advisory team

Murshed Nizam, CPA, is a Chartered Professional Accountant and respected small-business advisor with deep roots in Scarborough’s business community. He brings strong financial leadership, governance awareness, and practical experience supporting entrepreneurs, professionals, and growing organizations across the Greater Toronto Area.

As the founder and principal of MURSHED NIZAM CPA, Mr. Nizam has worked closely with small and medium-sized enterprises, helping them strengthen financial controls, improve cash-flow management, ensure regulatory compliance, and make informed strategic decisions. His work spans accounting, taxation, budgeting, forecasting, and financial reporting—always with a focus on sustainability and responsible growth.

Mr. Nizam is known for his collaborative leadership style, clear communication, and ability to translate complex financial information into practical insights for boards and stakeholders. He has experience working with diverse teams and understands the unique challenges facing Scarborough businesses, including access to capital, rising costs, workforce shortages, and regulatory complexity.

Ajan Thirü is a Toronto-based entrepreneur, strategist, and community builder focused on turning complex business challenges into scalable growth.  He leads Thiru Inc., a consulting and investment firm that helps organizations unlock new revenue, streamline operations, and access strategic capital and networks.

As the founder of Scarborough Innovates, Ajan also works to catalyze entrepreneurship and economic opportunity in Scarborough, partnering with local organizations to support emerging founders.  With a background that spans biomedical studies, hospitality, and technology, he brings a cross-disciplinary, execution-focused approach to every venture he supports.

Shawn Allen, a distinguished leader in Canadian finance, is a proud Scarborough native—born, raised, and actively contributing to his community. In 2008, he founded Matrix Mortgage Global, growing it into Canada’s premier private lending brokerage. His achievements include five consecutive Broker of the Year awards, three Top 100 Global Mortgage Broker honors, induction into the Scarborough Walk of Fame, and recognition as one of Canada’s Top 100 Most Influential Black Individuals in 2022 and 2023.

Shawn served on the Scarborough Business Association Board for six years, including a term as President, helping guide the organization in promoting business excellence and community growth. Beyond finance, he champions education and mentorship through The Shawn Allen Award for students in the Faculty of Management and International Business. He has also hosted the Toronto Business Summit and will host the Affordable Housing Summit at UTSC and Queens Park.

With a legacy of leadership, Shawn continues to advise and support initiatives that strengthen Scarborough’s business community and foster inclusive growth.

Saeed Selvam is the President and Founder of Selvam Public Affairs, with over 20 years of experience in government relations, crisis communications, and strategic public affairs. He advises Fortune 500 companies, global brands, and public institutions on shaping policy, managing risk, and protecting reputation.

Saeed has led major public affairs efforts across sectors, including serving as Global Policy Lead at Google during the COVID-19 pandemic and the onset of the war in Ukraine. He has also provided strategic counsel to senior political leaders, including the White House, a Premier of Ontario, and two Toronto mayors during periods of crisis.

A regular media commentator, Saeed appears on national platforms including CTV’s Power Play, offering insight on politics and public policy. He is a Millennium Excellence Award Scholar, recipient of the Lincoln M. Alexander Award, and a Massey Fellow. Saeed holds a Master of Public Policy and an Honours B.A. in Political Science from the University of Toronto.

Theresa is an award-winning entrepreneur, speaker, and producer of The Miracle Morning movie, based on the book that has sold 3.5 million copies worldwide. She was the founder of the SociaLIGHT Conference, formerly Canada's largest entrepreneur and leadership event with guests like Sir Richard Branson, Seth Godin and more.  Her work has been featured in Forbes, recognized by the  Lieutenant Governor of Canada,  and she was recently named a "Canadian Women Entrepreneur Icon." Her life took a turn when she survived a near fatal bus accident and is called  “Toronto’s Walking Miracle” by the Toronto Star.Today, Theresa is a resiliency advocate and empowers leaders and entrepreneurs with her transformational formula and blueprint to not only RISE but THRIVE.

Jason brings extensive experience in governance, tribunals, and community engagement across public, private, and non-profit sectors. He has served on multiple boards and advisory committees, including the University of Toronto Scarborough Campus Council, where he helps advance scholarships, equity initiatives, and student engagement.

A former member of the Social Security Tribunal and Veterans Review and Appeal Board, Jason excels in adjudication, strategic decision-making, and applying sound judgment. He also served as a trustee for OPTrust, overseeing a $20B pension plan with a focus on governance and risk management.

Jason’s expertise in policy, governance, and community-focused initiatives makes him a trusted advisor for strategic growth and equitable impact.