About MAX Ottawa
Our Team
Our team is made up of passionate and engaged community members who are dedicated to improving the health and wellbeing of our friends, family, lovers, and neighbours.
Adam Awad
Over the past 15 years, Adam has worked on dozens of campaigns to mobilize communities and effect change. Most recently, he was the Manager of Communications at the Gay Men's Sexual Health Alliance (GMSH), where he helped anchor the public health response on mpox in Ontario and developed media and educational resources on sexual health for queer and trans men.
He has also served as the National Chairperson for the Canadian Federation of Students, as a director on the Boards for both the Centretown Community Health Centre and the Alliance for Healthier Communities, and has worked on political campaigns at all three levels of government.
Equally comfortable at the boardroom table, at the barricades, or at the baths, Adam brings his life experience to MAX's work. In his downtime, he’s typically tending to houseplants, at the pool, or at the circus gym.
ExecDirector@maxottawa.ca
613-701-6555
Adam Awad
Executive Director
Adam Awad
Over the past 15 years, Adam has worked on dozens of campaigns to mobilize communities and effect change. Most recently, he was the Manager of Communications at the Gay Men's Sexual Health Alliance (GMSH), where he helped anchor the public health response on mpox in Ontario and developed media and educational resources on sexual health for queer and trans men.
He has also served as the National Chairperson for the Canadian Federation of Students, as a director on the Boards for both the Centretown Community Health Centre and the Alliance for Healthier Communities, and has worked on political campaigns at all three levels of government.
Equally comfortable at the boardroom table, at the barricades, or at the baths, Adam brings his life experience to MAX's work. In his downtime, he’s typically tending to houseplants, at the pool, or at the circus gym.
ExecDirector@maxottawa.ca
613-701-6555
Ahmed Muslimani
Ahmed (they/them) is the Manager of Partnerships and Strategic Development. They will be supporting the building of community partnerships and fundraising strategies. Ahmed began their career in community work nearly 12 years ago after arriving in Canada as a refugee claimant. Their work has largely focused on newcomers and queer communities, anti-oppression, and sexual health education.
a.muslimani@maxottawa.ca
613-701-6555
Ahmed Muslimani
Director of Community Programs
Ahmed Muslimani
Ahmed (they/them) is the Manager of Partnerships and Strategic Development. They will be supporting the building of community partnerships and fundraising strategies. Ahmed began their career in community work nearly 12 years ago after arriving in Canada as a refugee claimant. Their work has largely focused on newcomers and queer communities, anti-oppression, and sexual health education.
a.muslimani@maxottawa.ca
613-701-6555
Massimo Lunardon
Massimo (he/him), originally from Toronto, came to Ottawa in order to study linguistics and world history. While completing his degree, Massimo started working in a local drag bar, gaining a profound appreciation for the local queer scene. With ambitions to work more within the community, Massimo began working for Capital Pride where he oversaw the organization's communications and translation for over two years, a task which lent itself to better understanding the groups he served. Now in the role of Executive Assistant, Massimo hopes to support the team at MAX so that the best services possible can be provided. When he's not working, you'll find Massimo in the front row of a drag show, at the gym, or watching animes.
Massimo Lunardon
Executive Assistant
Massimo Lunardon
Massimo (he/him), originally from Toronto, came to Ottawa in order to study linguistics and world history. While completing his degree, Massimo started working in a local drag bar, gaining a profound appreciation for the local queer scene. With ambitions to work more within the community, Massimo began working for Capital Pride where he oversaw the organization's communications and translation for over two years, a task which lent itself to better understanding the groups he served. Now in the role of Executive Assistant, Massimo hopes to support the team at MAX so that the best services possible can be provided. When he's not working, you'll find Massimo in the front row of a drag show, at the gym, or watching animes.
Brenna Egan
Brenna (they/them) is the events and outreach coordinator for MAX. Originally from the GTA, they spent many years in Vancouver for their undergrad before moving to Ottawa to pursue their master’s in Women and Gender Studies at Carleton. Since then, they have become heavily involved in Ottawa’s queer nightlife scenes and believe that bringing queer people together is a powerful way to recognize, celebrate, and encourage the wide range of identities that compose the 2SLGBTQ community in Ottawa. When not at work, Brenna can be found cuddling with their dog, over-caffeinating at a local cafe, or checking out new nightlife scenes around the city.
Brenna Egan
Events and Outreach Coordinator
Brenna Egan
Brenna (they/them) is the events and outreach coordinator for MAX. Originally from the GTA, they spent many years in Vancouver for their undergrad before moving to Ottawa to pursue their master’s in Women and Gender Studies at Carleton. Since then, they have become heavily involved in Ottawa’s queer nightlife scenes and believe that bringing queer people together is a powerful way to recognize, celebrate, and encourage the wide range of identities that compose the 2SLGBTQ community in Ottawa. When not at work, Brenna can be found cuddling with their dog, over-caffeinating at a local cafe, or checking out new nightlife scenes around the city.
