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OUR TEAM

Karim Mirshahi

Elsa Hsieh, Music for Peace

Afzal (Al) Sovani

Experienced Publisher with a demonstrated history of working in the publishing industry. Skilled in Nonprofit Organizations, Corporate Social Responsibility, Integrated Marketing, Advertising, and Entrepreneurship. Strong media and communication professional with a B. Sc. from University of Guelph and Waterloo.

Afzal (Al) Sovani

Elsa Hsieh, Music for Peace

Afzal (Al) Sovani

Afzal (Al) Sovani is a seasoned entrepreneur and lecturer with 20+ years in venture capital, specializing in environmental and clean tech projects. Active with international NGOs, he advocates sustainable economic growth and educates on climate solutions, driven by his commitment to future generations.

Elsa Hsieh, Music for Peace

Elsa Hsieh, Music for Peace

Elsa Hsieh, Music for Peace

Elsa Hsieh studied piano performance and teaching at Birmingham Conservatoire, UK, and won 1st prize in the Wales Tystysgrif piano competition. She founded Dolce De Soleil Music, serves as Executive Music Director and Peace Ambassador, and has been recognized for outstanding contributions to music and community.

Kim Singh

Satie Narain-Simon, CPA

Elsa Hsieh, Music for Peace

Kim Singh is a global executive, CEO of FemPower Elite, and Global Peace Ambassador. With three decades of leadership across finance, healthcare, government, and retail, she drives transformation while advocating for DEI, mental health, and women’s empowerment. She mentors globally and balances professional excellence with motherhood.

Sonia Dolar

Satie Narain-Simon, CPA

Satie Narain-Simon, CPA

Sonia Dolar is a Financial Advisor with Investia Financial Services Inc., with over 20 years guiding individuals and multi-generational families in wealth creation and protection. She actively participates in UN and African Union women’s initiatives and is a classically trained pianist and published writer on resilience and work-life balance.

Satie Narain-Simon, CPA

Satie Narain-Simon, CPA

Satie Narain-Simon, CPA

Satie Narain-Simon is a professional accountant and tax auditor with the Canadian Federal Government. An international public speaker and co-author, she serves on the Waterfront Magazine Planning Committee and as a judge for the International Films for Peace Festival, advocating empowerment and celebrating her Guyanese Caribbean heritage.

Aida Memisevic

Francine Mbvoumbo

Francine Mbvoumbo

Aida Memisevic is a media entrepreneur, TEDx speaker, and digital strategist in human potential. She creates impact-driven television and wellness experiences, mentors high-performance executives on branding and media strategy, and champions mindful capitalism to align purpose with professional success.

Francine Mbvoumbo

Francine Mbvoumbo

Francine Mbvoumbo

 Francine Mbvoumbo is the Founder and Strategic Leader of Mothers to Daughters (M2D), fostering mentorship and intergenerational growth. Recognized among Canada’s Top 100 Women to Watch, she has received awards from CivicAction and Volunteer Toronto, empowering women to build lasting personal and professional networks.

Vanessa Lachman

Francine Mbvoumbo

Vanessa Lachman

Vanessa Lachman founded 6ixPM, transforming it from concept into a brand producing 100+ events, including fashion shows, magazine launches, and international collaborations. Entrepreneur, creative director, and mother of four, Vanessa blends creativity, leadership, and media influence, shaping fashion and lifestyle with vision and resilience.

Walter Barubek

Walter Barubek

Vanessa Lachman

Walter Barubek is an entrepreneur and managing partner of All-Risks Insurance, honored with the Queen’s Golden Jubilee Medal for community service. Based in Oakville, he actively supports initiatives celebrating achievements across business and community sectors while raising twin daughters who are pursuing dynamic careers.

Peter Linseman

Walter Barubek

Peter Linseman

Peter Linseman owns Music Mentor Productions, a CCMA-nominated recording studio and independent label. With 25+ years in the music industry, he has produced award-winning projects, managed artists’ careers, and serves as President of YOUTH DAY Global, promoting youth engagement and cultural development through music and mentorship. 

Carlos Sousa

Walter Barubek

Peter Linseman

Carlos Sousa holds a BA in Sociology from the University of York-Toronto and completed an Administration and Operations Praktikum with Siemens AG. Formerly a Delegate at the Portuguese Consulate General in Toronto, he is now Director at FIABCI Canada and holds multiple professional designations in real estate and operations.

