Our Team
Board of Directors:
CEPAL is governed by a Board of Directors responsible for leading and overseeing its activities. They come from diverse backgrounds and walks of life, including former overseas teachers, volunteers, professionals from various fields, and dedicated supporters of CEPAL’s mission.
Henry Zaccak, President
Henry has been a dedicated member of CEPAL’s Board for over a decade, inspired by his experience teaching at a Palestinian refugee camp in Lebanon’s Beqaa Valley. Beyond CEPAL, he is actively involved in various charities and nonprofits in the Greater Toronto Area. With a passion for developing software solutions that enhance well-being, Henry holds a Master’s in Health Informatics from the University of Waterloo, an Hon. B.Sc. in Computer Science from the University of Toronto, and a PMP-certified Project Manager.
John Doyle, Secretary
John is CEPAL’s Board Secretary and Alberta-based Director. His work experience had been as international programs director at the University of
Alberta’s School of Business. In 2014, he also began teaching evening LINC (Language Instruction for Newcomers) classes in Edmonton. “My underlying aim though was to gain useful experience for volunteering with refugee students abroad.” Since his retirement, he has several times taught at two Palestinian camps in Sour, Lebanon. John’s earlier work history includes being a Program Leader for Canada World Youth and managing the translation bureau at MOSAIC, an immigrant and refugee services agency in East Vancouver. Currently, John is overseeing development and growth of CEPAL’s online tutoring program for refugee high schoolers in Lebanon, as well as raising awareness in Alberta of young Palestinians’ imperilled access to schooling.
Sarah Aljabery, Fundraising Director
Sarah is CEPAL’s Toronto-based Fundraising Director. Her expertise is in proposal writing, communications, and business development, backed by
years of experience securing impactful projects in several industries including healthcare and international development. Having grown up in Jordan,
she has direct experience working with Syrian and Palestinian refugees, supporting education and skills development programs that empower
displaced communities. She combines professional expertise with cultural understanding to advance CEPAL’s mission of expanding educational
opportunities for Palestinian youth..
Sami Alhussieni, Treasurer
Sami Al-Hussieni serves as CEPAL’s Treasurer and is a returning board member, having previously served from 2003 until 2006. During his earlier tenure, he
played a key role in fundraising initiatives and the placement of teachers in Palestinian refugee camps in Lebanon. A seasoned finance professional, Sami brings extensive experience across industries including IT, software, and manufacturing. His renewed commitment to CEPAL is rooted in a strong belief in its mission to expand access to education for Palestinian refugees. Sami holds both a Bachelor’s and a Master’s degree in Finance and is a Certified Public Accountant (CPA)..
Mira Mussalem, Outreach Director
Mira joined CEPAL’s board in the summer of 2025, as Outreach Coordinator, with a focus on the Greater Toronto Area/ eastern Ontario. Mira has completed an Honours BSc in Science at McMaster University, with a Minor in Innovation & Entrepreneurship. She brings extensive experience in student advocacy and fundraising. She has coordinated major solidarity events with students and has volunteered with tech and refugee initiatives such as Gaza Sky Geeks. Born and raised in Gaza, Mira also brings a personal connection to CEPAL’s mission. Her passion and skillset make her a fantastic addition to the CEPAL team..