Board Members
Selim Budak, PhD
Chair
Selim Budak holds a PhD in Communication and Journalism and worked at Turkey’s Cihan News Agency and Zaman newspaper, where he served as news coordinator until 2016.
After moving to Canada in 2016, Selim began a new chapter and is now a proud Canadian citizen. He currently works as a truck driver for Erb Transportation.
As a board member of the Grand River Friendship Society, Selim brings deep experience in media and leadership, supporting the organization’s mission to build connections across communities.
After moving to Canada in 2016, Selim began a new chapter and is now a proud Canadian citizen. He currently works as a truck driver for Erb Transportation.
As a board member of the Grand River Friendship Society, Selim brings deep experience in media and leadership, supporting the organization’s mission to build connections across communities.
Muhammed F. Gunes, BA
Vice Chair
Muhammed graduated from the University of Madinah with a degree in Islamic Law and later completed the Woodworking Technology program at Conestoga College. He now focuses on woodworking and wood painting.
For the past two years, he has been the Publishing Director of YANKI, a monthly GRFS youth magazine that highlights young voices and promotes intergenerational understanding.
As a GRFS board member, Muhammed is passionate about connecting with youth and ensuring their ideas are heard. His work in bridging generational gaps and empowering young people makes him a vital part of the GRFS team.
For the past two years, he has been the Publishing Director of YANKI, a monthly GRFS youth magazine that highlights young voices and promotes intergenerational understanding.
As a GRFS board member, Muhammed is passionate about connecting with youth and ensuring their ideas are heard. His work in bridging generational gaps and empowering young people makes him a vital part of the GRFS team.
Kerem Ertabak, BEng
Treasurer
Kerem has been part of the Kitchener-Waterloo community for over 20 years. After earning his degree in Mechanical Engineering, he worked as an engineer before diving into the world of business, where he started companies in restaurant franchising and construction. Later, he switched gears and earned a diploma in Computer and Information Technology, eventually launching an IT company focused on software QA and contracting.
Along the way, Kerem has been committed to giving back to the community. He’s been a board member with the Grand River Friendship Society for many years, taking on roles like Chair, Secretary, and Treasurer. Outside of work, Kerem is a proud father of two and enjoys life with his loving wife.
Along the way, Kerem has been committed to giving back to the community. He’s been a board member with the Grand River Friendship Society for many years, taking on roles like Chair, Secretary, and Treasurer. Outside of work, Kerem is a proud father of two and enjoys life with his loving wife.
Zehranur Sasal, MSc, PhD In Progress
Secretary
Zehra is a dedicated researcher and community advocate, currently pursuing a PhD in Neuroscience with a focus on autism. With a passion for understanding the complexities of the human brain and fostering meaningful connections, she brings a unique perspective to her work and volunteer efforts.
As a board member of the Grand River Friendship Society, Zehra is committed to building bridges between diverse communities, promoting intercultural dialogue, and strengthening inclusivity in the region
When she’s not focused on her research or volunteering, Zehra enjoys spending time with her family - her husband, sons and cat. In her free time, she can often be found buying more books she won’t have time to read.
As a board member of the Grand River Friendship Society, Zehra is committed to building bridges between diverse communities, promoting intercultural dialogue, and strengthening inclusivity in the region
When she’s not focused on her research or volunteering, Zehra enjoys spending time with her family - her husband, sons and cat. In her free time, she can often be found buying more books she won’t have time to read.
Ali Ergün
Executive Director
Ali Ergün, originally from Turkey, holds a degree in education from Pamukkale University and brings 26+ years of experience across Turkey, West Africa, and Canada. He has served as a dormitory director, guidance counsellor, and founding principal, and led schools with a focus on academic growth and cultural understanding.
In Canada, Ali joined Grand River Friendship Society as Education Coordinator, leading programs for youth and newcomers. Now as Executive Director, he continues to champion community, dialogue, and inclusion.
A proud father of four, Ali enjoys table tennis, chess, nature trips, and meaningful time with loved ones.
In Canada, Ali joined Grand River Friendship Society as Education Coordinator, leading programs for youth and newcomers. Now as Executive Director, he continues to champion community, dialogue, and inclusion.
A proud father of four, Ali enjoys table tennis, chess, nature trips, and meaningful time with loved ones.
Leon James Kehl, MBA, MA
Member
Leon is a father of four, a tech company founder, and a devoted family man who shares his home with many pets. Since 2003, he has been active in interfaith dialogue, co-founding the Mennonite-Muslim group that evolved into Abrahamic Peace Builders, helping sponsor refugees in Waterloo Region.
He served as Church Council Chair at Floradale Mennonite Church and as a board member at Woolwich Counselling Centre. His passion for cultural understanding led him on three trips to Turkey, including co-leading one in 2014.
Leon is known for bringing people together and now shares his insight and warmth as a dedicated board member of the Grand River Friendship Society.
He served as Church Council Chair at Floradale Mennonite Church and as a board member at Woolwich Counselling Centre. His passion for cultural understanding led him on three trips to Turkey, including co-leading one in 2014.
Leon is known for bringing people together and now shares his insight and warmth as a dedicated board member of the Grand River Friendship Society.
