Meet our amazing volunteers!
Sheliza Kassam
Founder/President
Sheliza Kassam started Children’s Birthday Miracles prior to her 16th birthday with the vision of providing birthdays to underprivileged and diagnosed with cancer. Her passion for philanthropy came from her parents who installed these values in her. She is proud of her team’s effort and making this charity extremely successful with achieving top sponsorships, and reaching cities across the world. On top of running CBM, Sheliza is a passionate chemical engineer who enjoys finding innovative solutions to fulfill the energy demands of Canada.
Mohamad El Bita
I’ve been a part of CBM for almost 7 years. I recently graduated from University of Calgary with a Bachelor Science of Chemistry. I joined CBM because I was inspired by what the organization does for the community. Being able to make a small difference in the children’s lives meant so much and it’s an experience unlike any other.
Saeed Sohail Rahman
Program Director
I have been a part of CBM for 7 years now and just recently was given the role of Program Director. I am in my last year of Civil Engineering at the University of Windsor. I joined CBM after being inspired by hearing one of Sheliza’s TEDx talks back in 2013. After that, myself along with a few friends wanted to help to make a difference in the world and spread joy and happiness as much as we can and get ourselves involved with such an amazing team and cause. So we reached out to Sheliza and 7 years later here we are today! It been an amazing experience so far and I can’t wait to see what CBM accomplishes in the near future.
Sairose Kassam
Executive Director of CBM
Sairose has been with CBM since it started. She is the Executive Director of CBM. Sairose is a social worker by profession and always volunteered from a very young age.
She believes in the saying "Service to others is the rent you pay for the room here on earth". Sairose has instilled the concept of volunteering with her two daughters and won the 2014 Role Mothers Award by Cadillac Fairview. As a mom Sairose is aware of how much a birthday means to a child and the parents and is glad that she can support these birthdays.
Mathew Burpee
Accountant
Mathew has been a member of the CBM Board of Directors since 2014. He was inspired by the organization's mission to bring happiness into the lives of less fortunate children, and eager to be a part of the CBM team. Mathew is the Managing Director of Kepler Capital, a Calgary-based investment fund that acquires exceptional small- and mid-sized businesses throughout North America. Before Kepler, Mathew held roles with Lynx Equity Limited (Vice President and Head of Acquisitions), GNS3 Technologies (CFO/Controller), Finance for Good (Co-Founder and Partner), and Ernst & Young (Manager). Mathew is a Chartered Accountant, Chartered Financial Analyst, and has a Bachelor of Commerce from Carleton University. Mathew is an avid contributor to his community, holding current and past volunteer roles with Youth Central Calgary, the Calgary Foundation, Junior Achievement, and Big Brothers Big Sisters.
Safraaz Nanji
I have been volunteering for CBM since 2013. I really enjoyed interacting with the children and being able to see the positive impact my own actions can make on other people. I recently graduated from UBCO with a degree in Mechanical Engineering and in my spare time I enjoy reading books and playing guitar. It's been an incredible experience working with the talented individuals and groups involved with CBM and I always look forward to participating in the next event 🙂
Steven Huynh
Grant Writer
Coming out of university with a degree in Pyschology, I decided I wanted to give back to the local community and make a real difference in people's lives. I am honored to be able to help CBM's mission because of the difference this organization has made in the community. My goal moving forward is to continue to help CBM grow and reach out to more people, and navigate the challenges ahead.
Nina Frampton
Events Coordinator
“I have always had two completely different areas of interests in life: the technical, such as engineering and science, and the human, with a deep passion for supporting and lifting up others. Having chosen a career in engineering, it is equally as important for me to pursue ways to make a difference in the world and give back to the community, especially through my skills in event planning and logistics, teaching, childcare, cooking, baking, and crafting. Through Children's Birthday Miracles, I’m committed to making birthdays and holidays magical for children facing adversity, with a heartfelt mission to create joyful, inclusive celebrations where every child can feel valued and cherished on special days.”
