Wafa Benmahmoud

My name is Wafa Benmahmoud, and I am the Founder and CEO of MATAB—an organization dedicated to empowering Muslim youth through mental wellness education, emotional skill-building, and culturally grounded support. As a certified Child and Youth Counsellor (CYC) with a deep passion for community care, I’ve spent years working directly with children and adolescents in schools and community settings across Ontario.

MATAB was born from both my professional experience and personal commitment as a Muslim woman to ensure that youth—especially Muslim girls and young women—have access to safe, inclusive spaces where they can grow, be heard, and be supported holistically. I believe in honouring our Islamic values while also engaging with evidence-based practices to support mental and emotional well-being.

Through MATAB, I aim to bridge the gap between faith, culture, and mental health—creating programs that are not only age-appropriate and identity-affirming but also rooted in compassion, purpose, and belonging.