Aisha Chohan is a Technical Specialist with Natural Resources Canada and an environmental researcher dedicated to advancing biodiversity, sustainability, and Indigenous collaboration. Drawing on her academic foundation in environmental science, forest conservation, and geographic information systems from UofT, she lead a food forest project in partnership with a nearby Indigenous community, integrating Carolinian plant species, ecological design, and community-led stewardship. Her leadership experience includes serving as Environmental Director for the University of Toronto’s Muslim Students’ Association, creating the Young Cyclist Toolkit through Youth Challenge International, and managing communications for UofT Bees. She is currently developing a research project that combines drone technology, LiDAR, and regenerative agriculture to map and restore native species such as paw paw trees. Her commitment to environmental justice, technological innovation, and meaningful community engagement continues to drive impactful change across her diverse initiatives.

Amen Arshad is entering third-year of her Politics and Governance program at Toronto Metropolitan University with a passion for civic engagement, equity, and public policy. She has held leadership roles across campus and community initiatives, including serving as Events Director for multiple organizations and as a Research Assistant analyzing historical narratives of power and colonization. Currently, Amen is the Marketing Director of the Toronto Chapter of Ibtikar, where she leads communications strategies to support youth-focused innovation programming. She is also contributing to a grant development project through Riipen, researching funding streams for poverty alleviation services such as housing, legal aid, and job training. Her diverse experience reflects a deep interest in policy, advocacy, community work, and governance. In her free time, Amen enjoys café hopping, volunteering with cats, and going on long walks.

Sazarina Azamyar is an incoming fourth-year student at Carleton University, pursuing a degree in Public Affairs and Policy Management with a specialization in Strategic Public Opinion. She has developed a strong foundation in market research, fundraising coordination, and youth mentorship through her roles as a Student Ambassador, Fundraising Assistant, and community leader. Passionate about public policy and civic engagement, Sazarina is dedicated to uplifting marginalized communities by advancing inclusive outreach strategies and advocating for meaningful policy change.

Amal Zeidan holds a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Sciences from the University of Guelph. She is currently completing her Master of Public Administration at Western University. She has held positions to develop youth programming on environmental and social issues at the University of Guelph, Sheridan College and Nature Canada. She also runs a non profit called Steps2Flourish promoting mental health for university students through workshops and sharing resources. She has won scholarships and awards for her work on environmental issues and at Steps2Flourish: TD Clean Prosperity Award, Audre Auger Citizenship Award, Wavemakers Scholarship, and Novartis Scholar.

Fatima is a Masters of Social Work graduate from the University of Toronto. Her passion lies in community leadership and community based research. Her main policy interests are in affordability, marginalization, and food insecurity. She believes that the participation of Muslims in political spaces can only happen if we actively encourage young Muslims to pursue degrees in non-traditional fields like policy and advocacy. She hopes to see more young Muslims, especially Muslim women, shaping the future policy space.

Hunain Sindhu is finishing his undergraduate degree in Environmental Geosciences at the University of Toronto Scarborough, where his passion for student advocacy and community engagement has shaped a strong record of leadership. Most recently, he held the role of President of the Scarborough Campus Students’ Union, representing over 14,000 full-time undergraduate students and championing their academic, financial, well-being, and equity-related concerns. Hunain also spent two impactful years leading the Muslim Students’ Association at UTSC, where he worked tirelessly to uplift Muslim voices, advocate for faith-based accommodations, expand access to prayer spaces and halal food, and push for stronger institutional support. He has previously served on the Board of Directors for the Department of Physical and Environmental Sciences and is currently a Senior Advisor to the MSA. Beyond UTSC, Hunain has taken on leadership roles in several organizations, including serving as the Institution Support Ontario for Charity Week Canada. He is a fellow with the Sprout Ideas Fellowship, the UTSC undergraduate student representative at University of Toronto’s Muslim Arab Palestinian Discrimination Working Group, and the Racialized Students’ Constituency Commissioner with the Canadian Federation of Students–Ontario. Passionate about environmental sustainability, social justice, and equity, Hunain continues to advocate for marginalized voices while engaging in meaningful civic and community initiatives. When he’s not out exploring or studying rocks, he’s focused on bringing together the communities and causes that matter most to him.

Ismael Gharbi is a passionate fifth-year student at the University of Toronto St. George Campus, studying Mathematics, Computer Science, and Statistics. He is actively involved in Muslim student life on campus, serving as the Religious Services Director for the U of T Muslim Students’ Association and as Fundraising Manager for the U of T Orphan Sponsorship Program. Ismael has a strong interest in political strategy, both internationally and domestically, with a focus on Muslim civic engagement and advocacy in Canada. With aspirations to pursue research in cryptography, he is committed to inspiring more Muslim students to explore and contribute to the field.