Antonio Wilson
(He/Him)
'Peace, Love & Prosperity', are the three pillars of my life.
I take life one day at a time, because why are we rushing? Currently, I wear multiple hats; 'Logistics Specialist', 'Team Lead - BGMN: Ottawa' and 'Peer Facilitator'. Sounds like a lot, and yes it is but rest is always prioritized.
Among other things, I enjoy being adventurous, exploring nature or new cities, and spending quality time with family and friends.
Favourite Quote: "Be the change that you wish to see in the world." - Mahatma Gandhi
Antonio Wilson
Peer Facilitator - Keeping It 100 (K1)
Antonio Wilson
(He/Him)
'Peace, Love & Prosperity', are the three pillars of my life.
I take life one day at a time, because why are we rushing? Currently, I wear multiple hats; 'Logistics Specialist', 'Team Lead - BGMN: Ottawa' and 'Peer Facilitator'. Sounds like a lot, and yes it is but rest is always prioritized.
Among other things, I enjoy being adventurous, exploring nature or new cities, and spending quality time with family and friends.
Favourite Quote: "Be the change that you wish to see in the world." - Mahatma Gandhi
Jas (She/They)
Jas has been with MAX since 2019. Starting off as the Strategy Support Coordinator for sex workers. With her lived experience, colorful resume, and with over a decade of experience as one of Ottawa's local Drag Queen's and Miss Capital Pride 2015, she brings a unique and intimate peer perspective to her new role as MAX's Harm Reduction Distribution Officer.
Jas / J.
Harm Reduction Distribution
Jas (She/They)
Jas has been with MAX since 2019. Starting off as the Strategy Support Coordinator for sex workers. With her lived experience, colorful resume, and with over a decade of experience as one of Ottawa's local Drag Queen's and Miss Capital Pride 2015, she brings a unique and intimate peer perspective to her new role as MAX's Harm Reduction Distribution Officer.
Xiaojian Wang
Xiaojian Wang (he/him) is the Queerspora Peer Facilitator. Xiaojian moved to Ottawa, Canada from Beijing, China in the summer of 2022. As a newcomer, he went back to school to complete the Master of Public Health degree while navigating his new journey in Ottawa. Prior to moving to Canada, Xiaojian worked as a TV journalist/director in China. Xiaojian has a particular interest in sexual health issues. He brings to this role his passion about public health, his experience of settling down in a new environment, and his skills in facilitating conversations. In his leisure time, he spends time playing volleyball, biking and binge-watching tv dramas.
Xiaojian Wang
Peer Facilitator - Queerspora
Xiaojian Wang
Xiaojian Wang (he/him) is the Queerspora Peer Facilitator. Xiaojian moved to Ottawa, Canada from Beijing, China in the summer of 2022. As a newcomer, he went back to school to complete the Master of Public Health degree while navigating his new journey in Ottawa. Prior to moving to Canada, Xiaojian worked as a TV journalist/director in China. Xiaojian has a particular interest in sexual health issues. He brings to this role his passion about public health, his experience of settling down in a new environment, and his skills in facilitating conversations. In his leisure time, he spends time playing volleyball, biking and binge-watching tv dramas.
Maticus Adams
Maticus Adams (he/him) is the Resource Development Officer. He moved to Ottawa for school in 2009 to study Animation. He has been volunteering with the 2SLGBTQIA+ community since he was a teenager and has experiencing working in queer sexualized spaces, customer service and event organizing. In his free time, he is a visual artist, writer and costume maker, and is an avid fan of horror, pop culture and a variety of nerdoms.
Maticus Adams
Resource Development Officer
Maticus Adams
Maticus Adams (he/him) is the Resource Development Officer. He moved to Ottawa for school in 2009 to study Animation. He has been volunteering with the 2SLGBTQIA+ community since he was a teenager and has experiencing working in queer sexualized spaces, customer service and event organizing. In his free time, he is a visual artist, writer and costume maker, and is an avid fan of horror, pop culture and a variety of nerdoms.
Noor Abdel-Mageed
Noor (they/them - he/him) is the Trans Health Project Associate. They will be supporting the Trans Health Navigation Project, which is being run in collaboration with the Trans Health Program at Centretown Community Health Centre. Originally from Calgary, Noor moved to Ottawa in 2022 for their undergrad in Neuroscience and Mental Health. He began his career in community work as a community organizer and has also worked on multiple political campaigns. Their work has primarily focussed on access to housing, disability, queerness, and harm reduction. When not working, Noor can be found with his nose in a book or creating fibre art!
Noor Abdel-Mageed
Trans Health Project Associate
Noor Abdel-Mageed
Noor (they/them - he/him) is the Trans Health Project Associate. They will be supporting the Trans Health Navigation Project, which is being run in collaboration with the Trans Health Program at Centretown Community Health Centre. Originally from Calgary, Noor moved to Ottawa in 2022 for their undergrad in Neuroscience and Mental Health. He began his career in community work as a community organizer and has also worked on multiple political campaigns. Their work has primarily focussed on access to housing, disability, queerness, and harm reduction. When not working, Noor can be found with his nose in a book or creating fibre art!
Rémi Samson
Rémi Samson (he/him) worked for 22 years as a lawyer with the Supreme Court of Canada. He studied law, queer theory, and language, and taught at the University of Ottawa. Over the last six years of his career at the Court, he took on leadership and executive roles in the chambers of the Chief Justice of Canada. With roots in Northern Ontario, Rémi grew up in Québec City, and has called Ottawa home since 1999. He is fluent in French and English, and passionate about the ways law, language and power intersect.
Rémi Samson
Chairperson
Rémi Samson
Rémi Samson (he/him) worked for 22 years as a lawyer with the Supreme Court of Canada. He studied law, queer theory, and language, and taught at the University of Ottawa. Over the last six years of his career at the Court, he took on leadership and executive roles in the chambers of the Chief Justice of Canada. With roots in Northern Ontario, Rémi grew up in Québec City, and has called Ottawa home since 1999. He is fluent in French and English, and passionate about the ways law, language and power intersect.
Tamir Virani
Tamir (He/Him) has worked in the healthcare industry for 10+ years leading communications, marketing, advocacy and policy work across different sectors including quality improvement, end-of-life care and mental health. Tamir is currently a Senior Marketing and Communications Lead at Frayme, a national non-profit in the youth mental health and substance use sector. Prior to this, Tamir worked as a journalist for the Ottawa Citizen, and as a peer support worker at the University of Ottawa. Tamir holds a postgraduate degree in journalism and communications and a Masters of Health Administration from the Telfer School of Management. Outside of work, Tamir freelances as a videographer and graphic designer and has won many people over with his Skor cookie recipe. He has also volunteered on the Board of Directors for the Centretown Community Health Centre and as Chair for the Ottawa Chapter of Start Proud, an organization dedicated to the professional development of 2SLGBTQA+ students. As someone with lived experience, Tamir is passionate about mental health within the queer community and advocates for an integrated system that will not let anyone who needs support slip through the cracks.
Tamir Virani
Vice Chairperson
Tamir Virani
Tamir (He/Him) has worked in the healthcare industry for 10+ years leading communications, marketing, advocacy and policy work across different sectors including quality improvement, end-of-life care and mental health. Tamir is currently a Senior Marketing and Communications Lead at Frayme, a national non-profit in the youth mental health and substance use sector. Prior to this, Tamir worked as a journalist for the Ottawa Citizen, and as a peer support worker at the University of Ottawa. Tamir holds a postgraduate degree in journalism and communications and a Masters of Health Administration from the Telfer School of Management. Outside of work, Tamir freelances as a videographer and graphic designer and has won many people over with his Skor cookie recipe. He has also volunteered on the Board of Directors for the Centretown Community Health Centre and as Chair for the Ottawa Chapter of Start Proud, an organization dedicated to the professional development of 2SLGBTQA+ students. As someone with lived experience, Tamir is passionate about mental health within the queer community and advocates for an integrated system that will not let anyone who needs support slip through the cracks.
Curtis Fillier
Curtis Fillier (he/him) is currently a Real Estate Broker and Team Lead for YOW Home Team. With his extensive education in Business and Accounting coupled with professional experience managing several corporations including one of Canada’s largest privately owned, Curtis is well versed in all areas of business.
Curtis is an avid volunteer and always eager to put himself forward to further a worthwhile cause. Extremely comfortable around a Board room table, Curtis is the 2023/2024 President of the Ottawa Real Estate Board. He has also been a member of and chaired numerous committees and tasks forces within various non-profit organizations.
An avid traveller, Curtis has a passion to see the world and experience other cultures and travels as often as his schedule allows. In his downtime, Curtis can be found at the gym, participating in a number of 2SLGBTQ+ sports leagues, working on home renovations or hanging with his dog Bowser.
Curtis Fillier
Treasurer
Curtis Fillier
Curtis Fillier (he/him) is currently a Real Estate Broker and Team Lead for YOW Home Team. With his extensive education in Business and Accounting coupled with professional experience managing several corporations including one of Canada’s largest privately owned, Curtis is well versed in all areas of business.
Curtis is an avid volunteer and always eager to put himself forward to further a worthwhile cause. Extremely comfortable around a Board room table, Curtis is the 2023/2024 President of the Ottawa Real Estate Board. He has also been a member of and chaired numerous committees and tasks forces within various non-profit organizations.
