Our Team
We are made up of educators and business professionals that
are passionate about education and helping all our students succeed.
Campus Staff
Sajjad Ali
Sajjad Ali is a forward-thinking entrepreneur, philanthropist, and education leader with a strong background in IT and management. As the full-time President and CEO of Focus College and Optyyl Technologies, his leadership extends far beyond education. Sajjad co-founded HELPUS.CARE, a global charity dedicated to supporting health, education, microloans, and community protection for those in need. He also co-launched Weave Enterprises, blending his passion for technology, business, and social impact. Today, alongside his IT ventures, Sajjad continues to drive Focus College’s mission of “Empowering Minds through Quality Education” by making learning accessible across Canada and beyond, forging global partnerships and expanding Focus’s brand internationally.
Umar Durrani
Lieutenant General (Retd.) Umar Farooq Durrani brings over 38 years of leadership and human resource development experience from the Pakistan Armed Forces, where he commanded brigades, an armored division, and a strike corps, and later served as Chief Executive of Pakistan Ordnance Factories. A graduate of National Defense University, JFSC Norfolk (USA), and Cranfield University (UK), he has also held senior instructional roles and authored multiple publications. Today, Umar applies his extensive expertise in strategy, operations, and education to help Focus College students achieve their personal and professional goals.
Gaylyne Archibald
Gaylyne is an experienced education leader specializing in curriculum and teaching, and an MEd in adult education and distance learning. With a strong academic background in science, psychology, English, and TESOL, she brings a diverse, innovative approach to teaching and curriculum design. Her career spans policy development, instructional assessment, and leadership in both academic and non-profit sectors, with a focus on diversity, inclusion, and bridging the gap between learning, policy, and society. At Focus College, she is dedicated to shaping engaging, industry-aligned programs that empower students for success.
Dr. Sandeep Singh Sandhu, PhD
Dr. Sandeep holds a PhD in Welding Technology and brings over 24 years of expertise in material science, welding, and advanced analysis techniques. With two decades of leadership in higher education, he has guided faculty teams, advanced student recruitment, and promoted equity, diversity, and inclusion initiatives. A prolific researcher with 54 publications and extensive international conference contributions, he has also supervised multiple PhD and MTech scholars. Recognized with the Nation Builders Award in 2017, Dr. Sandhu combines academic excellence, research leadership, and strong communication skills to drive student success and innovation at Focus College.
Syed Hasnain Ali
With over a decade of experience in the mid and downstream oil and gas sector, Syed Hasnain Ali has led projects in greenfield development, retail engineering, and business expansion across multinational and national corporations before joining Focus College. He specializes in operations, project management, and strategic business development, consistently delivering results within strict safety and quality standards. Holding a Bachelor’s in Mechanical Engineering and a Master’s in Project Management, Syed brings strong expertise in strategy, execution, and operational excellence to his role at Focus College.
Doe Adegbulugbe, MBA
With over 20 years of leadership in banking, education, and compliance, Doyin Adegbulugbe brings expertise in regulatory adherence, quality assurance, and risk management to Focus College. Since joining in 2024, he has taught courses in Organizational Behavior, Business Communication, Accounting, and Customer Service Culture, integrating real-world case studies to strengthen student learning. Previously, he served as Head of Compliance at Instein Advisory and held senior leadership roles at Skye Bank Gambia, where he advanced compliance frameworks, streamlined operations, and drove efficiency. Holding advanced degrees from Trinity Western University(Canada), Belhaven University(USA), and Lagos State University, along with executive training from Harvard Business School, Doyin is also a Professional Scrum Master (PSM1) and active member of the Nigerian Institute of Management. His work blends academic excellence, compliance expertise, and a commitment to student success, making him a key leader in shaping Focus College’s standards and growth.
Dr. Dana Bina, DBA
Dana Bina is an award-winning global marketing and AI-driven growth leader, recognized as one of Vancouver’s Top Marketing Experts (2024), a Top Team at Google for Startups Vancouver (2024), and winner of the 2025 Marketing Excellence Award (BCAMA). With 8+ years in B2C and B2B SaaS/PaaS, he has led go-to-market strategy, digital transformation, and brand growth for Samsung Electronics, TMC, and AMF. Formerly Head of Marketing & Communications for the Smart City Council at the Asian Mayors Forum, he has spoken on AI marketing and digital transformation at the United Nations, WSIS, MWC, IoT Academy, and European Digital Week. He also mentors emerging leaders at the Samsung Innovation Centre. Dr. Bina holds a DBA in Marketing, an SCD, dual master’s degrees (MBA and MSc in Cybersecurity), and a BSc in ICT Engineering, and is a recipient of the NYIT Service Award (2022).
