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Inspiring Change: Hamoudi’s Journey

Hamoudi Saleh Baratta, formerly known as Mohammed Alsaleh, is an international speaker, award-winning advocate, and technologist.

After surviving imprisonment and torture in Syria, he arrived in Canada as a refugee in late 2014. In 2025, Hamoudi graduated with a Bachelor of Computer Science from Simon Fraser University, deepening his commitment to using technology for social impact.

In 2025, Hamoudi joined the Vancouver-based tech nonprofit PeaceGeeks, contributing his personal insights on the complexities of resettlement in Canada and ensuring the far reach and impact of PeaceGeeks' digital tools.

 
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speaking to inspire: Transforming Pain into Purpose

TAIWANfest 2024

Hamoudi participated in the book launch of We the Same by Sangeeta Wylie, joining a panel that included composer Vi An Diep and actors Chris Lam, Elizabeth Thai, and Nhi Do.

Publication Contribution

Hamoudi authored the afterword titled "From Both Sides of the Desk" in the book Geographies of the Heart: Stories from Newcomers to Canada, sharing his experiences and insights on immigration.

PODCAST: Geographies of the Heart

Hamoudi was the host of UBC’s Global Migration Podcast Season 2

Hamoudi is a two-time TEDx Speaker

What do you do when you face the unthinkable? When all else is gone, what are you left with?

In this moving talk, Hamoudi answers these questions based on his lived first-hand experiences, from Syria to Canada, he went from being a medical student, to terrorist, to refugee.

The global number of forcibly displaced people is projected to rise from 65 million to 300 million by 2040. A refugee is not who you think they are. A small rise in sea level could make you a refugee. So who is a refugee?

This talk will change your perception of refugees.

KeynotE:

The Benefits of Community Sponsorship of Syrian Refugees

Westminster, London, UK

February 27, 2018

Inclusion is deeper and harder to achieve than diversity. Are Canadian institutions drivers of an inclusive society, or are they establishments promoting pre-formulated values and agendas? How have structures and systems shaped the Canadian model? Have our policies served everyone fairly? Syrian-born refugee resettlement counsellor, Mohammed Alsaleh, aka Hamoudi, discusses an item that reminds him of home and what Canada means to him

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A Global Voice Recognized on the International Stage

Hamoudi's story has inspired media and audiences worldwide.

His journey was poignantly featured in the acclaimed documentary Welcome to Canada, shedding light on the personal realities behind international headlines. From serving as an interpreter during high-profile visits by royalty in Vancouver to being a distinguished guest at panels such as the International Observatory of Human Rights in London, his insights have spurred engaging discussions on refugee advocacy and human rights.

According to the United Nations, more than 11 million Syrians have been displaced due to Syria's civil war. Seeking safety, these refugees are resettling in numerous countries around the world.

In this short film from Go Project Films, we hear the story of one such refugee. After fleeing torture and imprisonment by the Assad regime, Mohammed Alsaleh, aka Hamoudi, was granted asylum in Canada in 2014. Today, he aids newly arrived Syrian families as they adjust to life in Canada.

Local Syrian groups hope to defuse tension after Burnaby teen's murder

Hamoudi O. Saleh Baratta was the interpreter for the Royals during their visit to Vancouver, BC

Hamoudi describes his true calling in this short inspirational clip

Hamoudi asks Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to help reunite separated refugee families like his.

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TESTIMONIALS

Voices of Impact

“Thank you, Mohammed, for your courage, for your bravery, and for your incredibly positive outlook.”Justin Trudeau, Prime Minister of Canada

“Thank you, [Hamoudi], for your courage, for your bravery, and for your incredibly positive outlook.”

Justin Trudeau, Prime Minister of Canada

"The future is safe in the hands of millennials like Mohammed Alsaleh. His talks will change your perception of refugees. But it will also restore your faith in the power of every individual’s capacity to rise from the depths of despair and keep mov…

"The future is safe in the hands of millennials like [Hamoudi]. His talks will change your perception of refugees. But it will also restore your faith in the power of every individual’s capacity to rise from the depths of despair and keep moving forward.”

-Sharookh Daroowala, World Championship of Public Speaking 2014 finalist

“Mohammed, you have such a gift of bringing the story of many, too many, people alive in how you share your personal story.”-Shaheen Nanji, Simon Fraser University International Director

“[Hamoudi], you have such a gift of bringing the story of many, too many, people alive in how you share your personal story.”

-Shaheen Nanji, Simon Fraser University International Director

“[Mohammed is] using his own journey to help better the lives of others-- what an inspiration.”George Takei, Actor and Activist

“[Hamoudi is] using his own journey to help better the lives of others-- what an inspiration.”

George Takei, Actor and Activist

Mohammed is an incredible individual whose struggle has not pushed him down, but allowed him to lift others up.His story has inspired kindness and understanding in countless individuals, but also inspired action in our community of youth who share t…

[Hamoudi] is an incredible individual whose struggle has not pushed him down, but allowed him to lift others up.

His story has inspired kindness and understanding in countless individuals, but also inspired action in our community of youth who share the common goal of creative positive change.

We are proud to have him involved in our Philanthropy Programs and past galas.

Thank you for sharing your story and continuing to support the well-being of refugees.

-Abdul Ladha

Director of Spark Global Philanthropy Foundation

“I love the depth of wisdom you share and the actionable steps towards a world where we can all live freely and experience freedom and possibility.”-Karen McGregor, Founder of Speaker Success Formula

“I love the depth of wisdom you share and the actionable steps towards a world where we can all live freely and experience freedom and possibility.”

-Karen McGregor, Founder of Speaker Success Formula

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Connect with Hamoudi

Whether you’re looking to book a speaking engagement, collaborate on a project, or simply share your story, Hamoudi is here to listen and inspire. Reach out via email at: goforwest@gmail.com or use the form below: