Connecting Member Organizations, Creating Change

For over four decades, our primary goal has been to provide a common structure that meets the religious, cultural, and social needs of the North American Shia Ithna-Asheri community.

Beyond our borders, we act as a bridge, strengthening ties with worldwide partners, including the World Federation, to ensure our community remains globally connected.

Become a member

Mission & Vision

Guided by Purpose, Powered by Community

The NASIMCO team is committed to transforming our federation into a dynamic, future-focused body rooted in faith and fuelled by purpose.

United in Purpose

We are deepening our bonds of unity to elevate the organization as a beacon of service, laying a strong foundation for the next generation.

Uniting Regional Communities
Engaging the Grassroots
Global Collaboration
Transparency

Meet the Board of Directors (2025–2028)

Representing all Tiers of Membership, from Austin, to Vancouver, Orlando to Toronto

Abbas Bandali

President
Austin, TX

Mohsin Kassam

VIce President USA
Minneapolis, MN

Mohamed-Hassan Alidina

Vice President Canada
Vancouver, BC

Mohamed-Hasan Alidina

Vice President – Canada

Mohamed-Hassan is a bilingual IT Project Manager with 16+ years of experience leading enterprise technology initiatives across cloud, infrastructure, and application domains. He has a proven track record delivering multi-million-dollar projects, improving operational efficiency, and driving digital transformation. He is an expert in GitHub migrations, GKE, API development, and cross-functional team leadership.

Mohamed-Hassan is an accomplished team builder and mentor, known for fostering collaboration across cross-functional teams and guiding vendors through successful implementations. His background includes strong PMO governance, risk management, and the use of Agile and Waterfall methodologies. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science and a Certificate in Applied Project Management. He is passionate about leveraging technology to solve real-world problems, empower teams, and create lasting value.

Femida Dharsee

Secretary General
New York, NY

Femida Dharsee – Secretary General

Since 2019, Femida has been a dedicated member of the Center on Islamic Learning (CIL) under NASIMCO, leading initiatives in the Qur’an and Relationships & Self-Education (RSE) portfolios. In these initiatives, she has collaborated closely with the Madrasah Centre of Excellence (MCE) under the World Federation (WF) to promote accessible, faith-centered learning.

Driven by a deep passion for community service, Femida has been an active contributor to the Shia Ithna-Asheri Jamaat of New York (SIJNY) since 2002, in the capacities of Social Programs Coordinator, Vice Chairlady, and Chair of the Islamic Education Board (IEB), where she has played a key role in shaping educational and social programming within the community.

Professionally, Femida brings over 17 years of experience in healthcare and 8 years in academic and administrative leadership. She currently serves in a leadership position for a nationwide evidence-based health program, where she combines her clinical knowledge with strategic insight to enhance program outcomes and drive innovation.

Beyond her local commitments, Femida actively participates in global medical missions, offering her healthcare expertise through organizations such as NYRN Missions (USA), IMI USA, and the Global Kindness/NYOTA Foundations, serving vulnerable populations with compassion and care.

Ali Raza Jaffer

Treasurer
Toronto, ON

Ali Raza Jaffer – Treasurer

Ali Raza Jaffer is a seasoned finance professional with over 25 years of experience in accounting, tax, advisory, and CFO functions. A Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA), he leads successful CPA practices in Richmond Hill and Mississauga, where he has built a reputation for financial stewardship, risk management, and strategic planning. His work has guided small to mid-sized businesses, investors, and high-net-worth individuals toward sustainable growth and stability.

With deep expertise across accounting, finance, tax planning, and regulatory compliance, Ali Raza has worked with organizations in diverse industries including real estate, wholesale, manufacturing, retail, construction, charities, not-for-profits, and health care. He served 5 years as a Board of Director member of As Sadiq Islamic School in the capacity of Secretary and Treasurer. This breadth of experience has allowed him to strengthen operations, enhance accountability, and build long-term financial resilience for various organizations he has served.

As Treasurer, he is committed to applying his skills to support the vision of the growing Shia communities across North America, ensuring sound financial management, transparency, and sustainability in service to the community.