Harmandeep Singh
Harmandeep Singh brings valuable experience from the education and immigration sector, where he previously served as Branch Head of a study abroad firm in Mumbai, India. Currently pursuing a BCIS degree at the University of the Fraser Valley, he combines academic knowledge with hands-on expertise in student admissions, visa processes, and international education opportunities. Since joining Focus College in 2023, Harmandeep has been dedicated to guiding students through their academic journeys, providing personalized support, and helping them achieve their educational and career goals.
David Markin
David holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts from the University of British Columbia and brings a diverse background spanning retail management, office administration, and medical reception. His international studies at Hamburg University of Applied Sciences in Germany enriched his global perspective and interpersonal skills. As an Admissions Advisor at Focus College, David is dedicated to creating positive student experiences, fostering genuine connections, and guiding learners toward achieving their academic and career goals.
Kayla Tso
Kayla holds a BA in World Literature with a Minor in Global Asia Studies and a Chinese Cultural Studies Certificate from Simon Fraser University. With experience at Global Affairs Canada and as a Program Coordinator at SFU, she brings strong expertise in intercultural communication, event coordination, and student engagement. Fluent in English with advanced Japanese and intermediate Mandarin, Kayla now supports new students at Focus College as an Admissions Advisor, guiding them through enrolment and the start of their academic journey.
Arvind Kaur
Arvind holds a Master’s in Microbiology and brings hands-on laboratory experience from the water treatment and pharmaceutical sectors, alongside administrative expertise in business operations and regulatory compliance. She also holds a Bachelor’s in Indian classical vocal music, reflecting her diverse background in both science and the arts. At Focus College, Arvind supports students as a Student Services Officer, ensuring they have the guidance, resources, and supportive environment needed to succeed in their academic journey.
Prabhsharan Kaur
Prabhsharan brings over 10 years of experience in education and IT, with a Masters of Engineering (Honours) in Computer Networks, a Bachelor’s in Computer Science Engineering, and certifications including RHCSA and Cybersecurity Fundamentals. She began her career as an Assistant Professor, contributing to curriculum innovation, online instruction, and academic quality assurance while publishing in respected research forums. At Focus College, she now applies her academic and technical expertise to student services and admissions, supporting learners with guidance, resources, and a strong commitment to their academic success.
Syed Kamrul Hassan
With over 15 years of experience in accounting and finance, Syed Kamrul Hassan specializes in financial reporting, analysis, and reconciliation, including the preparation of financial statements, cash flows, and monthly balance sheets. Skilled in product costing and job-based costing, he ensures accuracy and efficiency in financial operations. His strong academic background includes an MBA from UCW, a Master’s degree in Accounting, CMA Level III certification, and ongoing CPA studies, reflecting his commitment to continuous professional growth and excellence in accounting practice.
Arpan Bhavsar, MS
Arpan Bhavsar holds a Master of Administrative Science in Computer Security and Forensic Administration from Fairleigh Dickinson University and a Bachelor of Engineering in Information Technology from Gujarat Technological University. With over 6 years of experience as a Senior Software Engineer specializing in mobile app development, he is also a Certified Ethical Hacker with expertise in penetration testing, cybersecurity, and artificial intelligence. His research on webserver security earned him the Best Paper Award at FICTA 2023, and at Focus College, he applies both academic and industry knowledge to prepare students for success in technology and cybersecurity careers.
Eve Kordeh
Eve Kordeh is a creative professional with over five years of experience in graphic and web design, specializing in branding and visual design across digital and print media. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Architecture and also a Front-End Web Development Certificate from BCIT, blending strong design fundamentals with modern digital skills. With a sharp eye for detail and a passion for creating cohesive visual identities, Eve has contributed to a wide range of projects, from social media and marketing materials to websites and large-format visuals. She currently supports Focus College by producing high-quality designs, coordinating brand elements, and enhancing the overall visual experience for institutional initiatives.
Syed Ali Haider
With over a decade of experience in the financial services sector, Syed Ali Haider Naqvi has led high-performing teams across business development, client services, and branch network performance management. He has played a key role in driving branch budgeting strategies, strengthening support functions, and creating effective liaison between branch operations and corporate offices to ensure strategic alignment. Recognized for his proactive leadership and results-oriented approach, he consistently delivers improvements in service quality, operational efficiency, and revenue growth. Backed by an MBA and Financial certifications, he brings a blend of financial expertise, administrative precision, and strategic insight.
