Our proud and dedicated team
Core Team
Joanna MacDonald
Founder
Joanna is a Toronto-based entrepreneur and is actively passionate about her philanthropic initiatives with shelters and safe houses that support those impacted by domestic violence and human trafficking. She believes the best way to have a global impact is to start locally.
Yuliana Krysa
Director of Operations
Yuliana is a dedicated partner and advocate for women’s rights, always striving to create positive change in our communities. She supports philanthropic initiatives that help the most vulnerable regain sense of safety and equality.
Bassam Abdellatif
Founding Partner
Bassam is an entrepreneur, keen on disrupting the short-term rental market. Integral to sourcing affordable new homes for survivors of domestic violence, Bassam believes that Safe Transitions will create an everlasting positive ripple effect in the community.
Raed Gharbi
Housing Manager
Raed strongly believes that entrepreneurship is a means to make positive change in the community. He has been an advocate for women’s rights from a young age. As the CEO of Toronto Boutique Apartments, Raed is passionate about helping Safe Transitions provide safe homes for women and children fleeing domestic violence and human trafficking.
Board of Directors
Joanna MacDonald
Joanna is a Toronto-based entrepreneur and is actively passionate about her philanthropic initiatives with shelters and safe houses that support those impacted by domestic violence and human trafficking. She believes the best way to have a global impact is to start locally.
Ravleen Kaur
Ravleen is a Manager of Anti-Human Trafficking Program at Sexual Assault and Violence Intervention Services (SAVIS) of Halton. As an advocate for women’s rights, Ravleen has in depth knowledge & experience in supporting survivors of human trafficking. Operating from a client centred, ARAO and trauma informed lens, Ravleen is able to provide advocacy, system navigation, assistance with housing and crisis support. Beyond professional experience, she is passionate about gender equity, advocating for women’s rights and social justice.
Dr. Nitin Mohan
Dr. Mohan is a partner and physician epidemiologist at a private public health consultancy firm called ETIO. He is also an assistant professor teaching at the Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, Western University. His experiences has allowed him to work in dynamic health systems, through clinical practice, research implementation and surveillance design. Dr. Mohan is an advocate for health equity and this includes housing for vulnerable populations. He has strongly urged policy makers to address the housing needs for folks impacted by domestic violence.
Support Team
Support Team
Dinah Deif
Vicky Milner
Ashlee Froese
Ashlee is a lawyer and trademark agent who is recognized by the Law Society of Ontario as a Certified Specialist in Trademarks Law. With over 10 years of experience practicing branding and fashion law, Ashlee provides Safe Transitions with an understanding of brand protection strategies.
Vicky Milner
A president of Canadian Arts and Fashion Awards, Vicky is a distinguished entrepreneur with extensive experience in an array of industries including fashion retail, music, entertainment, and non-profit management. An avid philanthropist with over 10 years of experience in the event business, Vicky has founded and executed many large-scale events for notable brands, including Universal Music Group and the Herbie Fund.
Marc Palmer
Marc is an experienced entrepreneur and business development expert. His Fashion Hope charity provides support for human trafficking shelters in the US, Canada, and Africa. He sees Safe Transitions as a great complement to the work he does to empower women.
Dinah Deif
A natural connector, Dinah brings Safe Transitions a wealth of strategic counsel, contacts and resources. As a huge advocate for women's empowerment, Dinah launched The Power of Women conference over a decade ago, delivering personal development seminars that inspired audiences to reach their full potential, navigate challenges and transition into a new and empowered life.