MEET THE DIRECTORS

Mandeep K. Atwal, B.A., LL.B.

www.noblevictory.com

Mandeep K. Atwal has been an advocate for human rights and equality since she was a young child born in Medicine Hat, Alberta. She received her Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science from the University of Calgary, and went on to receive her law degree from the University of Ottawa. She articled in Toronto, Ontario with a criminal defense law firm, where she was eventually hired as an associate lawyer. She went on to practice immigration law with the federal Department of Justice. In 2005, she moved back to Calgary, Alberta to begin her family. 

After her son was diagnosed with autism, she realized her true calling in life was to be an advocate for those living with autism. She soon began volunteering at organizations for autism support and took a more proactive role by speaking about autism in public schools, malls, local non-profit organizations and foundations, and even corporations. She published her first book in 2023 entitled, Noble Victory - A Family's Autism Journey, in the hopes of sharing her story, so that other families would feel inspired and gain strength in unity. Spreading awareness, fostering acceptance, and ensuring inclusion is the foundation of her advocacy work. Through this work she hopes that those living with autism will be afforded more opportunities to be open about their struggles and victories. 

It was also her family's dream to one day create an autism foundation in order to ensure that those individuals with autism receive the supports that they need and deserve. Hence, the creation of the Noble Victory Autism Foundation in 2024, a CRA registered non-profit Foundation. She is one of the founders, a director, and the President of the Noble Victory Autism Foundation. All royalties from the sales of her book, Noble Victory, will be donated to the Noble Victory Autism Foundation and used to develop sustainable supports and services for those with autism.

Mandeep currently lives in Calgary, Alberta, Canada with her family and continues her advocacy work to this day.

Samir Sabharwal, LL.B.

Samir Sabharwal is a proud parent of a smart, funny and engaging young man who has autism.  He and his family are passionate about spreading awareness, fostering acceptance, and ensuring inclusion for members of the autism community. 

Mr. Sabharwal has been a practicing lawyer since 2000, and has spent most of his career engaged in the regulation of the financial services sector, first in Ontario and then in Alberta.  He is currently the Executive Director and Chief Administrative Officer of the Alberta Securities Commission (ASC). 

Mr. Sabharwal obtained a Bachelor of Laws in 1998 from Osgoode Hall Law School in Toronto, Ontario, after which he was called to the Ontario bar (2000) and the Alberta bar (2004). 

Maira Hassan, B.A.,LL.B.

Maira, a Partner at Rask Law, has been practising law since being called to the Bar in Ontario in 2001 and then in Alberta in 2005. She graduated from the University of Ottawa’s LL.B. program in 1999 after completing her undergraduate degree at the University of Toronto with a specialized multidisciplinary major in “Ethics, Society & the Law”.

Maira has worked with private law firms, provincial government agencies in Ontario as well as Alberta Justice’s Civil Litigation department.  She has worked extensively in the areas of family law, child welfare and civil litigation and has developed a unique ability to handle complex cases skillfully, efficiently and compassionately for her clientele.

Maira’s deep interest in social justice and human rights issues was cultivated further through her prior volunteer work for Lawyers Without Borders. She has also placed emphasis on maintaining close community connections through activities such as teaching ESL (English as a Second Language) evening classes to newcomers to the Calgary area.

Maira’s first insight into autism came through a very special person in her life - her nephew. Watching him grow and face the unique challenges that come with autism has been an eye-opening experience. His resilience and determination have been nothing short of inspiring, and it was through observing his journey that she felt a call to action.

Seeing the world through her nephew's eyes has given her a greater understanding and appreciation of the diverse ways in which individuals with autism perceive and interact with their surroundings. It has also highlighted the importance of creating a more inclusive and supportive environment for those on the autism spectrum and this personal connection has fueled her passion for advocacy and awareness promotion. Maira believes strongly that through the work of Noble Victory Autism Foundation we can make a meaningful difference and create a community where everyone is seen, heard and valued.