Instructional Team
Dr. Mansour Esmaeilpour, PhD
Dr. Mansour Esmaeilpour holds a PhD in Computer Science from the National University of Malaysia (UKM), where he also completed postdoctoral research, along with a BSc and MSc in Software Engineering from Iran. With over 17 years of teaching and research experience, he has served as an Associate Professor at IAU in Iran and taught computer science and engineering at Fairleigh Dickinson University and Focus College in British Columbia. Alongside academia, he brings 15+ years of industry consulting experience, leading research and technology transfer projects with industrial partners. His research interests include Data Science, Machine Learning, Medical Signal & Image Processing, and Reinforcement Learning, making him a valuable contributor to both education and applied innovation.
Dr. Nissrine Mouchtakir, PhD
Dr. Nissrine Mouchtakir holds a PhD and Master’s in Strategic Management and brings over eight years of experience as a management professor. She specializes in competency-based learning, real case studies, and teaching subjects such as entrepreneurship, marketing management, and human resources. Beyond academia, she has led research teams, contributed to launching a digital incubator, and developed long-term strategies in both academic and industry settings. Actively engaged in professional conferences and curriculum development, including with the EUR-ACE label, Dr. Mouchtakir is dedicated to fostering innovation, practical learning, and excellence in business education.
Dr. Soraya Shabanijafroudi, PhD
Dr. Soraya Shabanijafroudi holds a PhD in Economics with a specialization in Financial Economics and an MBA, complemented by extensive teaching experience at both graduate and undergraduate levels. Alongside academia, she brings over a decade of expertise as a Liquidity Risk Manager in the banking sector, where she led stress testing, regulatory compliance, and the development of liquidity risk management policies. Her dual background in economics and finance allows her to bridge theory and practice, offering students valuable insights into macroeconomics, econometrics, and financial risk management. Dedicated to fostering academic success, Dr. Soraya creates an engaging, supportive learning environment that connects classroom learning with real-world applications.
Dr. Oluremi Ebukuyo, PhD
Dr. Oluremi Ebukuyo holds a PhD in Economics and Financial Statistics and an MBA in Business Analytics and Finance, with over 18 years of professional experience in the financial sector. She combines academic expertise in business, statistics, econometrics, and strategic management with practical industry knowledge to deliver impactful instruction. Her research has been published in respected international journals, and she is dedicated to creating an engaging, inclusive, and practical learning environment that equips students with the analytical and business skills needed for academic and professional success.
Dr. Anuj Kumar Goel, PhD
Dr. Anuj Kumar Goel holds a PhD, Master’s, and Bachelor’s in Electronics and Communication Engineering, with over 17 years of teaching and administrative experience at leading engineering universities. He has published 30+ research papers in reputed journals and 21 conference papers with IEEE and Springer, in addition to authoring or editing 14 academic books on topics such as fingerprint recognition, materials science, and emerging engineering trends. A member of professional bodies including ACM, IACSIT, IAENG, IASED, and IEIECE, Dr. Goel also serves on editorial boards and as a peer reviewer for international journals. Currently pursuing a Master’s in Leadership (Education) at Trinity Western University (Canada), he brings expertise in Cybersecurity, AI/ML, IT applications, and VLSI system design to his role at Focus College.
June Agpalo, MBA
June Agpalo is a business instructor with over 10 years of professional experience in sales and marketing and currently teaches at multiple colleges across British Columbia. She specializes in business administration, marketing, and economics, integrating real-world expertise into her teaching to equip students with practical skills. June holds an MBA from University Canada West and is passionate about creating engaging learning environments that foster both academic achievement and professional growth.
Dr. Aditi Rishi, PhD
Dr. Aditi Rishi holds a PhD in Economics and brings extensive experience teaching economics, finance, and mathematics at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels. She is dedicated to creating dynamic, inclusive, and student-centered learning environments that support diverse learning needs and help students excel academically and professionally. At Focus College, Dr. Rishi combines her strong academic background with a passion for empowering students to achieve success in their studies and future careers.
Fathima Sharmila Muhammed Shiddique, MBA
Fathima is a dedicated business and accounting instructor with over 8 years of teaching and mentoring experience. She holds an MBA from University Canada West, is an ACCA Affiliate, and earned her BSc in Applied Accounting from Oxford Brookes University, London. Specializing in accounting, financial management, auditing, taxation, and finance-related subjects, she is recognized for her clear teaching style and strong student connections. Although offered accounting roles in Canada, her passion for education has kept her focused on helping students excel in their academic and professional journeys.
Sean Tran, MS
Sean Tran is an accomplished educator and business coach with dual master’s degrees, MBA from the French-Vietnamese School of Management and an M.S. in Management from IÉSEG School of Management, France. He has taught over 30 business courses to more than 1,800 students across 3,500+ teaching hours, earning recognition such as the Most Impactful Educator Award and Outstanding Business Evaluator Award at HEC Montréal, as well as being named Best Business Lecturer at the University of Greenwich. Sean is also a certified expert in social business, having coached 20+ start-ups, and brings extensive industry experience in marketing, e-commerce, and new product development from global companies including PepsiCo, Perfetti Van Melle, and Food Empire Singapore, where he helped launch more than 15 products across diverse markets.
