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Sam Jisri
Executive Director at (SAV Canada 🇨🇦 ) Settlement & Integration Agency
Professional Background
Sam Jisri has made a profound impact as the Executive Director of Syrian Active Volunteers (SAV), a prominent non-profit organization focused on providing vital aid and support to incoming refugees and immigrants settling in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA). With a passion for humanitarian work and extensive experience in community engagement, Sam has dedicated his career to creating robust support systems that empower displaced individuals.
Before his instrumental role at SAV, Sam actively volunteered in Syrian refugee camps located in Turkey, Lebanon, and Jordan. During these transformative experiences, he provided essential support to those who had fled their war-torn countries, showcasing his commitment to humanitarianism. His efforts included translating for several news outlets to raise awareness about the dire conditions faced by these refugees, effectively giving a voice to the vulnerable populations in need. Through his blogging, he established a platform that allowed refugees to share their own narratives and experiences, bridging gaps between cultures and fostering understanding.
His impactful work caught the attention of Maclean's Magazine, which provided him with the opportunity to document his daily voluntary efforts in detail. Sam's unwavering dedication to the refugee cause was recognized with an honor from COSTI Immigration, a testament to his significant contributions to the community. In recognition of the organization's mission and accomplishments, SAV was officially accredited by the Governor-General of Canada, highlighting the profound importance of their initiatives.
In addition to his humanitarian role, Sam Jisri is also a skilled entrepreneur, educator, and manager, successfully navigating the complexities of launching an organization that offers support to incoming refugees and immigrants in Mississauga, Ontario. His innovative thinking and leadership qualities have allowed him to cultivate the necessary skills to build a fully functioning support system that aids those in transition.”
Education and Achievements
Sam's educational background is as diverse as his professional journey. He commenced his studies in Arts and Digital Graphics, earning his degree in Commercial and Advertising Art from the International Academy of Design. In pursuit of broader knowledge, he went on to study Business Administration at the T S OF Business, coupled with further studies in Global Development through Continuing Education at Queens University. His strong academic foundation has bolstered his professional endeavors and provided him with valuable insights high for future challenges.
Among his notable achievements, Sam established the SAV as a voluntary organization ahead of the Syrian refugees' arrival in Canada during December 2015. He took on the responsibility of renting a sizable center for accepting donations, including clothing, shoes, non-perishable food items, and essentials for infants, demonstrating extraordinary foresight and community-oriented thinking.
Sam's hands-on formative experiences do not end there. He played a crucial role in welcoming Syrian refugees to Toronto, facilitating their transition into a new life. Sam and several dedicated volunteers provided transportation services, translation, and moral support, fostering a nurturing environment that instilled hope in the newcomers.
Additionally, he has been an active member of the Syrian Advisory Council, where he continues to contribute his insights and leadership to further the cause of Syrian refugees in Canada."
Other Relevant Experience
In previous years, Sam was the President of the Syrian Community Centre, holding a pivotal position where he was actively involved in fortifying the Syrian community in the region. His leadership skills not only enhanced community engagement but also expanded outreach efforts.
His entrepreneurial acumen shines through various leadership roles in several businesses. Positioned as the former Executive Director at Syrian Active Volunteers, Sam's strategic approach shaped the organization's vision and mission to support refugees. Moreover, he served as the Director & CEO at EMAR Group Corp., showcasing his capacity to lead companies toward success while maintaining a philanthropic outlook.
His background also highlights experience as an investor at Outlet-Direct Fashion & Accessories, alongside a commendable tenure as a Computer Graphic Teacher at Canadian Certified Computer Training (CCCT). This role allowed him to pass on his expertise to aspiring designers and artists, further advocating for education and skill development.
As a former Art Director at E&H Event Horizons Corp. and IPIX Solutions, Sam leveraged his artistic talents and creative vision to impact digital art and graphic design significantly. These roles required not just creativity but also managerial skills, underscoring his multifaceted abilities. Furthermore, his early career experiences as an Assistant Sales Manager at Tip Top Tailors and as a Sales Person at Stitches Creation Inc. provided him with firsthand knowledge of the retail industry, enhancing his entrepreneurial insights.
Through all these various roles, Sam Jisri has lived a rich tapestry of experiences, each thread reinforcing his vision to serve and uplift those around him.
Community Engagement
Sam's commitment extends beyond individual responsibilities. By empowering volunteers and fostering community involvement, he has helped create a network of support services tailored to the unique challenges faced by refugees. His ability to collaborate with different stakeholders—from government agencies to non-profit organizations—has been vital in addressing the multifaceted needs of Syrian immigrants in Canada. Sam continues to advocate for policies and initiatives that protect the rights and dignity of refugees, ensuring that their voices are heard and their stories shared.
tags:[
humanitarian work
community engagement
refugee support
entrepreneur
educator
non-profit organization
SAV
Greater Toronto Area
COSTI Immigration
Syrian Advisory Council
Maclean's Magazine
digital graphics
business administration
refugee camps
volunteer
activist
immigrant assistance
arts and digital graphics
global development
Location
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