Jawad Kanani

Director – Center of Islamic Learning
Montreal, QC

Jawad Kanani – Center of Islamic Learning

Jawad Kanani is a finance professional with extensive experience at Deloitte (2012–2015) and in various finance roles at Novartis Pharmaceuticals since 2015. Alongside his career, he has been deeply engaged in community service, including serving on the Board of Education at SHIA Madressah Montreal (2015–2023) and as a North America Tarbiya Teacher Trainer since 2018. He currently sits on the Board of Muslim Awareness Week and serves as an External Advisor to the Board of Directors at Académie Nour.

Irshad Dhalla

Director – Tableegh
Chambly, QC

Irshad Dhalla – Tabligh, Marketing

Irshad leads the Technical Support team at a global content and technology company and is based in Montreal, Canada. Irshad gets to blend his passion for technology with a genuine drive to help others; both professionally and in my community. He speaks multiple languages, including English and French, which allows him to connect with people from diverse backgrounds. Irshad has been actively involved in community service since his teenage years and has proudly served on various boards for over a decade.

Kulsum Dharamshi

Director – Shia Matchmaking
Toronto, ON

Kulsum Dharamshi – Shia Matchmaking and Events

Kulsum Dharamshi is an accomplished administrative professional with over 30 years of experience, complemented by extensive service within the community. She has held key leadership roles including Editor-in-Chief of Jaffari News, Editor of Our Legacy, and Tabligh Lead on the Ladies Committee of the Jaffari Community Centre. At the organizational level, she has served as a Board Member and Secretary General of NASIMCO, and is the Founder and Lead of North American Shia Matchmaking. Kulsum also contributes her skills as Assistant to the ISIJ Ladies Chair, continuing her long-standing commitment to strengthening community engagement and services.

Sadiq Datoo

Director – External Engagement
Minneapolis, MN

Sadiq Datoo – WF Initiatives and External Engagement, Tiger Task Force

Sadiq Datoo – WF Initiatives and External Engagement, Tiger Task Force

Sadiq Datoo was born and raised in London, UK as part of the Hujjat Stanmore community. After graduating from King’s College London School of Pharmacy, he and his wife moved to Milton Keynes before immigrating to Minnesota, USA in 2007 where he now lives with his wife and two children. Sadiq’s passion for community service started in his teenage years when he was a volunteer in Stanmore Jamaat as well as a Madressa teacher. He was also a mentor in several community youth camps organized by COEJ. During his time in Milton Keynes, Sadiq held his first EC position as Secretary of Milton Keynes Jamaat. Sadiq is currently the President of Minnesota Jamaat and an Elected Councilor of the World Federation.

Sadiq is honored to have the opportunity to serve as a Director of NASIMCO where he hopes to work on projects in collaboration with the World Federation for the benefit of all NASIMCO members.

Sukaina Alibhai

Director – Capacity Building
Toronto, ON

Sukaina Alibhai – Capacity Building

Sukaina Alibhai has been an active member of her community for many years, with a strong commitment to personal growth and leadership development. She has designed and facilitated numerous personal development workshops, and her community service has included working with youths and facilitating retreats. She has served as a counselor with the Az-Zahra Camps, as well as a facilitator at NASIMCO Youth Retreats.

Over the last decade, Sukaina has been deeply involved with the NASIMCO Leadership Development Program (LDP). She began as a student in Toronto and, after completing further training including the Facilitator and Mentoring course, she has since facilitated multiple LDP cohorts. Today, she leads the LDP initiative, ensuring that participants across North America are equipped with the tools to grow as leaders within their communities. As the LDP Lead for NASIMCO, Sukaina is committed to fostering leadership capacity and personal growth across Muslim communities in North America.

Ali Al-Samak

Director – Youth
Vancouver, BC

Ali Al-Samak – Youth, Tiger Task Force, Marketing

Ali Al-Samak is a five year call to the British Columbia bar. He is currently working as a civil litigation lawyer in the area of commercial/corporate, employment and human rights law. Ali volunteers with various youth organizations in the Lower Mainland including Muslim Youth in Motion as well as being Vice Principal for Al-Kawthar Madrasah. When he has free time, he likes to spend it with his two sons playing soccer or going out to parks.

