Naseem Abdo
QA Lead, Suncor
CLASS OF 2022
, AGE 35
Having called Fort McMurray home for all but two years of his life, Naseem Abdo works as a QA Lead at Suncor.
This father of three is passionate about giving of his time to the community, and he recently sat down with YMM to chat about life in our region, his hero, and more.
YMM: Describe your volunteer experience in the community.
NA: Firstly, all this is done with my family; my wife and I love to volunteer and have our kids involved from a young age. One of the things I am most passionate about is educating the wider community about Islam and Muslims in Fort McMurray. After the Quebec Mosque shooting in 2017 I have promised myself to do my best to combat hate and Islamophobia. The best method, I believe, is through education. Since 2017, we have hosted many events at the Mosque and thousands of people of different faiths have attended. I also love giving back to the wider community, holding annual toy drives for sick kids in the hospital, food bank drives, raising funds for those in need etc.
YMM: What keeps you in Fort McMurray?
NA: Family and amazing community. The community here is diverse, family oriented, perfect place for raising a family as there are many engaging activities for kids and community events.
YMM: What is the worst advice that you ever received?
NA: To not do something even if you know it is beneficial. In volunteering and starting new programs, I noticed there are people that are supportive and others that are negative/pessimistic. We all need to ignore the negativity and focus on whatever good we can do.
YMM: Who is your hero, and why?
NA: My role model is the Prophet Muhammad peace be upon him (pbuh). He was truly an amazing man that set amazing examples of service leadership, how to treat others, have good manners, always having faith in God, being beneficial to all regardless of their faith, taking care of the environment, taking care of family etc.
YMM: Describe your perfect day in YMM.
NA: Participating, volunteering or leading in any event that brings benefit to the community. Having my family be a part of that is also a very special feeling.