An avid traveller, Curtis has a passion to see the world and experience other cultures and travels as often as his schedule allows. In his downtime, Curtis can be found at the gym, participating in a number of 2SLGBTQ+ sports leagues, working on home renovations or hanging with his dog Bowser.
Austin Zygmunt
Austin (he/him) is a family doctor and public health physician in Ottawa. His professional work focuses on providing scientific and technical expertise to address sexually transmitted and blood borne infections. His leadership experience includes serving on various boards, committees, and working groups for both community and medical organizations. In his spare time he enjoys running, cycling, and cross-country skiing on the many great paths and trails found in the Ottawa region.
Austin Zygmunt
Austin Zygmunt
Austin (he/him) is a family doctor and public health physician in Ottawa. His professional work focuses on providing scientific and technical expertise to address sexually transmitted and blood borne infections. His leadership experience includes serving on various boards, committees, and working groups for both community and medical organizations. In his spare time he enjoys running, cycling, and cross-country skiing on the many great paths and trails found in the Ottawa region.
Teilhard Paradela
Ty (they/them) works as a Senior Policy Analyst in the Gender-Based Violence (GBV) Secretariat at Women and Gender Equality Canada (WAGE). They have completed their PhD in History from the University of British Columbia (UBC) in Vancouver. They are also involved in LGBTQI+ advocacy, HIV-AIDS prevention, and community organizing and archiving work in their country of origin, the Philippines, and in the Filipinx/a/o diaspora in Canada. They enjoy reading, jogging, watching television, and traveling the world.
Teilhard Paradela
Teilhard Paradela
Ty (they/them) works as a Senior Policy Analyst in the Gender-Based Violence (GBV) Secretariat at Women and Gender Equality Canada (WAGE). They have completed their PhD in History from the University of British Columbia (UBC) in Vancouver. They are also involved in LGBTQI+ advocacy, HIV-AIDS prevention, and community organizing and archiving work in their country of origin, the Philippines, and in the Filipinx/a/o diaspora in Canada. They enjoy reading, jogging, watching television, and traveling the world.
Strategic Direction
We’re in the process of developing our next strategic plan to direct MAX’s work in the coming years. In the meantime, we’ve adopted the following priorities, which reflect the needs of our community and the organization at this time.
- Empower queer men and trans and non-binary people to navigate health and wellness pathways across their lifecourse
- Foster and support community leaders
- Establish a network of high quality healthcare services for queer men and trans and non-binary people
- Solidify our organisational foundation
- Lay the groundwork for an integrated health and wellness center in Ottawa
Get more familiar with MAX’s 5 Strategic Priorities laid out in this booklet:
Retrospective
We are happy to share with you our retrospective which documents our activities and accomplishments from 2019 to 2022:
max's work
Since 2002, we have been dedicated to improving the health and wellbeing of our community. We do this in two main ways: working with individual community members to educate and empower them to make the choices that work for their lives; and working with healthcare and other service providers to improve the quality of care available in the city. Today, we offer a variety of psychosocial support programs that help build community and provide space for important discussions on health with people who face similar challenges and share similar life experiences. We distribute harm reduction supplies—from condoms, lube, and dental dams, to fisting kits, pipes, and syringes—to make sure everyone has access to the tools they need to help reduce the transmission of HIV and other infections. And we offer training, resources, and consulting to health service providers to support inclusive and appropriate care for members of our community. |
Our Mission
To champion the health and wellbeing of queer men and trans and non-binary people in the National Capital Region through building awareness and improving system responsiveness within a dynamic network and partnership model.
We envision a community of self-affirming queer men, trans and non-binary people caring for ourselves, caring for each other and enjoying complete health equity.
Our History
The Ottawa Gay Men’s Wellness Initiative (OGMWI) was born in 2002, fuelled by passionate community advocates dedicated to a holistic approach to gay men’s health. Partnering with public health agencies and a range of stakeholders, OGMWI crafted and executed cutting-edge health promotion strategies tailored for men who have sex with men.
One standout success was the launch of Gay Zone in 2008, a collaborative effort with Ottawa Public Health (OPH), Centretown Community Health Centre (CCHC), the AIDS Committee of Ottawa (ACO), and other community organizations and leaders. Gay Zone offered a welcoming, judgement-free space where queer men, trans and non-binary people could access sexual health testing and treatment, along with an array of health promotion activities and events. The organization hired its first staff members in 2016 and rebranded as MAX in 2017, and began to expand its services to the community. In 2018, MAX proudly achieved registered charity status.
In 2020, substance use harm reduction services were created to meet a growing need within the community—including peer support programs and the Tea2Go supply distribution service. MAX also broadened its programming designed to support sex workers, gay, bisexual, trans, and queer newcomers, gay men over the age of 55, and more.