Meet the Team

The operations of Maryan the Divine Mercy Foundation are managed under the direction of the Board of Directors, within the framework set by the Charities Act as well as any complementary rules of regulation or procedure as defined by the Board, such as Governance Guidelines and related Board Committee charters.

MTDMF was created as a memorial to Maryan, the 10 year old daughter of the trustees Farah Rassam and Janan Jarjees. Maryan passed away in July 2008 from an immune illness. The tragedy of their loss heightened the awareness of family members and others to the Divine Mercy Message of the Catholic Church that teaches, "God's Mercy is greater than our sins, so that we will call upon Him with trust, receive His mercy, and let it flow through us to others."

FARAH RASSAM

CHAIR AND PRESIDENT

Dr. Farah Rassam is a Canadian Iraqi who immigrated to Canada in 1998. She graduated from the University of Baghdad in 1993 and received her Dental Science designation in Canada in the year of 1999, and has been practicing dentistry since. Currently, Dr. Rassam own and operate two dental practices with her sister Basma in the Hamilton and Haldimand-Norfolk area for over 10 years.

Farah is a true people's person. She is warm, friendly and outgoing. When Farah is not working, she enjoys spending time with her husband and two boys, as well as, her extended family and friends. Dr. Rassam spends a good part of her time running the MTDMF charity organization that she founded in memory of her daughter, Maryan, to help the needy, underprivileged and mentally/physically challenged children. Throughout her life, Farah has encountered some truly rough, yet very inspiring moments with tremendous support and the special peace she's experienced, that have driven her desire to give back and allow others to experience the love and mercy she received.

Farah has been tremendously touched by the Divine Mercy message that taught her to trust in God's mercy and to be merciful to others.

ZUHAIR RASSAM

SECRETARY

Zuhair was born in Mosul before moving to Baghdad, Iraq. He graduated with Bachelors in Business Administration from the University of Baghdad. During the following years, he was appointed to a number of prestigious positions in the government. Zuhair was well-known amongst his colleagues for his organizational, interpersonal and excellent management skills. These abilities combined with his deep sense of kindness resulted in his involvement with a number of charitable organizations. He joined Our Lady of Salvation Charity as a board member for two years before becoming the president for the eight following years until his departure from Iraq. Zuhair is looking to share his experiences and skills towards the success of Maryan the divine Mercy foundation through his work as a secretary.

EMAN NASSER

MEMBER

Eman is a well-established and an active member of the Iraqi Canadian community. She is a successful business owner of printing company (Print Three) in Mississauga and an active member in St. Joseph Syriac Church. Over the last few years, she has been actively involved in raising the awareness about the unfavourable living conditions and poverty in Iraq. She has been an active fundraiser and member of a number of charitable organizations. Her business skills, fundraising experience and well-established role in the Iraqi community makes her a valuable contributor as a board member in our foundation.

JANAN JARJEES

MEMBER

Janan finished an engineering degree from the University of Baghdad in Iraq. He immigrated with his family to Canada in 1998. Janan is a creative and hardworking individual who has been able to run a successful used car dealership (Jaz Auto) in Mississauga for over twenty years. Amongst his many qualities, Janan's willingness to help others is what he is known for amongst his family and friends. Janan's life was touched by his daughter Maryan and her struggles, this further motivated him to spread mercy and reach for those in need through our foundation as a board member. 

FATIN HANOUDI 

MEMBER

Fatin Hanoudi  is a Canadian Iraqi who immigrated to Canada in 2011. She  is a true people's person. She is warm, friendly and outgoing. She loves helping people in need, especially children and has a well-established role in the Iraqi community which makes her a valuable contributor as a board member in our foundation. In her spare time she loves to read, listen to music, and also enjoys beautiful flowers.