Our Advisory Committee
Dr Azim Parekh
CEO
Leslie Carrafiello
VP of Operations
Leslie joined Smiles First from the dental sector, where she led the National Operations Team, overseeing 150+ practice locations and over 300 dentists. Leslie is known for her inspirational leadership and driving results through relationships and team building. She now oversees operations for Smiles First Academy, applying the same leadership skills she has utilized in all her roles, to create an exceptional team. Leslie has expanded the Smiles First Academy catalogue of courses from just dental and healthcare courses, to include management and self-improvement courses, and even creating her own educational material for Academy.
Mohamed Razakazi
Managing Director of Operations
Donya Rashidi
Director of Dental Acquisition & Practice Community
Donya is a highly accomplished professional who earned her Bachelor of Commerce degree with a Major in Marketing from Saint Mary’s University in 2008. With over a decade of managerial experience and a proven track record, she has become a valuable asset to our team.
Fluent in both English and Farsi, and possessing working proficiency in Arabic and Hindi, Donya’s multilingual capabilities contribute to effective communication across diverse audiences. Her passion lies in fostering the growth and prosperity of businesses and individuals.
Donya’s diverse experience has equipped her with the ability to implement strategies that consistently deliver results. Her contributions have been instrumental in the significant growth of Smiles First Academy. In her role at the Academy, she leads initiatives related to marketing, audience growth, customer engagement, and monetization strategies.
With a keen understanding of consumer interests, Donya plays a crucial role in shaping the Academy’s content and fostering meaningful relationships with both speakers and participants. Her dedication to excellence has been a driving force behind the success of Smiles First Academy.
Oyinkan Akinyele
Legal Counsel
Oyinkan is a corporate and commercial lawyer who has gained experience as in-house counsel in the public, health and environmental services sectors. She graduated from Osgoode Hall Law School and holds a B.A. (Honours) in Arts, with a major in political science and minor in sociology, from the University of Waterloo. Prior to joining Smiles First, Oyinkan provided legal support to a leading waste management and recycling business during a multi-billion dollar merger. Entrepreneurial and solution-driven, Oyinkan has a track record of building relationships and communicating effectively within a fast-paced environment.