B/deshi Lead the Way: Bangladeshi Leaders in the Diaspora
Join us for a special B/deshi Toronto leadership panel celebrating the stories and successes of Bangladeshi leaders across diverse industries.
This evening at the IBM office downtown will spotlight the journeys of trailblazers who are shaping their fields, offering real talk on what it takes to lead, thrive, and break barriers as a diaspora Bangladeshi in Toronto in today’s world. Through candid conversations on career growth, representation, and overcoming challenges, we’ll spark inspiration and build deeper connections within our community.
Panelists:
Ashek Mahmood is a Vice President and Senior Partner at IBM Consulting, where he leads AI and Digital Transformation programs for strategic clients. As a member of IBM Canada’s Senior Executive Leadership Team, he champions innovation, DEI, and early talent development. With over 20 years of experience and three patents in AI, Ashek is known for building high-performing, inclusive teams that drive long-term business value. Outside of IBM, he advises tech startups, academic institutions, and workforce reskilling initiatives. He holds a degree in Computer Engineering from the University of Waterloo and lives in Toronto with his family of passionate sports fans.
Nabanita Nawar is the CEO and co-founder of HDAX Therapeutics, a biotech company she helped build during her PhD in Medicinal Chemistry at the University of Toronto. She has raised over $5 million in seed funding to advance novel therapies for unmet clinical needs. Named to Forbes 30 Under 30 (Toronto, 2023) and recipient of BIOTECanada’s Next Generation Leadership Award, Nabanita has authored 10 high-impact publications, filed multiple patents, and earned over 20 academic and industry awards. She also lectures at U of T’s Temerty Faculty of Medicine in the Professional Master’s program.
Nameer Rahman is Director of Policy at the Ontario Energy Association, where he works with industry and government to guide Ontario’s energy transition. A seasoned public policy professional, his career spans the Legislative Assembly of Alberta, Ontario’s Ministry of Energy, and multiple utilities and regulatory bodies. He has helped negotiate landmark labour agreements, led province-wide consultations, testified before Parliament, and driven utility-scale change management projects. Known for his sharp policy mind and love of metal music, Nameer brings a unique blend of experience and curiosity to everything he does.
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Ticket includes refreshments.
Shadlee Jadeed is a multidisciplinary artist and creative professional with a career spanning photography, cinematography, music, and marketing. Since 2010, he has captured moments behind the lens and performed as the lead guitarist and lyricist for the Bangla death metal band Embrace of Death, sharing stages with bands like Severe Dementia and Orator. From 2013 to 2017, Shadlee appeared in over 15 commercials and multiple screen productions, becoming a brand ambassador for Airtel and Grameenphone. He’s worked with leading production houses in both on-screen and behind-the-scenes roles, including films like Paathshala and Jajabor. A former official photographer for the BPL’s Dhaka Dynamites, he later earned an MBA in the U.S., worked in art media, and now serves as a B2B Marketing Manager in Canada. He is also the founder of Toronto-based custom apparel brand Eeldahs and aims to transition into full-time wedding photography by 2025.