Manan Patel, MS
Manan Patel is an instructor at Focus College’s Surrey campus, specializing in Data Science and Software Development. With over 7 years of industry experience, he is skilled in Python, R, Java, machine learning, data visualization, and big data processing. He holds a Master of Professional Studies in Data Analytics (AI/ML) from Northeastern University and a Master of Computer Applications from Gujarat Technological University, as well as a BSc in Computer Science. Passionate about mentoring, Manan focuses on bridging the gap between theory and real-world applications to prepare students for success in tech-driven careers.
Gina Pabiana, MBA
With over 20 years of experience in business, marketing, training, and sales, Gina Pabiana is a dedicated educator who specializes in customer service excellence and professional development. She is passionate about creating impactful training programs and workshops that foster empathy, leadership, and a growth mindset. Gina holds an MBA from University Canada West, where she specialized in Digital Marketing and Strategic Management, and she brings both academic knowledge and industry expertise to help students excel in their business careers.
Dalmanjot Singh, MBA
Dalmanjot Singh holds an MBA from the Sauder School of Business (UBC, Vancouver) and a Bachelor of Technology in Computer Science from Punjabi University, India. With over 10 years of experience in software engineering, technology consulting, and product management across multiple industries and countries, he brings a unique multidisciplinary perspective to the classroom. Passionate about leveraging technology to drive business growth and innovation, Dalmanjot is dedicated to equipping students with the skills and mindset needed to thrive in a rapidly evolving digital world.
Angelo Stradiotto
With over 24 years of experience in law enforcement, Angelo Stradiotto has served in diverse roles across BC Corrections, BC Sheriffs Service, Delta Police Department, Commercial Vehicle Safety Enforcement, and the West Kelowna Bylaw Department. He has also shared his expertise as an instructor at the Justice Institute of BC and through training within multiple agencies. At Focus College, Angelo brings his extensive real-world knowledge to the classroom, preparing students for careers in justice, community safety, and bylaw enforcement.
Carlos Abaffy, MSc
Carlos Abaffy brings over 30 years of experience in information technology, combining academic leadership with industry expertise. He holds a BSc in Computer Engineering from Universidad Simón Bolívar (Venezuela) and an MSc in Information Systems Engineering from UMIST (UK). As an Associate Professor at Universidad Nacional Experimental de Guayana, he has taught extensively in programming and software engineering, supervising more than 40 undergraduate and graduate theses. With 25+ years in the aluminum industry, Carlos has led the adoption of advanced IT solutions and, in recent years, focused on developing intelligent platforms for remote infrastructure monitoring—bridging innovation, research, and education.
Shantanu Vaity, MBA
Shantanu Vaity brings over 7 years of teaching experience in business and commerce and 8 years of industry experience with Fortune 500 companies, Big 4 consulting firms, and leading banks. He specializes in accounting and finance, supported by dual master’s degrees, M.Com in Accounting from the University of Mumbai and an MBA in Finance from University Canada West, along with an Accounting Technician Certificate from the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India. Multilingual in English, Hindi, Marathi, and Urdu, Shantanu is dedicated to helping diverse learners build strong foundations in finance and accounting for success in both academics and industry.
Johnny Vu, MBA
Johnny Vu brings nearly a decade of management experience in the international 5-star hotel industry, having worked with leading groups such as Accor (Sofitel, Pullman) and IHG (InterContinental Hotels & Resorts) in Australia, including four years as a Food & Beverage Operations Manager at a 350-room property. He has also taught hospitality and business in France, Canada, and at Focus College, combining academic expertise with real-world industry knowledge. Johnny holds a Bachelor’s in International Hotel Management (ICHM, South Australia) and an MBA from the University of Applied Sciences and Arts Northwestern Switzerland, and is recognized for his strong leadership, problem-solving, and change management skills.
Abdul Qayyum, MS
Abdul Qayyum is a seasoned educator with 17 years of experience in business and hospitality management instruction, specializing in accounting, economics, operations, project management, and entrepreneurship. He has extensive expertise in curriculum design, compliance, and academic management, having developed over 25 diploma and certificate programs approved by regulatory bodies including PTIRU. Since 2009, he has served as a Senior Educational Administrator, coordinating with regulators such as IRCC and StudentAid BC. Holding master’s degrees in Development Economics and Economics, and with prior experience as a research economist at the State Bank of Pakistan and an academic head at NIBAF, Abdul brings a wealth of knowledge to Focus College, preparing students for both academic and professional success.