About Us
The Swahili Cultural Center is a hub for all things Swahili in Canada. We offer a variety of programs and events that showcase the rich history, traditions, and contemporary contributions of Swahili culture. Our center is a welcoming space for people of all backgrounds to come together and experience the warmth and hospitality that the Swahili community is known for.
Meet Our Team
Shabani Mbandu
Chief Executive Officer
Deeply committed to community advocacy and cultural diplomacy, Shabani serves as the CEO of the Swahili Cultural Center and the President of the Tanzanian Canadian Association. In these roles, he champions the promotion of Swahili language and heritage through large-scale initiatives, including the Toronto Swahili Summer Festival and teacher training programs.
Shabani’s leadership is underpinned by a strong academic foundation and extensive professional experience in fiscal management. He holds a background in Business Accounting from George Brown College and studied Public Administration in Finance at Toronto Metropolitan University (formerly Ryerson University). His expertise in the non-profit sector is further demonstrated by his work in finance for several prominent Toronto organizations, including the Griffin Centre, Right To Play, and Youthlink Scarborough. Through these roles, he has developed a deep understanding of the financial complexities and governance required to sustain impactful community-based organizations.
With a professional background spanning international business, non-profit governance, and community sports, Shabani brings a multifaceted approach to organizational development. From managing community wellness projects to overseeing initiatives like the Taifa United Football Club, he consistently blends business excellence with a deep-seated commitment to social impact and cross-cultural empowerment.
Ramadhani Ponda
Chief Operating Officer
A seasoned connector with over 15 years of leadership experience at the University of Toronto, he specializes in trade facilitation, diaspora engagement, and international institutional partnerships. Born in Tanzania and shaped by global experience across East Africa, the UK, and Canada,
Mr. Panda is deeply committed to advancing sustainable economic development between Canada and East Africa.
Canada East Africa Business Exchange (CEABEX) is a federally incorporated Canadian organization established in 2023 with a core mandate to strengthen trade, investment, and institutional partnerships between Canada and East Africa. CEABEX serves as a strategic bridge connecting governments, private sector institutions, investors, SMEs, and development stakeholders across both regions.
The Swahili Cultural Centre (SCC) is a registered Canadian charity based in Toronto and co-founded Shabani Mbandu and Ramadhani Ponda. It was established to close structural gaps affecting East African and Swahili-speaking communities by combining cultural affirmation, civic education, and systems advocacy.
I obtained my BSc Honours degree in Computing and Business Information Systems from the University of East London, UK. I also have a master’s in education degree (M.Ed.) in Educational Leadership and Policy from the University of Toronto, Canada.
Zohra Rahman
Youth Mental Health
Zohra Rahman is currently a Director at a Youth Mental Health Organization, a Professor at George Brown College and operates her private practice, 5 Pillars Therapy, providing various modalities of therapy including Narrative, CBT, DBT and EMDR Trauma Resolution therapy.
For over 10 years, she worked with Breaking the Cycle, assisting “gang-involved” youth pursue positive lifestyles, while healing from past experiences of violence, trauma and systemic oppression. Zohra has provided 5 years of trauma therapy in partnership with Guns and Gangs Parole and Probation- Scarborough and Rexdale, supporting victims and offenders of gun violence.
Zohra has developed and facilitated an extra judicial sanctions program for youth in conflict with the law, is a trained facilitator for the Triple P Parenting Program and specializes in Gender Based Violence work.
Community development, restorative justice, providing hope and promoting ethical leadership are her areas of passion and expertise. For over 20 years she has been providing healing opportunities using a strengths-based, asset focused approach in order for individuals, families and communities to thrive, this is the heart work that keeps her inspired.
Providing consultation for various child welfare agencies, school boards and community organizations, she specializes in system navigation, including the criminal justice system. Zohra holds a BA with honours in Criminology from York University and a Masters of Social Work from the University of Windsor.
Pauline Kiondo
Board Member
I hold a Bachelor of Business Administration (Accounting) from Laurentian University (Sudbury, Ontario) and bring extensive experience in finance and governance. My professional background includes roles at one of Canada’s major banks, several accounting firms, and my current position in the public service. I have developed strong expertise in financial reporting, compliance, risk management, and process improvement—skills that are directly applicable to board oversight, budgeting, and fiduciary responsibility.
I am an active member of the Tanzanian Canadian Association and a Kiswahili interpreter contracted by the Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada (IRB). I also contribute to organizing and hosting community and cultural events. These experiences have strengthened my community outreach, stakeholder engagement, and cross-cultural communication skills.
Why I am a strong candidate for the board:
- Financial expertise: Accounting degree combined with hands-on experience in banking, accounting firms, and the public sector.
- Public-sector perspective: Strong understanding of governance, policy implementation, and accountability.
- Community leadership: Active involvement in interpretation services and leadership in cultural and community initiatives.
- Collaborative approach: Proven ability to work effectively with diverse stakeholders, volunteers, and institutional partners.
I am committed to advancing the organization’s mission, strengthening community connections, and promoting Kiswahili language and culture across Canada.