About Us

Executive Director of Aman Lara

Jon Feltham served 23 years in the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF). Jon predominately spent most of his career with Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry; he is also fond of his time with the Royal Canadian Regiment. Throughout his career, he deployed on numerous international operations in the Former Yugoslavia, Afghanistan, and Cyprus. Upon retirement in 2018, Jon desired to accentuate his career by converging it with the power of education and completed a number of programs from the Health and Safety and Project Management lens, both from the University of British Columbia and University of New Brunswick. However, he didn't fulfill the need he desired, and he applied and completed a Master's Degree in Interdisciplinary Studies from Royal Roads University in Victoria, BC. Since his retirement from the CAF, Jon has done an abundance of research on Afghanistan. Jon has also become an enormous advocate for veterans, having done plenty of research on soldiers in transition. Now he has become a champion in advocating for Afghans whose lives instantly became at risk in early 2021 with the end of Western operations in the country, which saw the collapse of the government and subsequent fall back to the hands of the Taliban regime he once engaged in combat operations against. Jon is a humanitarian and researcher at heart, but he is also a true professional leader who desires to set a model example for the veteran community.

Julia Aitken, Program and Communications Director

Julia is a valuable asset to the Aman Lara team, bringing over 23 years of professional experience to the table. Her extensive expertise includes project/program management and implementation, project research and evaluation, performance measurement, strategic planning and communication, governance review, stakeholder consultation and engagement, talent management and strategic human resources, as well as organizational assessment.

Julia's passion for social justice and transformation is evident in her work with a diverse range of private, public, and not-for-profit clients. Her work has revolved around reshaping and implementing various programs, policies, and initiatives designed to amplify positive impacts at individual, community, and global levels. Her primary areas of focus include diversity, equity, inclusion, gender equality, public and mental health, community services, personal and professional development, and fostering supportive organizational cultures.

In addition to her consulting skills, Julia has a keen eye for branding and design. She is an expert in visual storytelling, digital layout and design, and web and online community development (including course creation). By thoughtfully and intentionally crafting brand visuals and content, Julia creates authentic and compelling narratives that convey an organization's story, highlight their value and impact, and inspire confidence. Ultimately, Julia aims to create meaningful narratives that connect humanity and drive positive change.

Julia holds a Bachelor of Arts (Psychology) from the University of Ottawa.

Administrative Assistant and Project Coordinator
Thalia’s career journey is marked by diversity and a wealth of experience in the medical field as a Registered Nurse. She has a strong focus on patient-centric care, and her extensive nursing experience has given her an understanding of the importance of a holistic approach, addressing various dimensions such as biophysical, psychological, emotional, social, cultural, and spiritual. She believes that this comprehensive approach is essential in meeting individuals' needs, including the broader health determinants that influence and impact their overall health.

Thalia's commitment to Aman Lara’s humanitarian cause stems from a seven-year tenure at a non-governmental organization serving Canadian Veterans. Her experience gave her a deeper understanding of the community's ties to Afghanistan, and she understands the profound impact that humanitarian crises have on refugees. She is naturally compelled to support those in need during crises, which makes her an excellent addition to our team.

As part of our team, Thalia's role extends beyond administrative support. She actively contributes to the team's collaborative approach and enhances the organization's mission execution by leveraging her versatile skills. Thalia's enthusiasm, empathy, and steadfast commitment to effecting positive change underscore her role in supporting the team and advancing the organization's mission.

Team Leader - Operational Communicator - Afghanistan

Zabiullah worked as a linguist and cultural advisor for the Canadian Armed forces for 3 years in Kandahar, Afghanistan. He subsequently worked for four years recruiting new employees and managing over 600 locally employed interpreters throughout Afghanistan for ISAF and has certifications in the use of Microsoft Office and data management. Zabiullah is proficient in Dari, Pashto, and English.

Zabiullah was evacuated from Afghanistan in Aug 2021 and now leads Aman Lara’s team of operational communicators, focused on Afghanistan. He works from Ottawa, Ontario. He and his team provide regular updates to the applicants in Afghanistan. He is deeply knowledgeable about the applicant community in Afghanistan, specifically their needs with regard to IRCC and travel documentation status.

Program Manager
Nadia Hashimi serves as the Program Manager at Aman Lara, where she provides vital Afghan case management and support to clients worldwide. An Afghan-born expert, Nadia possesses the unique ability to communicate with clients in their own languages, allowing for more effective and culturally sensitive support.

