Join us on Instagram Live on February 8th at 7pm ET for an engaging discussion with Zahra Grant and guests.
Zahra Grant - Host
Zahra Grant is a first generation Muslim woman born and raised in Toronto by her father, who reverted to Islam after immigrating to Canada from Trinidad in the late with 1970s. Zahra believes in an Islam rooted in liberation and justice, especially as it pertains to woman. She has worked and collaborated on multiple initiatives of social activism engagement, including previous work with the Canadian Council of Muslim Woman on the project ‘Being a Canadian Muslim Woman in the 21st Century.’ Zahra currently works for the College of Midwives of Ontario, which is the regulatory body governing the practice of midwifery in Ontario, and is married with three children. If elected to the CCMW board, Zahra hopes to bring her insight, experience and perspective as a Black Canadian Muslim woman to the vision of CCMW that all Canadian women be treated equitably and equally and become empowered members of Canadian society.
Warda Youssouf
I am an Arts Organizer and filmmaker, a recent newcomer from Djibouti. In the past few years, I've engaged my local communities by curating storytelling shows and art therapy events. During the pandemic, I created House of Arts, a space for emerging Black, BIPOC, and newcomer creatives to showcase, develop, and create a community.
I see myself as a lighthouse in the middle of nowhere, creating a path for others. The reason I create films is to teach my parents to see another way of living. My stories explore themes of home, belonging, identity, and the body. Nowadays, you can find me working on my short "Tahira" and my radio documentary, “The Power of Names.” My visual body of work poses questions about family, home, roots of joy and pain, and origin. Art, to me, is a physical inner and outer body experience, evident in my exhibitions and projects.
Duha Elmardi
Duha Elmardi is a Sudanese nonprofit professional with 15 years of experience as an Educator, program and project coordinator, and organizational development consultant in Sudan, Malaysia, USA and now Canada. She is dedicated to anti-oppression, social change and creating positive impacts through community organizing, facilitating and supporting collective work.
Throughout her different experiences, she has developed and facilitated educational workshops, curriculum and training on a number of social issues including climate justice, gender based issues, anti-racism...etc for schools and nonprofit organizations and has been an education coordinator at Concordia University in Montreal since 2019.
Currently pursuing a Master's in Human Systems Intervention at Concordia University, she also holds a BSc in Environmental Studies and Disaster mitigation and a specialization in Non-profit Management from National Ribat University and a GrDip in Community Economic Development from Concordia. Duha loves listening to podcasts, reading, trying out different cuisines and binge watching reality tv shows.
Warda Mohamed
Warda is a passionate advocate for uplifting and connecting people during their times of need. As an entrepreneur and community leader, she infuses her work with love and joy, ensuring that her efforts leave a lasting impact. Warda's infectious energy has garnered praise from her online followers and real-life encounters alike. A multi-talented individual, she excels as a host extraordinaire, event planner, photographer and more, showcasing her versatility and dedication to her craft across various platforms.