About Silaa
Our Vision
To create a unified and empowered professional women community that bridges peace, equity, and sustainable development.
Our Mission
To harness our collective expertise, values, and resources to foster community resilience, advocate for equity, break the barriers and contribute meaningfully to the well-being of our communities .
Core Values
Peace: Promoting harmony and understanding in all our actions.
Justice: Ensuring fairness and advocating for the rights of all individuals.
Freedom: Upholding the right to self-expression and autonomy.
Transparency: Committing to open and honest communication.
Respect: Valuing diversity and treating everyone with dignity.
Founder's Story and welcome notes
Welcome to Silaa: A Personal Journey of Resilience and Empowerment
As I write this note, I am filled with immense pride and gratitude for what we have built together. "Silaa" is more than just a network – it is the embodiment of our resilience as Syrian women, our strength in overcoming the challenges we have faced, and our shared vision of empowering one another.
This network is deeply personal to me because it reflects my own journey. Like many of you, I have experienced the obstacles that come with being a woman, particularly in environments that often diminish our worth and potential. From my own experience navigating these barriers, I have come to understand the profound need for spaces like Silaa – spaces that break the silence, challenge the status quo, and provide women with the tools, opportunities, and community to thrive.
As Syrians, we carry the legacy of resilience. We have faced war, displacement, and loss, yet here we stand, stronger than ever, united by our shared experiences and our unbreakable will to build something positive for ourselves and future generations. Silaa is the product of that resilience – it is a testament to our ability to rise, to rebuild, and to reshape the world around us.
One of the core goals of Silaa is to challenge the stigma that women face in business, in wealth, and in well-being. Too often, women are told that they cannot excel in these areas or that success in these domains is beyond their reach. We are here to prove that not only can we succeed, but we can lead, inspire, and thrive.
Through this network, we aim to create a supportive and empowering environment where women can freely engage in business, financial growth, and personal well-being without judgment. We are here to break down the barriers, dispel the myths, and redefine what it means to be a successful woman in today’s world.
Silaa is not just a space for professional development; it is a space for healing, growth, and a renewed sense of belonging. Together, we will continue to prove that no dream is too big, no goal is too distant, and no woman is ever alone in this journey.
Thank you for being part of this movement, for standing alongside us, and for believing in the power of women supporting women. Let’s change the narrative and build the future we all deserve. I cannot wait to see SIlaa as an independent powerful network!
Meet the Team
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Ruba Bilal
Ruba Bilal is a dedicated advocate, social entrepreneur, and change management expert with over 27 years of experience in feminist strategies, social justice, crisis management, and diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). She is the founder of Ruba's Circle, a Canadian social enterprise specializing in systemic change within policies, processes, and procedures while prioritizing team well-being.
Ruba has worked extensively with vulnerable communities, advocating for equity, mental health support, and the elimination of systemic barriers. Her work spans advocacy, awareness campaigns, talent development, and organizational transformation.
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Ziva Rita Magritte
Ziva Rita Magritte is a dedicated and multifaceted professional with expertise in Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI), Women's rights, Kurdish and Syrian politics, LGBTQI rights, Mental Health, and People at Risk. As a seasoned Qualitative Data Analyst, Trainer, Facilitator, Advocate, and Manager, Ziva has successfully managed collaborative projects, designed and implemented training programs, and developed and analyzed qualitative data collection surveys.
Ziva has worked with various organizations, including the Bihar Relief Organization, where she managed over 100 volunteers daily.
Ziva holds a degree in Informatics Engineering (2009-2014) and has completed a diploma in Acting for Media (2021-2022). She is currently planning to pursue further education in Directing for Extended Reality.
A recipient of the Global Health Education Initiative award in 2018, Ziva has also been nominated for several awards, including the Global Citizen Awards (2017) and the Waterfront Awards (2018). In her free time, Ziva enjoys painting, drawing, sculpturing, singing, and knitting.
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Razan Hamad
Razan Hamad is a Finance and Accounting professional with over 20 years of experience in corporate and non-profit sectors. Razan holds a bachelor’s degree in Banking and Finance from Beirut Arab University, Razan also holds a Professional Accounting Diploma from Sheridan College and is currently pursuing her Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA) designation in Ontario, Canada.
Razan is active advocate for the Syrian cause, dedicating her efforts to community development and support. She is a co-founder, board member, and treasurer of the Syrian Film Festival (SYFF) and a co-founder of the Syrian Canadian Foundation (SCF). Razan also serves as board member of Henna Platform and sits on the advisory board of Mulham Team Canada.
Razan currently works as an accountant at a local Canadian Community Foundation.
Razan’s passion for volunteerism is reflected in her leadership roles, including supporting Syrian refugee settlement programs in Canada and promoting cultural engagement initiatives. Her unwavering Commitment to community service embodies her belief in the power of collective action to create meaningful change.
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Heba Ghnim
I am Heba Ghnim, a hairstylist, a single mother of three. I started my career in hairdressing as a means of earning a living after leaving my home country and taking on the responsibility of supporting my family. I worked in Jordan for three years without formal certificates, relying on the practical experience I gained from my friends.
Then, I moved to Canada, where I decided to seize the opportunity to study and earned a recognized diploma.
After two years of study and a year of training in a Canadian salon, I gained more experience working in various salons. Today, I own my own business, and my goal is to establish an academy to teach women this profession, empowering them to acquire skills and work independently, enabling them to achieve self-sufficiency and success in the business world.