Frank A. Caruso, Film for Peace

Frank A. Caruso, Film for Peace

Frank A. Caruso, Film for Peace

Frank Caruso was inducted into the North Bay Musicians and Entertainment Hall of Recognition for his lifelong contributions to music, theatre, and film. Founder of Caruso Films, he has produced and directed features, shorts, documentaries, and music videos, with multiple projects streaming internationally.

Angela H. Kim, Art for Peace

Frank A. Caruso, Film for Peace

Frank A. Caruso, Film for Peace

Angela Kim is a contemporary artist, freelance curator, and Gallery Director at Avant Garde Gallery. She previously served as Director at Blitz Gallery and co-founded HEIMAT Art Foundation. With 13+ years in art making and curatorial practice, she empowers artists and connects global audiences through exhibitions and publications.

Marlon L. McCombie

Frank A. Caruso, Film for Peace

Angelica (Angela Johnson)

 Marlon L. McCombie is a registered professional Mechanical Engineer with expertise in R&D, mechanical design, testing, and project management. He is also Co-founder, Director, and Co-Chair of the Saint Lucian Young Leaders in Canada, driving mentorship and community development initiatives for emerging leaders.

Angelica (Angela Johnson)

Angelica (Angela Johnson)

Angelica (Angela Johnson)

Angelica Johnson is a pianist, singer-songwriter, composer, and producer with five original albums. Performing over 3,500 songs internationally, including cruises and festivals, she has built a reputation as one of Canada’s finest performing and recording artists across pop and classical genres.

Terence Lushington

Angelica (Angela Johnson)

Terence Lushington

Terence Lushington is owner of TLC and World Trade Systems, managing premium membership clubs for barter and services. A transformational coach, mentor, event planner, and performer, he organizes charitable initiatives and facilitates business growth, connecting communities and professionals globally.

Rosemary Ghiz

Angelica (Angela Johnson)

Terence Lushington

Rosemary Ghiz is a real estate and mortgage professional with 25+ years of experience. Renowned for her expertise, she guides clients, especially women, to thrive in dynamic markets, promoting financial empowerment, strategic decision-making, and career growth in real estate and finance.

S C Modiste - Film For Peace (Head Juror And Programmer)

S C Modiste - Film For Peace (Head Juror And Programmer)

S C Modiste - Film For Peace (Head Juror And Programmer)

S C Modiste began as a film crew member over 20 years ago, advancing to Executive Producer, Producer, and Director of Development. She advocates for BIPOC filmmakers, serving as juror, creative producer, and director of projects that amplify minority voices and foster inclusion in the film industry.

Mia Miazaki

S C Modiste - Film For Peace (Head Juror And Programmer)

S C Modiste - Film For Peace (Head Juror And Programmer)

Mia Miazaki is a George Brown graduate in Recreation Management (Gerontology), managing programs for seniors in Toronto. Executive Event Coordinator for 6ixPM, she supports designers, models, and teams at fashion events while advocating for mental health, special education, and women’s empowerment. 

Dr.Saba Akbari

S C Modiste - Film For Peace (Head Juror And Programmer)

Dr.Saba Akbari

Dr. Saba Akbari is a clinical psychologist, art therapist, and life coach. Founder of the Wellness Balance Centre and Persian Mental Health Alliance, she integrates art, psychology, and social activism to empower women, bridge cultural divides, and promote mental health awareness across communities.

Sabina Pasha

Bitta Kanpouri

Bitta Kanpouri

Sabina Pasha is a renowned fashion model, stylist, actress, and motivational speaker. She has served as brand ambassador for global companies like L’Oréal and Sephora, mentoring in business, beauty, and fashion, while leading initiatives in networking, personal development, and industry advancement.

Bitta Kanpouri

Bitta Kanpouri

Bitta Kanpouri

Bitta Kanpouri is a peace ambassador representing Iran and Canada, artist, and TV host. She organizes professional networking events, bridges business communities, and supports career development while promoting cross-cultural collaboration and connecting professionals for impactful partnerships.

EXECUTIVE TEAM

KARIM MIRSHAHI - President & CEO

SATIE NARAIN-SIMON - Vice President

ELSA HSIEH - Executive Director (Music For Peace)

ANGELA H. KIM - Executive Director (Art For Peace)

KIM SINGH - Executive Director (Global Peace Ambassadors)

MARLON L. MCCOMBIE - Technical Director

FRANK A. CARUSO

FRANCINE MBVOUMBO

VANESSA LACHMAN

PETER LINSEMAN

ROSEMARY GHIZ

BITA KANPOURI

DR. ALVIN CURLING

SABINA PASHA

FILM FOR PEACE PROGRAMMING

Director Of Programming - FRANK CARUSO

 