Kerime Pamuk Carpan, BSc
Member
Kerime moved to Canada three years ago, bringing with her a passion for mathematics and physics that has shaped both her academic and professional journey. A graduate with a bachelor’s degree in mathematics, she is now pursuing a Marine Engineering Technology program, combining her analytical skills with her love for the sea.
This field allows her to channel her curiosity and dedication into meaningful, hands-on work. Kerime is also a coffee lover, previously having worked as a barista she sees coffee as more than just a drink—it’s a way to connect with others and create moments of warmth and joy.
As a board member of the Grand River Friendship Society, Kerime is dedicated to fostering community connections and promoting intercultural understanding. Her diverse experiences and enthusiasm for learning make them a valuable contributor to the organization’s mission.
This field allows her to channel her curiosity and dedication into meaningful, hands-on work. Kerime is also a coffee lover, previously having worked as a barista she sees coffee as more than just a drink—it’s a way to connect with others and create moments of warmth and joy.
As a board member of the Grand River Friendship Society, Kerime is dedicated to fostering community connections and promoting intercultural understanding. Her diverse experiences and enthusiasm for learning make them a valuable contributor to the organization’s mission.
Advisory Board
Yavuz Aydin, BA
Yavuz Aydin is a passionate educator with a strong background in mathematics. He holds a bachelor's degree in Mathematics and currently serves as a teacher of Math and Science in the Waterloo Region District School Board (WRDSB).
Yavuz is also the co-founder of IXL Academy, an innovative educational institution aimed at fostering student growth and academic success. With a commitment to excellence in teaching, he continuously strives to inspire students to reach their full potential in the fields of math and science.
Yavuz is also the co-founder of IXL Academy, an innovative educational institution aimed at fostering student growth and academic success. With a commitment to excellence in teaching, he continuously strives to inspire students to reach their full potential in the fields of math and science.
Melissa Aguto, BA, MSc, OT Reg.
Melissa Aguto is an experienced Mental Health Clinician and Registered Occupational Therapist
- Bachelor of Arts in Kinesiology from Western University (2006)
- Master of Science from McMaster University (2008).
Currently, Melissa works in Child & Adolescent Outpatient Psychiatry at Grand River Hospital’s KW campus, and is a private therapist at Dr. Kathy Smolewska, C. Psych & Associates. She has worked in many hospital departments, and was also an accessibility consultant at Wilfrid Laurier University.
Melissa volunteers with the Kitchener Terry Fox Run, Grand River Friendship Society, and helps manage local musician, Juneyt. She enjoys spending time with her husband and kids, walking her dog, and singing. She is a huge supporter of local independent artists/businesses.
- Bachelor of Arts in Kinesiology from Western University (2006)
- Master of Science from McMaster University (2008).
Currently, Melissa works in Child & Adolescent Outpatient Psychiatry at Grand River Hospital’s KW campus, and is a private therapist at Dr. Kathy Smolewska, C. Psych & Associates. She has worked in many hospital departments, and was also an accessibility consultant at Wilfrid Laurier University.
Melissa volunteers with the Kitchener Terry Fox Run, Grand River Friendship Society, and helps manage local musician, Juneyt. She enjoys spending time with her husband and kids, walking her dog, and singing. She is a huge supporter of local independent artists/businesses.
Leon James Kehl, MBA, MA
Leon is a father of four, a tech company founder, and a devoted family man who shares his home with many pets. Since 2003, he has been active in interfaith dialogue, co-founding the Mennonite-Muslim group that evolved into Abrahamic Peace Builders, helping sponsor refugees in Waterloo Region.
He served as Church Council Chair at Floradale Mennonite Church and as a board member at Woolwich Counselling Centre. His passion for cultural understanding led him on three trips to Turkey, including co-leading one in 2014.
Leon is known for bringing people together and now shares his insight and warmth as a dedicated board member of the Grand River Friendship Society.
He served as Church Council Chair at Floradale Mennonite Church and as a board member at Woolwich Counselling Centre. His passion for cultural understanding led him on three trips to Turkey, including co-leading one in 2014.
Leon is known for bringing people together and now shares his insight and warmth as a dedicated board member of the Grand River Friendship Society.
Kerime Pamuk Carpan, BSc
Kerime moved to Canada three years ago, bringing with her a passion for mathematics and physics that has shaped both her academic and professional journey. A graduate with a bachelor’s degree in mathematics, she is now pursuing a Marine Engineering Technology program, combining her analytical skills with her love for the sea.
This field allows her to channel her curiosity and dedication into meaningful, hands-on work. Kerime is also a coffee lover, previously having worked as a barista she sees coffee as more than just a drink—it’s a way to connect with others and create moments of warmth and joy.
As a board member of the Grand River Friendship Society, Kerime is dedicated to fostering community connections and promoting intercultural understanding. Her diverse experiences and enthusiasm for learning make them a valuable contributor to the organization’s mission.
This field allows her to channel her curiosity and dedication into meaningful, hands-on work. Kerime is also a coffee lover, previously having worked as a barista she sees coffee as more than just a drink—it’s a way to connect with others and create moments of warmth and joy.
As a board member of the Grand River Friendship Society, Kerime is dedicated to fostering community connections and promoting intercultural understanding. Her diverse experiences and enthusiasm for learning make them a valuable contributor to the organization’s mission.