropriately to support the mission of serving newcomers and refugees 

May Tartoussy is a settlement worker fluent in both official languages of Canada: English and French, with over a decade of experience working with organizations and teams providing support and stability services to newcomers. May holds a Bachelor's degree in French Literature from Damascus University and a Marketing Management certificate from York University, reflecting her commitment to lifelong learning. May specializes in designing approaches that aim to break barriers and stereotypes, providing specialized guidance to internationally experienced professionals in the Canadian job market. Outside of work, May volunteers in initiatives supporting Arab theater projects in Canada, and also enjoys acting on stage, participating in artistic endeavors that enhance communication with the community.