Board of Friends

Andrea Soueidan

Andrea Soueidan is originally Lebanese, born and raised in Montreal, Canada. She lived in Chicago, IL, and Dubai, UAE, before returning home in 2012. She launched her own Concierge and Event Planning company, and this year she celebrates 11 years in business with pride and joy!

Describing Andrea’s professional role is challenging, but even more difficult is finding something she cannot do. Her passion is her daily motivation. She brings people together, elevates busy lives so they can live and work to their fullest capacity, and offers the luxury of time. She is also known as the Fairy Duster!

Her commitment to giving back is evident through her involvement with the Shoe Box Project, as a committee member of The Cedar’s Cancer, a board member of the McCord Museum, and volunteering at the Children’s Hospital. She also believes in the success of the LFF film festival therefore she dedicates time and is happy to be on the Board of Friends.

Andrea’s entrepreneurial mindset has led her to be nominated at the RBC Canadian Women of Influence of Women Entrepreneur. She is also proud that her team won the Canadian Choice Award 2024.

They make magic happen at their fullest!

Darine Haddad

Darine Haddad is a Senior Relationship Manager for Commercial Services at RBC, leveraging her passion, skills, and knowledge across multiple roles and sectors within the organization for over 20 years. With a B.A.A. from HEC and an EMBA from JMSB Concordia, she has held several leadership positions leading teams, branches, and markets of varying sizes. Darine’s strategic mindset earned her a nomination as Strategy and Initiatives Advisor, covering Quebec, and supporting the management of RBC’s business priorities. During the pandemic, she stepped up to help businesses in her current position as Senior Director, Commercial Services.

In addition to her professional activities, Darine is a committed philanthropist, particularly focused on supporting entrepreneurs, women, youth, growing businesses, and caregivers for the elderly. She was part of the launch of a Lebanese Business Development Committee within RBC in 2021 aimed at creating opportunities and impact. Darine has been awarded the Elite Banker title many times and was also honored with the Leo RBC Award, the highest honor reserved for less than 1% of employees.

LILIANNE NAZAR

Lilianne Nazar is the Vice President of Corporate Sales at BMW-MINI Montreal Centre and the President of the Canada-Lebanon Chamber of Commerce and Industry. She holds a degree in finance and financial planning and has an accreditation from the Canadian Institute of Bankers and the University of Toronto. With over 20 years of experience in various major financial institutions in Canada, she has held several leadership positions in the areas of wealth management, business development, and branch management. She has also received numerous excellence awards, including the BMO Bank of Montreal’s Grand Leadership Prize.

Outside of her professional activities, Lilianne is heavily involved in the business and cultural communities of Quebec and Canada. She has been involved in the CCICL to support projects for entrepreneurs, businesses, and businesswomen for the growth and success of the Canado-Lebanese and Canadian business community. She is a mother of two children and advocates for values of respect and human connection to create a harmonious, healthy, and prosperous society.

Mark Ghanimé

Mark Ghanimé is a premier Lebanese Canadian actor born in Calgary, Canada but he didn’t set out to be in the performing arts. After graduating with a finance degree, he was in the real estate development world, working with his father and other developers. The attraction to performing was too great however and at the age of 22, Mark began taking dance, vocal training and ultimately on a whim, saying yes to a background role on a film starring Juliette Lewis.

From that day forward he knew being on set was where he belonged. His mixed, ethnically ambiguous strength afforded him the ability to play a myriad of archetypes from good, bad and everything in between and those piercing green eyes command attention when he’s on the screen, big or small.

After success in a number of network TV shows in Vancouver, Mark booked the series regular role of Sergio Balleseros in SyFy network’s Helix which filmed in Montreal, Canada. After the show’s exciting 2 season run, Mark moved on to recur and star in various successful shows like Private Eyes, Reign, Slasher and found films for Syfy and Netflix along the way.

Mark currently stars as Dr. Cameron Hayek, the new Lebanese American doctor in town on Netflix’s VIRGIN RIVER. The show is one of the most streamed shows of all time.
Mark resides in Montreal with his wife as they raise their lovely daughter together.

RITA KACHICH

As Relationship Manager within Commercial Financing with a specialization in retail & franchises at RBC, I manage a growing portfolio of clients by helping them bring their projects to life and giving them tailored advice for their business needs.

With my deep knowledge, I can help maximize RBC’s position in the market and bring the best of RBC to the businesses I manage, business owners and their employees.

With a career spanning over 30 years and as a seasoned expert in banking, I began my journey with the Royal Bank in 1992. Since then, I have taken on various roles where I was able to contribute my knowledge, through personal customer service, managing personal clients, coaching new employees, small business and since 2022 in commercial financing.

Over the years, I have been awarded with RBC’s Elite Banker title for my dedication and passion for my clients. In 2016 and 2020, I earned the RBC conference for my superior performance.

Furthermore, I was awarded the highest distinction reserved for less than 1% of employees, the RBC Leo award.

Originally, born in Lebanon and having moved to Canada in 1990. My background is diverse and rich in experience. Apart from my professional responsibilities I am passionate about community involvement and making an impact.

I was a member of a non-profit committee, helping students, and actively working to achieve success in my community.

In 2021, I joined the Lebanese Canadian chamber of commerce with a goal to help develop and grow the community’s business network.And in 2023 I joined the board of friends for the Lebanese Film Festival in Canada

Sayde Jabra

As a freelance and passionate photographer with over 10 years of experience in the field of photography: editorial, magazine cover, portrait, fashion, content creation, beauty, culinary, jewelry, e-commerce, lookbooks and products. She manages sessions; organizes and develops a photoshoot plan, creates a mood board, sets creative direction, and helps with the styling process. Sayde has worked with over 400 clients in the fashion industry including: Lancôme, Lancel, Love Moschino, Mont Blanc, Audermars Piguet, Lacoste, Mango, Gap, Adidas, Bershka as well as hotels (Four Seasons & more). Her work has been featured in over 10 different media: TVs, magazines and newspapers such as LaPresse, Radio Canada (Radio & TV)