Canadian Programmer - SANDRA MODISTE

International Programmer - SANDRA MODISTE

Special Programs Curator

DEVELOPMENT & SPONSORSHIP

Director Philanthropy & Engagement

Director Public Sector & Media Agencies -RACHEL SONG

Manager, Strategic Sponsorship

Director Sponsorship Marketing

RACHEL SONG

INDUSTRY

Industry Programs Director

Industry Programmer & Forum Producer

Conference Programmer

ADMINISTRATION

Director Of Finance

PAULINE FUNGON

Administrative Manager

Accounting Manager

ROYSTON RACHPAUL

COMMUNICATIONS

Communications Director

ERWIN SNIEDZINS

Sr. Communications & Marketing Manager

Social Media & Marketing Manager

Media Relations Manager

LISA GRUSZECKI

Marketing & Promotions Coordinator

Social Media & Content Coordinator - HUDSON BOZORGI

Publications Coordinator

Marketing & Outreach Coordinator - NATASHA RAMJOHN-MOHAN

Diector Web & Online - Max Trunov

Communications & Social Media Strategist - Chelsea Jackman

Manager Digital Marketing - Justin Morgan

Public Relation - DR VINITA PURI

YOUTH PROGRAMS AND SCHOOLS

Education &Youth Programs Manager - URSZULA URAC

IPF For Schools Coordinator - SHIEN VICTORIA

GUEST SERVICES & EVENTS

Delegate Services Manager

Senior Events Coordinator - DANIELA SPIRLAC

Guest Services Coordinator - WARREN BOOTH

PRODUCTION

Director Of Production

Technical Manager - MARLON L. MCCOMBIE

Production Coordinator

OPERATIONS

Operations Manager

 TERENCE LUSHINGTON

Volunteers & Festival Theatres Manager

 SATIE NARAIN-SIMON

Volunteers Manager

 SHIRIN

Volunteers Coordinator

 MIKKAILLA 

Festival Theatres Supervisor

Festival Operations Coordinator

VICKIE

Festival Volunteers Coordinator

ROSEMARY GHIZ

FILM FOR PEACE (JURORS)

FRANK CARUSO

BLAIR DUCKWORTH

FRANK CARUSO

ART NEFSKY

BLAIR DUCKWORTH

FRANK CARUSO

BLAIR DUCKWORTH

BLAIR DUCKWORTH

BLAIR DUCKWORTH

JACK BARET

BLAIR DUCKWORTH

BLAIR DUCKWORTH

AMANDA JONES

BARRY NORMAN THOMAS

AMANDA JONES

ED BOXLER

BARRY NORMAN THOMAS

AMANDA JONES

BARRY NORMAN THOMAS

BARRY NORMAN THOMAS

BARRY NORMAN THOMAS

CHIARA J. MEGNA

BARRY NORMAN THOMAS

BARRY NORMAN THOMAS

T. C. FRANTZ

T. C. FRANTZ

T. C. FRANTZ

KALMAN SZEGVARY

KALMAN SZEGVARY

KALMAN SZEGVARY

ROSS MUNROE

KALMAN SZEGVARY

KALMAN SZEGVARY

ROBYNNE EATON

KALMAN SZEGVARY

ROBYNNE EATON

PARIS ROGER

KALMAN SZEGVARY

ROBYNNE EATON

SANDRA CREIGHTON MODISTE

SANDRA CREIGHTON MODISTE

SANDRA CREIGHTON MODISTE

LINDA CARTER

SANDRA CREIGHTON MODISTE

SANDRA CREIGHTON MODISTE

MARLON L. MCCOMBIE

SANDRA CREIGHTON MODISTE

MARLON L. MCCOMBIE

TERENCE LUSHINGTON

SANDRA CREIGHTON MODISTE

MARLON L. MCCOMBIE

ZAINAB YUSUFZAI

SATIE NARAIN-SIMON

SATIE NARAIN-SIMON

SATIE NARAIN-SIMON

SATIE NARAIN-SIMON

SATIE NARAIN-SIMON

CHELSEA JACKMAN

SATIE NARAIN-SIMON

CHELSEA JACKMAN

ANGELA JOHNSON

SATIE NARAIN-SIMON

CHELSEA JACKMAN

HISHAM QADDOMI

PEYMAN KHOSRAVI

PEYMAN KHOSRAVI

PEYMAN KHOSRAVI

PEYMAN KHOSRAVI

PEYMAN KHOSRAVI

MANUEL CANALES

PEYMAN KHOSRAVI

MANUEL CANALES

Copyright © 2025 INTERNATIONAL PEACE FESTIVAL - All Rights Reserved.

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