About us
Our Story
SPAN-EA was founded by Syrian professionals with the vision of assisting international Syrian professionals in navigating the licensing process in Canada without having to struggle alone. Since its inception in 2014, we have grown into a network of Arab professionals who volunteer and support newly arriving Arab professionals from various fields in integrating their careers into the Canadian workforce. We are now a fully registered non-profit organization. Our dedicated board and teams strive to contribute to Canada by leveraging the pool of skilled international professionals who face challenges in finding their place in the workplace.
Our goal is to empower international professionals, regardless of background, to enhance their opportunities in Canada through research, education, team building, and other necessary skill sets that contribute to the profession and the built environment in Canada. We also serve as a hub for collaboration and knowledge exchange.
Joining SPAN-EA means becoming part of a family of like-minded professionals who share a passion for success, excellence, and growth.
Meet Our Board Members
Loloa Alkasawat
Founder, Chair and Treasurer
Loloa is a licensed architect in the Ontario Association of Architects, OAA and currently serves as a councilor member of the association . She holds a Master degree in Enviromental Studies, PMP certification and is LEED certified. Loloa has over 20 yrs of experience in the architectural field, and has been mentoring intern architects and assisting internationally trained professionals since 2010 and is the founding member of SPAN Engineers and Architects, SPAN-EA. Loloa volunteers in many community initiatives and was a participant in the Community Leadership Program of in the Regional Diversity Roundtable of Peel (RDR).
ObadahAldalaty
President
Obadah has +20 years of delivering diverse projects in different countries as a Civil Engineer and a Project Manager (PMP), his dedication to delivering innovative and sustainable construction solutions and advancing the construction profession has made him a respected figure in the industry.
Obadah serves as SPAN-EA's President where he leverages his leadership and collaborative abilities to actively guide and empower newcomers to succeed in their professional endeavors. Obadah also serves as a committee member of the Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB) for North America hub, and a registered mentor with TRIEC Mentoring Partnership.
Wajdi Alelabi
Vice President and Committees Chair
Wajdi is a creative intern architect and LEED Green Associate, holding a Bachelor of Architecture degree. With experience working on diverse projects, he is dedicated to providing smart and sustainable architectural solutions. Wajdi is passionate about leadership and strategic planning. He has acquired multiple certifications and played a key role in establishing several organizations. Beyond his professional pursuits, he channels his passion for social responsibility by actively engaging in initiatives that enhance communities and uplift individuals. Wajdi serves as SPAN-EA's Vice President and Committees Chair.
Maryam Aldoori
Public Relations and Marketing Director
Maryam is a skilled Urban Designer, XR designer, LEED AP and WELL advisor, with an Architectural background and a MA degree in International Architectural Regeneration & development. With over a decade of experience in both public and private sectors, Maryam currently holds a full-time role at the Town of Oakville and instructs part-time at Sheridan. Beyond her professional roles, she runs the "UrbanDesignTalks" YouTube series, addressing crucial topics in urban design. Maryam serves as the Public Relations and Marketing Director of SPAN-EA, leveraging her skills & connections to support the SPAN-EA's growth.
Hazem Yahia
Technical Director and Committees Chair
Hazem has more than 20 years of experience in project / construction management in residential, commercial, infrastructure and nuclear projects. Hazem is a licensed PEng and holds a Master's degree in construction management. In addition to international certifications like Project Management Professional and Certified Cost Professional, Hazem is the Founder of Master VDC where providing services of Engineering, Project Management, BIM technology and Engineering courses to support newcomer engineers/ Architects to merge into the Canadian market. Hazem continues his passion in serving newcomers by serving as SPAN-EA's Technical Director and Committees Chair.
SPAN-EA Culture
MISSION
To enhance the Canadian job environment through Sustainable solutions,
Continuous research, and community responsibility.
VISION
To be the leading organization in Canada in empowering professionals. To educate,
connect and empower professionals through research and career advancement.
VALUES
Responsibility, Creativity, Respect, Teamwork, Sustainability, Continuous Learning, Social
Responsibility, Volunteerism, Community Engagement, Empowerment,
Flexibility and Adaptability, Continuous Evaluation and Improvement.
Previous SPAN-EA Contributors
Ammar Mahrous
Inas Abdul Haq
Baria Abo Ghoush
Obadah Harastani
Hatem Elash
Sari Mahli
Ihab Tobagi
Izzat Moussilieyeh
Obayda Jaber
Manal Sinjab
Mohammed Alsabbagh
Kareem Haddad
Emmad Elrefai
Mohammed Odabashi
Abdul Hadi Saffo