Building peace, protecting human dignity, and supporting refugees since 2023
Guided by our commitment to peace, human rights, and the dignity of all people
A world where all people live in peace, security, and dignity, free from persecution, violence, and displacement.
We envision communities where:
To support refugees in Canada and promote peace and human rights in South Asia through advocacy, education, and direct assistance.
We achieve this by:
Messages from the visionaries guiding our mission
Founder & President
"Peace is not merely the absence of conflict, but the presence of justice, dignity, and opportunity for all."
When we founded the Center for Peace Canada in 2023, we recognized a critical need to bridge communities and support those displaced by conflict and persecution. Our organization was born from a deep commitment to human dignity and the belief that everyone deserves safety, opportunity, and belonging.
In the years since our founding, we have witnessed the transformative power of compassion, advocacy, and community action. From supporting newly arrived refugees as they rebuild their lives in Canada, to documenting human rights abuses in South Asia, our work has touched countless lives.
As we look to the future, we remain committed to our founding principles: that every person deserves to live free from persecution, that dialogue can overcome division, and that together, we can build a more just and peaceful world. I am profoundly grateful to our volunteers, partners, and supporters who make this work possible.
Thank you for standing with us in this vital mission.
Executive Director
"Our strength lies in our commitment to serving with compassion, advocating with courage, and building with hope."
Since joining the Center for Peace Canada, I have been continually inspired by the resilience of the individuals and families we serve. Every day, we witness stories of courage, determination, and hope as refugees navigate the challenges of building new lives in Canada.
Our programs have evolved to meet the complex needs of our community. From legal information and settlement assistance to employment training and integration support, we provide comprehensive services that address the multifaceted challenges refugees face. We also remain steadfast in our advocacy for human rights in South Asia, giving voice to the voiceless and documenting injustices that might otherwise go unnoticed.
Looking ahead, we are expanding our capacity to serve more families, deepening our partnerships with other organizations, and strengthening our advocacy efforts. We are also investing in youth leadership programs, recognizing that young people are essential to building a more peaceful and just future.
Together, we are making a tangible difference in the lives of those who need it most.
The dedicated professionals who bring our mission to life every day
A lawyer by training and an advocate by conviction, Pooja Gautam guides the Center's programs from the ground up. Before joining the organization, she spent years in immigration and human rights law, sitting across the table from families who had lost everything and helping them navigate a system that too often felt like a maze. That experience shaped the way she works today: turning complex legal frameworks into clear, practical steps for the refugees and asylum seekers we serve. As Project Director, she keeps our initiatives focused and accountable, and as Legal Consultant, she makes sure every person who walks through our doors understands their rights and their options.
Michal Robert believes that every dollar entrusted to a non-profit carries a promise. A Chartered Professional Accountant with a background in both corporate finance and charitable stewardship, he joined the Center to make sure that promise is always kept. As Financial Director, he oversees budgeting, transparency, and reporting, ensuring that donations translate directly into support for the families who need it most. Colleagues know him as the steady hand behind the scenes, the person who can turn a spreadsheet into a story of impact, and who insists that good intentions must always be matched by good accountability.
Urvi Kapoor has spent her career championing the women whose voices are too often overlooked. Drawing on years of experience in women's empowerment and settlement work, she leads the Center's programs for refugee and newcomer women, from language and employment support to safe spaces where they can rebuild confidence and community. As Women Program Coordinator, she designs workshops, mentorship circles, and wellness initiatives that help women turn hardship into strength. For many of the women she works with, Urvi is the first person to tell them that their skills matter, their stories matter, and their futures are entirely their own to shape.
Narshad Nawab arrived in Canada as a young newcomer himself, and he has never forgotten how it felt to search for belonging in an unfamiliar place. Today he channels that memory into the Center's youth programs, creating spaces where young refugees and first-generation Canadians can find mentorship, leadership skills, and a community of peers. As Youth Program Coordinator, he runs workshops, sports days, and leadership circles that help teenagers see themselves not as newcomers on the margins, but as future leaders with something to offer. His energy is contagious, and for many of the young people he works with, he is proof that a difficult beginning can become a powerful start.
Milestones in our mission to build peace and support refugees
Center for Peace Canada was officially established in Ontario with a mission to support refugees and promote peace and human rights in South Asia. Our founding team brought together experts in refugee services, human rights advocacy, and community development.
Initiated our refugee support program, providing settlement assistance, legal information, and community integration resources. We also launched our human rights documentation project to record and raise awareness of issues in South Asia.
Established partnerships with government agencies, legal clinics, and community organizations across Ontario. Our volunteer network expanded significantly, allowing us to serve more families and communities in need.
Received official recognition from Members of Parliament and Provincial Parliament for our contributions to refugee support and human rights advocacy. Our work began to gain broader recognition in the community and among policymakers.
Expanded our programs to include employment readiness training, youth leadership development, and women's empowerment initiatives. Launched our peacebuilding dialogue series to foster understanding across diverse communities.
Organized numerous community events, workshops, and awareness campaigns. Strengthened our advocacy efforts through policy submissions, public education campaigns, and media engagement on refugee and human rights issues.
Continuing to grow our impact, expand our services, and strengthen our advocacy. We remain committed to our vision of a world where all people can live in peace, security, and dignity. Our work continues with renewed dedication and expanded capacity.
The principles that guide our work and define who we are
We serve with empathy and understanding, recognizing the dignity and humanity of every person
We advocate for fairness, equality, and the protection of human rights for all people
We stand together with marginalized communities in their struggles for dignity and rights
We operate with transparency, accountability, and unwavering ethical standards
We celebrate diversity and work to create spaces where everyone belongs
We seek creative solutions to complex challenges facing refugees and communities
We think globally while acting locally to create positive change
We believe in the possibility of change and work tirelessly toward a better future
Making a measurable difference in the lives of refugees and communities