Visions are realized under multiple eyes

Younes ANINI

President
Since 2005, Younes is a professor in the Faculty of Medicine at Dalhousie University in Halifax, he owns a bachelor’s degree in biology from Agadir University, a PhD from Pierre et Marie Curie University in Paris. Was a postdoctoral fellow in the University of Toronto and a research associate in Ottawa Health Research Institute.
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Yassine EL HIANI

Vice President
After a a postdoctoral fellowship, Yassine became a professor in Dalhousie University since 2016, he owns a Bachelor’s degree in Physiology from the University of Ibn Zohr in Agadir, a Master’s degree and a PhD from the University of Picardie Jules Verne in Amiens.
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Ghita RHAMMAZ

Director of community outreach & general secretary
Ghita is a HEC laureate, she worked in the accounting field for many compagnies before launching her own business by establishing the first private French after school program in Halifax, she’s actually the proud owner of Novalea kitchen and Market, a unique concept of takeout restaurant and a shared kitchen.
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Brahim SENAN

Treasurer
Brahim graduated in 1992 with a bachelor’s in biology from Rabat Mohamed V University in Rabat, then he obtained a Master in Biology cellular & molecular in 1994 from Hassan II university in Casablanca, he then was graduated from University of Montreal with DESS & Master Degree in Drug Development in 2011.
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Driss AISSAOUI

Director of External Affairs
In 2001, Driss became the first Moroccan professor to join Dalhousie University in Nova Scotia, his research focuses on Pre-Revolutionary French literature and the evolution of aesthetic forms in Early Modern Europe, as well as the transformation of literary genres between European and Maghrebi contexts in Francophone Studies.
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Redouane Nai EL CAID

Coordinator Officer
In 2010, Redouane made history as the first Moroccan and Arabic-speaking individual to join the Halifax Fire Department.
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Dr. Younes Anini was born in Azrou, Morocco. He obtained a bachelor’s degree in biology at Agadir University. He then ventured to France, earning his PhD from Pierre et Marie Curie University in Paris. In 2000, he moved to Canada to join the University of Toronto as a postdoctoral fellow. Then, he moved to Ottawa to join the Ottawa Health Research Institute in 2003 as a research associate. In 2005, Younes was appointed to a professorial position in the Faculty of Medicine at Dalhousie University in Halifax, Nova Scotia. With his wife Ghita Rhammaz and three children, they enjoy living in the very welcoming Nova Scotia and enjoy living by the ocean. Although he lived outside Morocco for 30 years, Morocco never left his heart and stayed connected to the Moroccan culture and the growing Moroccan community in NS. He always had the dream to establish a Moroccan organization in NS to support the community and celebrate the very rich Moroccan heritage.

Dr. Yassine El Hiani was born in Essaouira and raised in Agadir, Morocco. After earning a Bachelor’s degree in Physiology from the University of Ibn Zohr in Agadir, Morocco, in 2003; he then moved to France for a Master’s degree in 2004 and a PhD in 2008 from the University of Picardie Jules Verne in Amiens. In 2009, he ventured to Halifax, Canada, for a postdoctoral fellowship at Dalhousie University, where he became a professor in 2016.
Yassine loves science, philosophy, cinema, and music, but his true passion is soccer. A die-hard Real Madrid fan, he founded the Atlantic Lions, the first soccer team for Moroccans in Nova Scotia. He lives with his wife, Hajar Hajhouji, and their son, Ali, in Dartmouth, enjoying the natural beauty of Atlantic Canada.
Proud of his role in the Moroccan Society, Yassine continues to support the community and celebrate Moroccan culture.

Ghita Rhammaz was born in Safi (Morocco), moved to Canada after finishing high School to join CEGEP de Valleyfield, then was accepted at the Hautes Etudes de commerce (HEC), University of Montreal. In 2005, Ghita moved to Halifax with her husband (Younes Anini and their daughter). She worked in the accounting field for many compagnies before launching her own business by establishing the first private French after school program in Halifax. After 10 years of success, she decided to transform her passion for Moroccan cuisine and pastry into a business. She opened Novalea kitchen and Market, a unique concept of takeout restaurant and a shared kitchen. Ghita was always very active in the community of Halifax and was involved in many organizations such as YWCA, Clayton Park West association, NSICC, Farmers Market… Ghita always had the best interest of our Moroccan community at heart as she has helped many newcomers in establishing in Halifax and offered her time and support in all kinds of ways.
Her involvement in the community earned her to be recognized by receiving the very prestigious Queen Elizabet II Platinum Jubilee medal.

Dr. Driss Aïssaoui was born in Agadir, Morocco. He began his education at the French school Notre Dame du Souss before transitioning to the Moroccan public education system. Driss specialized in French literature and culture, earning his BA (Licence ès Lettres) from the University Ibn Zohr in Agadir. He continued his academic journey in France, obtaining a DEA from Lorraine University in Metz, and later completed his PhD at the University of Ottawa, where he was nominated for the Governor General’s Gold Medal. In 2001, Driss became the first Moroccan professor to join Dalhousie University in Nova Scotia.
Driss’s research focuses on Pre-Revolutionary French literature and the evolution of aesthetic forms in Early Modern Europe, as well as the transformation of literary genres between European and Maghrebi contexts in Francophone Studies. A strong advocate for interuniversity collaboration, he has played a key role in establishing student exchange programs between Dalhousie University and Moroccan universities, fostering greater academic and cultural understanding. Through these initiatives, Driss aims to enhance mutual appreciation and raise the profile of Moroccan heritage in Nova Scotia and internationally.

Brahim Senan was born in Sale, Morocco. He graduated in 1992 with a bachelor’s in biology from Rabat Mohamed V University in Rabat, then he obtained a Master in Biology cellular & molecular in 1994 from Hassan II university Casa . He then ventured to Paris, France, where he continued his studies & research in Hospital Pitié-Salpitière to prepare his Doctorate 3rd Cycle a of Biochemistry (1994-1997) . He immigrated to Montreal in 2002 and worked for many pharmaceutical companies and he was graduated from University of Montreal with DESS & Master Degree in Drug Development in 2011 . In 2015, Brahim moved to Halifax to join Health Canada as Regional Regulatory Compliance & Enforcement Specialist. Brahim was involved in social work since the university in Morocco. Since moving to Canada, Brahim stayed very active in different Moroccan organizations in Quebec and continued to do so after moving to Halifax. Brahim is a fervent defender of Moroccan heritage.

Redouane Nait El Caid was born in Rabat, Morocco. After completing 2 years at the National Institute of Tourism and Hotel Management in Sale, he ventured to Dubai in 1999, where he spent eight years working in various restaurants and hotels. It was during this time that Redouane honed his culinary skills, eventually rising to the position of chef.
In 2007, Redouane married Sabitha and relocated to Halifax, Nova Scotia. He began his Canadian career at the Prince George Hotel, where he showcased his culinary talents. Beyond his professional duties, Redouane quickly became involved in the Halifax community, actively assisting newcomers and contributing to local initiatives while working with neurodiverse adults and within the public school system.
In 2010, Redouane made history as the first Moroccan and Arabic-speaking individual to join the Halifax Fire Department. His tenure with the department has been marked by dedication and service, reflecting his commitment to making a difference in his adopted home.
Throughout his journey, Redouane Nait El Caid has exemplified resilience, culinary expertise, community spirit, and a pioneering spirit in breaking barriers within Halifax’s diverse cultural landscape.