Sobhi Zobaidi

Professional background. Filmmaker, writer, artist and small business owner.

Community involvement. Since 2017 I’ve been on the board of directors for Hastings North BIA and a member of the board of directors of New World Theater.

Vision for Vancity. If elected, my goal is to support Vancity’s commitment to climate justice and social equality. More than ever, we need financial institutions to invest locally and ethically.

Read interview with Sobhi

Interview with Sobhi Zobaidi.

Tell us about your educational background.

Educational Background:

BA. Economics
Diploma. Film Production. NYU
MA. Cinema Studies. NYU
PhD. Simon Fraser University. In Progress 2025

What has been your professional experience to date?

Business owner since 2012. Managing all financial aspects of the business, managing employees and planning.

Film director and producer. Directed and produced a number of award winning documentary films on social issues in Palestine. As a director, had to plan budget, carry out the work in accordance and deliver the expected results. Commissioners include; UNDP, UNFPA, Save the Children, Amnesty International, Sweden, Canada Fund for Local Initiative and others.

Tell us about your community involvement?

Serving as board member of Hastings North BIA since 2017
Served as board member of New World Theater 2020-2022

Have you previously served on a credit union board or any other financial institution's board?

I have no direct experience working with financial institutions.

What specific skills or expertise (e.g., financial literacy, leadership, strategic planning, technology) would you bring to the Vancity Board of Directors?

Ability to understand budgets and design projects within budget, and deliver results within time.
Perspective of a small business owner in Vancouver
Understanding of digital media and its importance to advance
Understanding of the importance of technology in advancing visions and plans
Ability to work with others, and to lead a team towards achieving goals

Why are you running for the Board of Directors?

My motivation stems from personal experience with Vancity during the early months of the pandemic. Despite not being a bank customer or having applied for any support, our business received life-saving assistance from Vancity. Through the ‘Support Local’ initiative, funded by Vancity, we generated over $15,000 in revenue by selling gift cards, with each card receiving 50% funding from Vancity. This experience left a profound impact on me. Since then, we have switched to Vancity banking, and I have become increasingly impressed and curious about their banking practices and community support initiatives. I am eager to contribute to this remarkable model of community building and gain further knowledge about it.

How do you plan to contribute to the success of Vancity and our members if elected?

I intend to concentrate on two primary areas: the continued development of Vancity’s digital platform because it is at the heart of any bank’s success. Two: to advocate for investing in reconciliation efforts and for the diversification of Vancity’s investment in local communities with focus on underprivileged communities. Given the current political and economic uncertainties brought upon us by the newly elected US government, it is more important than ever to focus on supporting local businesses and locally produced products.

Describe your leadership style and how it aligns with Vancity’s mission.

I am a team player, with the ability to pivot new ideas. I am driven by my commitment to climate justice, social justice and technological innovation.

How do you plan to represent the diverse needs of our membership?

As an immigrant myself, small business owner, I believe that I can bring the perspective of many members