Nadia is a seasoned international development expert with a strong background in international policy and development, specializing in gender equality, education, human and women's rights, public administration, and project management. Holding a master's degree in International Policy and Development and professional certificates in data science and program management, Nadia's career is marked by a commitment to positive change and empowerment. She has excelled in different roles in international organizations globally, and as CEO & Independent Consultant at Sayed & Nadia Consultancy Inc., where she offers consulting services to nonprofit organizations and private companies. Nadia's remarkable accomplishments also include her work at The World Bank Group and contributions to women's empowerment programs, as well as her extensive educational background. With a deep dedication to advocacy and international development, Nadia Hashimi continues to make a meaningful impact on social policy issues worldwide.

Operational Communicator - Afghanistan

Quadratullah Haqmal has 5 years of experience in Project management working with Humanitarian Action for the People of Afghanistan as an Emergency Regional Project Manager, assisting Afghans in need through the provision of food shelter, and other resources. He has a High School Diploma from HMN High School Kandahar, Afghanistan; and has multiple certifications in information technology. Quadratullah was evacuated from Afghanistan in Aug 2021 and is now one of Aman Lara’s operational communicators, focused on Afghanistan. He works from Ottawa, Ontario. In conjunction with the team, he provides regular updates to applicants in Afghanistan. He is deeply knowledgeable about the applicant community in Afghanistan, specifically their needs with regard to IRCC and travel documentation status.

Resettlement Director of Aman Lara

Five years ago Wendy Long started Afghan Canadian Interpreters and has worked tirelessly in support of Afghans who served in support of Canada’s Mission in Afghanistan. In March of 2022 Afghan Canadian Interpreters joined forces with Aman Lara and Wendy is now our Resettlement Director. She leads a team who communicates with Afghans who are approved and have started their journey to come to Canada to ensure that they are connected with the right resettlement resources upon arrival. She is also enabling volunteer mentorship relationships between Canadians and Afghans to support connections between pre-existing resettlement resources and new Canadians.

In his role as Strategic Operations Officer at Aman Lara, Mohammad oversees significant projects' impact and sustainability. His fundamental role is critical in the mission to create a permanent immigration pathway for vulnerable Afghans and evacuating high-risk Afghans to safety, including their resettlement in Canada. Being an Afghan-Canadian with a decade of service at the United Nations and NGOs in Afghanistan, he has managed essential Immigration, humanitarian and development projects. A Master’s in Public Policy, and Law from York University further solidifies his expertise. This education, paired with his hands-on experience in Immigration and refugee, humanitarian aid and international development, provides him with a distinct set of skills and insights. Mohammad is dedicated to utilizing his background to profoundly impact the lives of those confronting severe adversities, ensuring they find safe havens and new opportunities.

Site Reliability Engineer
A military veteran who served overseas in Iraq, Cameron transitioned into the tech industry after completing the University of Ottawa's Coding for Veterans program in 2021. His exceptional leadership skills and attention to detail were honed during his time in the Canadian Armed Forces, where he was responsible for leading and ensuring that all unit standards were met. With his unique background and experience, Cameron is a highly valuable asset to the Aman Lara team.

Operational Communicator- Afghanistan

Fida Mohammad Zaki graduated with a master’s degree in Agricultural Science from the Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi, India. He also has certifications in teaching, Information Technology, and Management. Fida Mohammad worked as an Interpreter with the Canadian Armed forces for 2 years. He has also worked with for the Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC) as a livelihood and food security officer. He also worked as an inventory controller at ANHAM FCOZ International Food Industry from 2013 to 2014 at the Kandahar Airfield in Afghanistan. Fida Mohammad was evacuated from Afghanistan in Aug 2021 and one of Aman Lara’s operational communicators focused on Afghanistan. He works from Ottawa, Ontario. In conjunction with the team, he provides regular updates to applicants in Afghanistan. He is deeply knowledgeable about the applicant community in Afghanistan, specifically their needs with regard to IRCC and travel documentation status.

Communications and Special Projects Coordinator

Nelly recently joined Aman Lara as the Communications and Special Projects Coordinator.

Nelly's keen interest in International Development earned her a bachelor’s degree in international relations and political science from the University of British Columbia and a master’s in African studies from the University of Oxford. After her studies, she worked at the World Bank, where she crafted compelling narratives and leveraged digital platforms to amplify impactful development initiatives.

Nelly is eager to harness her expertise to create meaningful social change through innovative communications strategies.