ISMAIL MOHAMED
Kitchener
Summary
Experienced community development professional with over 15 years of success in fostering equitable outcomes for marginalized communities. Skilled in tenant and community relations, policy development, and program facilitation. Adept at navigating municipal and non-profit environments, building partnerships, and advocating for diverse populations to enhance social and housing services. Committed to promoting inclusive, culturally responsive engagement that strengthens communities and improves housing access.
Overview
13
13
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Community Centre Facilitator
City of Kitchener
12.2014 - Current
- Develop and implement culturally competent programming to serve diverse communities
- Engage residents, tenants, and stakeholders to ensure equitable access to services
- Advocate for housing and social services improvements by liaising with municipal agencies
- Mediate conflicts and provide crisis support to individuals facing housing insecurity
- Represent the City at community roundtables to strengthen partnerships and service delivery
- Built rapport with diverse groups of stakeholders by demonstrating empathy, active listening skills, and cultural competence during facilitated sessions.
- Initiated partnerships with local organizations to broaden reach and impact of community programs.
- Strengthened community relations by organizing events that brought together diverse groups for dialogue and learning.
- Drove dispute resolutions using effective problem-solving and by guiding mutual understanding of opposing viewpoints.
Interim Executive Director / Community Developer
Hunt Club/Riverside Community Services Centre
01.2015 - 01.2018
- Managed tenant and community relations, ensuring equitable service access
- Developed and led housing and social programs to assist low-income families
- Established partnerships with local agencies to improve community engagement and housing supports
- Supervised staff, oversaw budget allocations, and developed operational strategies
- Worked closely with organizational leadership and board of directors to guide operational strategy.
- Built relationships with donors, government officials and other organizations to secure funding and support for organization.
- Negotiated contracts with vendors, securing favorable terms while adhering to budgetary constraints.
- Collaborated with external organizations including non-profits, businesses and government agencies to create mutually beneficial partnerships.
Policy Advisor
Public Safety Canada
06.2012 - 11.2014
- Researched and developed national policies addressing hate crimes and safety concerns for marginalized communities
- Provided recommendations on systemic barriers in federal departments including RCMP, CBSA, and Immigration Canada
- Advised on housing-related policies impacting vulnerable populations
- Drafted and presented reports outlining policy actions.
- Facilitated constructive dialogue among stakeholders through roundtable discussions, workshops, and focus groups.
Education
MBA - Business Administration And Management
Master of Business Administration
Edinburgh School Of Business, Herriot Watt Diploma - Electronic Engineering
Algonquin College
Ottawa, ON04-2003
Skills
- Tenant and Community Relations
- Equity, Diversity & Inclusion (EDI)
- Policy & Program Development
- Stakeholder Engagement & Partnership Building
- Crisis Intervention & Conflict Resolution
- Municipal & Non-Profit Sector Experience
- Housing Services & Advocacy
- Strategic Planning & Problem-Solving
- Budgeting & Resource Allocation
- Staff Hiring, Supervision & Training
- Community outreach
- Project management
Volunteer And Community Engagement
- Founder, EthicTalent – Connecting organizations with diverse professionals for inclusive hiring practices.
- Active participant in housing policy forums and tenant advocacy groups.
- Mentor for newcomers navigating housing and employment challenges.
Languages
English
Native or Bilingual
Somali
Native or Bilingual
Arabic
Limited Working
Certification
- Trauma-Informed Training City of Kitchener
- Neigbourhood Capacity-Building, Community Development Framework Training - 2010
- Project Management Certificate. IBM Leadership Training - 2010
Timeline
Interim Executive Director / Community Developer
Hunt Club/Riverside Community Services Centre
01.2015 - 01.2018
Community Centre Facilitator
City of Kitchener
12.2014 - Current
Policy Advisor
Public Safety Canada
06.2012 - 11.2014
MBA - Business Administration And Management
Master of Business Administration
Diploma - Electronic Engineering
Algonquin College
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