A McMaster Political Science graduate currently working as an Administrative Coordinator in the education sector, Liban brings over two years of experience in administration, client service, and policy writing. He is especially passionate about affordable housing and equitable access to education. Most recently, Liban volunteered in the 2025 election to help engage his community in the democratic process.

Mariya Rida is transitioning into her Bachelor of Education at the Université de l’Ontario français, aspiring to become an inclusive and community-centered educator. She holds a bilingual Bachelor’s degree in Biology from York University’s Glendon Campus and has over three years of experience as a medical administrator. She currently works as a care coordinator at TELUS Health, supporting patients through virtual care. As former President of the Glendon Muslim Students’ Association, Mariya led initiatives fostering belonging, interfaith dialogue, and student advocacy. Her civic involvement also includes working as a City of Toronto camp counselor and participating in several municipal and federal elections. Drawing from her background in science, healthcare, and leadership, Mariya hopes to empower students through education rooted in equity, empathy, and community impact.

Mariyam Masood is an emerging leader with a strong passion for civic engagement, youth advocacy, and political participation. She has gained extensive experience through her involvement at various levels of government, including interning for a federal Member of Parliament and serving as the Director of a local riding association. Mariyam has also contributed to election campaigns, policy research, and community outreach initiatives aimed at increasing political awareness and engagement among youth and minority communities. With a background in student leadership and public speaking, she is dedicated to creating spaces where young Canadians, especially Muslim youth, feel empowered to participate in democracy and make their voices heard.

Sartaj Javed is a public affairs and policy professional with experience in government, energy, and infrastructure industries across Canada. With a background in policy and regulatory affairs, he has worked with major power producers, utilities, and clean energy developers to develop renewable power projects. Sartaj began his career in government and has held roles in management consulting, government relations and in the regulatory space where he supported clients in managing risk, engaging stakeholders, and understanding emerging regulations. He holds a bachelors in political science from Western University and a masters in public policy from Carleton University. He brings to the Fellowship a commitment to public service and empowering Canadian Muslims to be active participants in the democratic process.

Sumaiya is an Honours Justice, Political Philosophy, and Law graduate from McMaster University. During her time at McMaster, Sumaiya served as the Committee Chair for McMaster Model United Nations, where she developed skills in multilateral negotiation and conflict resolution. Alongside her academic pursuits, Sumaiya actively engages with global justice efforts. In 2024, she completed a humanitarian mission in Bosnia and Herzegovina with Islamic Relief and is set to undertake a second mission with the organization in Pakistan in the fall of 2025. Sumaiya’s leadership and advocacy work also earned her selection for the 2025 NCCM Student Leadership Summit, a national initiative focused on combatting Islamophobia, anti-Palestinian racism, and hate. Passionate about human rights, humanitarian aid, and peacebuilding, Sumaiya aspires to a career in international diplomacy, where she can work to advance justice and equity on a global scale.

Zain – Ul – Abdin holds a First Class Honours degree in International Business Management and is currently pursuing postgraduate studies in Human Resource Management. He has worked with organizations such as the MSA at UTSC, Human Concern International, Islamic Relief, NCCM, and The Canadian Muslim Vote, supporting community-focused initiatives and civic engagement efforts. Passionate about international politics and civic engagement in the Muslim world, he advocates for economic empowerment and stronger political representation for Muslims on the world stage, guided by an Ummatic framework.

Izma Iqbal is a recent graduate from the University of Toronto Mississauga, where she double majored in Political Science and Criminology. Originally from Milton, Ontario, she has a strong track record of civic engagement and student leadership. During her undergraduate years, she served as President of the Health, Law and Business Association, VP Campus Life Supervisor at the UTM Students’ Association, and held multiple executive roles with the UTM Mock Trials club, including VP Marketing, VP Internal, and VP Events. Most recently, Izma completed an internship with United Way Greater Toronto, contributing to research, public policy, and program evaluation. She also served as a supervisor with MCNA (Muslim Children of North America), helping to foster faith-based education among young Muslims. Passionate about political participation, community advocacy, and building bridges between civic institutions and Muslim youth, Izma is excited to join the TCMV Fellowship to deepen her knowledge of democratic systems and amplify Muslim voices in Canadian politics. She hopes to use this experience to become a more effective advocate for equity, representation, and community-led policy solutions.