Strategic Public Sector Leader | Global & Community Development Executive
Champion for Equity & Inclusion | Executive Coach
Tariq Ismati’s journey from Afghanistan to Canada is not just one of geographical relocation; it’s a story of resilience, leadership, and a relentless drive to make a difference in the lives of others. Arriving in Canada in 2016 as an asylum seeker, Tariq carried with him not only the weight of his past but the strength of his experience as a seasoned executive leader. In Afghanistan, he had already carved out a career in the most challenging of circumstances, serving as the Deputy Minister for the Ministry of Rural Development and leading national programs that impacted over 40,000 villages and touched the lives of millions. His drive to learn and grow was unwavering—he earned two master’s degrees while balancing the demands of high-profile leadership roles, further complemented by an Executive Program at the prestigious Rotman School of Management at the University of Toronto. Tariq’s leadership journey began much earlier, in the midst of Afghanistan’s darkest days in the late 1990s. While many of his peers focused on survival, Tariq sought a purpose greater than himself. Fluent in English, he entered the humanitarian sector, working with international organizations such as the UN and various NGOs. His commitment to service, combined with an unyielding passion to help others, propelled him forward. Over time, his hard work and determination saw him rise through the ranks, ultimately becoming the Deputy Minister of Rural Rehabilitation and Development by the age of 32. His position granted him the authority and responsibility to oversee large-scale development projects, managing multi-million-dollar budgets, and shaping national policies aimed at rural economic development. But Tariq’s path was not without its obstacles. In 2016, after fleeing the uncertainty of his homeland, he began the process of rebuilding his life in Canada. Despite the challenges of starting over in a foreign land, Tariq’s leadership potential quickly became evident. Within just four months of arriving, he secured a senior role as a Director with the Ontario Public Service (OPS), a remarkable achievement for a newcomer. This marked the beginning of his new chapter in Canada, where he would go on to lead transformative initiatives at multiple levels of government.
Tariq’s work in Canada focused on empowering others through public service, particularly newcomers. He took on several leadership roles, including transforming Employment Ontario programs and serving as the Regional Director at the Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training, and Skills Development. During his tenure, Tariq played a crucial role in shaping policies to help Ontarians find meaningful employment while enhancing the province’s immigration and training services.
Despite his success in government, Tariq’s desire to make a more direct impact on underserved communities led him to take a leap of faith in 2023. He transitioned from a secure government position to a new role as Senior Director at Wesley, a non-profit organization focused on supporting refugees and newcomers. In this new position, Tariq leads programs that serve thousands of immigrants and refugees every year, ensuring they have the tools and resources they need to build successful lives in Canada.
Tariq’s story is one of constant reinvention and unshakable dedication to service. Along the way, he earned two master’s degrees, balancing the demands of his professional roles with his academic ambitions. He also pursued an Executive Program at the prestigious Rotman School of Management at the University of Toronto, further honing his leadership skills. His education, along with his extensive career experience, allowed him to influence both national and international policies and contribute to large-scale development projects funded by global organizations such as the World Bank and the Asian Development Bank.
Throughout his career, Tariq has demonstrated a strong commitment to leadership grounded in transparency, resilience, and a deep sense of equity, diversity, and inclusion. He believes in the power of building relationships, fostering inclusive teams, and creating environments where everyone can thrive. He has continuously shown that leadership is not defined by titles but by the positive impact one creates for others.
Even as he balanced his professional roles, Tariq managed family responsibilities as a devoted husband, father of three, and caregiver to his elderly parents. His story remains one of overcoming adversity, staying true to one’s values, and making a meaningful difference in the world. His journey is not only about the milestones he’s achieved or the positions he’s held; it’s about the lives he’s touched, the policies he’s helped shape, and the communities he’s empowered.
For the next generation, Tariq’s story serves as a testament to the power of perseverance and purpose. It shows that, even in the face of immense challenges, one can still rise to become a force for good in the world. Whether through his humanitarian work in Afghanistan, his leadership in Canada’s public sector, or his ongoing efforts to support newcomers, Tariq exemplifies how passion, resilience, and a commitment to others can create a legacy of lasting change.