Shazia Jivraj

Director – Career and Professional Development
New York, NY

Shazia Jivraj – Career and Professional Development

Originally from Toronto and now based in New York, Shazia Jivraj brings a lifelong commitment to community service and a passion for youth empowerment and development.

She has held numerous leadership roles within the community, including serving as a Madressa teacher, Head of Parent and Youth Programming at the Al-Husseini Madressa, Leadership Development Program (LDP) facilitator, and Special Events Lead (including Career and Professional Development).

She is also a former Treasurer of the Al Mahdi Center and currently serves on the NY Jaffery Juniors leadership team, as well as being a U16 girls’ soccer coach.

Shazia is deeply committed to creating meaningful, inclusive spaces that foster growth and connection. Her passion lies in engaging community members through dynamic programming that nurtures both individual development and collective progress.

In the broader community, she volunteers on the Council of the Museum of the Moving Image and has served on various Parent-Teacher Associations at her children’s schools.

Professionally, Shazia is a Chartered Accountant (CA) and Certified Public Accountant (CPA), balancing her career with her most important role as a mother of two teenagers.

Shaista Bhimji

Director – Health and Wellness
Orlando, FL

Shaista Bhimji – Health & Wellness

Shaista Bhimji is a certified health and wellness coach and the founder of Ni’mah Health, bringing a deep commitment to holistic well-being to her role leading NASIMCO’s Health and Wellness portfolio. With a strong foundation in evidence-based practices, she specializes in creating tailored wellness programs that seamlessly integrate nutrition, physical activity, and mental health. Dedicated to inclusivity and accessibility, Shaista empowers individuals and diverse communities through interactive workshops, personalized coaching, and targeted resources. Her mission within NASIMCO is to inspire sustainable personal growth and ensure that optimal health and balanced living are achievable and enjoyable for all community members.

Our Dedicated Staff

With decades of experience working with, and for our communities.

Shifa Abbas

Chief Administrative Officer
Toronto, ON

Shifa Abbas – Chief Administrative Officer

Shifa Abbas is the Chief Administrative Officer at NASIMCO and a nonprofit professional with extensive experience in humanitarian and philanthropic work across local and global contexts. She holds a Master of Arts in Religion, Culture, and Global Justice from Wilfrid Laurier University as well as a Masters of Education from Medaille College. Before joining NASIMCO, Shifa was a Gender Development Officer at the USAID Projet d’Employabilite in Djibouti, Global Coordinator at Imamia Medics International and Fundraising and Program Manager at Ansaar Foundation. She has worked across research, education, and community development spaces for the past 10 years. Shifa has a strong background in youth engagement, international development, and nonprofit leadership, grounded in both academic rigor and on-the-ground impact.

Fatma Khakoo

Secretariat
Toronto, ON

Fatma Khakoo – Secretariat

Fatma Khakoo leads the Secretariat Desk at NASIMCO, a role she has held since 2019. She is an integral part of the organization’s program management framework, playing a central role in the planning, coordination, and implementation of NASIMCO’s activities at both local and global levels. Fatma works closely with internal teams, volunteers, and stakeholders to ensure programs are delivered efficiently and in alignment with organizational objectives. Her strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and commitment to execution have made her a key contributor to the smooth functioning and impact of NASIMCO’s initiatives.

Mohamed Mohsin Khimji

Accounts
Toronto, ON

Mohamed Mohsin Khimji – Accounts

Mohamed Mohsin Khimji is the Accounts Manager at NASIMCO, where he has been an integral part of the organization since 2009. As one of NASIMCO’s foundational staff members, he brings deep institutional knowledge and long-standing experience that contribute significantly to the organization’s operational and financial continuity. Mohamed oversees the accounting department with a strong focus on accuracy, compliance, and effective financial management. He also plays a key role in governance processes, including managing Board handovers and supporting other governance-related functions, ensuring smooth transitions and organizational stability. His commitment, reliability, and expertise have made him a trusted pillar within NASIMCO over the years.