Aleem Punja

Aleem Punja is a Registered Social Worker and strategic public sector senior leader with strong roots in social policy initiatives that enhance quality of life.  Aleem is a strong advocate for children, youth and families and strives to build civil society and systemic social change.  Aleem has been recognized for leading and supporting provincial sector transformation and modernization initiatives and managing complex projects with long-term vision and foresight. Aleem works for the Aga Khan Council for Canada as their National Operating Officer and oversees it’s flagship program – Future Ready Initiative.  Aleem was the first Muslim and visible minority to be appointed as Chief Operating Officer at a regional child welfare organization and previously worked at the Ontario Association of Children’s Aid Societies as the sector’s senior leader for the Child Protection Information Network, Reconciliation and Indigenous Services and Adoption and Permanency initiatives. Aleem has taught as a professor in the School of Community and Health Studies at Centennial College.  Aleem held the position of Chair with the Aga Khan Social Welfare Board for Ontario from 2011-2014 and is involved in several social governance projects as a volunteer, and most recently, as the Co-Chair on the Toronto Public School Board’s Equity Policy Advisory Committee and a Member on the VeriStell Institute Advisory Board of Directors.