Introducing the newest cohort of the Results Canada Advocacy & Education Fellowship program! This stellar group will be joining us over the next 5 months, taking on hands-on training to develop their advocacy skills and generate the political will to end extreme poverty. Backed by the in-depth research and legislative expertise of Results Canada staff and partners, we support Fellows in further realizing the incredible power of their voices. Interested in being part of the next cohort? Learn more here!
Alissa is a Sciences student at Queen's University with a strong interest in health equity, community engagement, and research. She has been involved in a variety of initiatives focused on supporting youth participation in healthcare, education, and policy discussions. Through her academic, volunteer, and leadership experiences, she has worked with multidisciplinary teams on projects related to mental health, public health, and community well-being.
Aryan Sharifi (He/They) is a third-year undergraduate student studying political science at Simon Fraser University. Specializing in international relations, Aryan is particularly interested in international climate policy and diplomacy. He is committed to creating a more just and equitable world through community engagement and climate action. In his free time, Aryan enjoys reading, writing, and volunteering in the community.
Beniam Hailu is a GTA based computer programmer, music fan, and avid learner with a drive to help contribute to positive change. Hailu was born to Ethiopian immigrants who settled in Canada in the 80s, fleeing conditions similar to the ones Results Canada seeks to help ameliorate globally.
Bible Apora Omod is a third-year university student at Dalhousie studying International Development Studies with a passion for learning, leadership, and community engagement. Residing in Nova Scotia, she is committed to using her education and experiences to make a positive impact both locally and globally. Bible has participated in faith-based and leadership development initiatives where she explored themes of peacebuilding, advocacy, and intercultural dialogue. Through her academic pursuits and community involvement, she continues to develop the skills and knowledge needed to contribute meaningfully to society. She is dedicated to personal growth, service, and fostering understanding across diverse communities.
Bruna Floriano is a Project Management Professional (PMP) with over 10 years of experience leading public sector initiatives in Brazil. Her work has focused on programme implementation, stakeholder engagement, data-informed decision-making, and social policy. She also founded an AI-based knowledge management initiative, exploring how digital solutions can support better decisions. Recently relocated to Ottawa, Bruna is interested in public policy and the responsible use of technology for social impact. Through the Results Canada Fellowship, she hopes to deepen her understanding of advocacy, contribute her experience in complex programme delivery, and build meaningful connections with others committed to creating positive global change.
Claire is a master’s student specializing in health, displacement, and humanitarian policy at the Norman Paterson School of International Affairs from Carleton University. She also holds an undergraduate degree in International Development and Globalization from the University of Ottawa. Through these, she gained experience in researching and evaluating humanitarian programs and sustainable intervention.
Claire currently volunteers locally within the gender-based violence field. She works directly with survivors on their healing journey. From this, she has developed an interest in working within women’s rights and hopes to blend this with her educational pursuits in humanitarian project design.
Drawing from her previous educational, professional, and volunteer experience, Claire is passionate about organizational response to conflict and global justice.
Clariella is a recent graduate student from the Community Justice program at Algonquin College. She believes in Education and Wellbeing as they open a world of possibilities and strengthen communities and nations. In her downtime, she likes to try different physical activities and to read books on personal development. Her inspiration comes from people she’d had the opportunity to meet and work with and as well as leaders like Nelson Mandela.
Daniel (he/him) is a Respiratory Therapy student at Conestoga College with a BSc in Medical Science from Brock University. He is passionate about health equity and structural determinants of health, with a focus on addressing health inequities in Peel Region. As a Peer Research Assistant, his work includes analyzing structural racism within local policy and governance, alongside participant engagement and knowledge translation to amplify lived experience in research. His goal is to pursue a career in healthcare where he can find ways to make care more equitable for marginalized communities, advocate for structural change, and contribute to a more inclusive health system.
Deniz is a third-year undergraduate student at the University of Toronto studying Peace, Conflict and Justice with minors in Political Science and Philosophy. She is interested in international development and the ways laws and institutions can be used to address extreme poverty and opportunities for education. Trilingual in English, Turkish, and French, she hopes to build a career connecting advocacy with policy work at the international level.
Dikshen Tamang is an aspiring social change maker who leads with empathy and evidence. A year back in school, she had the opportunity to work with Service Canada to enhance the operational transparency of the Canada Pension Plan, where she learned the importance of policy, systems, and their real-world impact. A firm believer in equity, service, and lifelong learning, Tamang is willing to learn, collaborate, and contribute to projects that improve the lives and livelihoods of people.
Fareha Malik is a student at the University of Ottawa with a strong interest in advocacy, public policy, and social change. She is particularly interested in how policy decisions affect access to support, opportunities, and the barriers people encounter in everyday life. Through student advocacy initiatives, she has developed an appreciation for collaboration, constructive dialogue, and engaging with diverse perspectives. Fareha is especially committed to issues of equity and poverty in Canada and believes meaningful change requires continued engagement, even when discussions are complex or challenging. As a Results Canada Fellow, she looks forward to learning from advocates across the country.
Frida Misago is a bilingual strategic partnerships and workforce equity leader with a decade of experience across four continents. As Founder and Director of MISA-WORK Agency, she works at the intersection of skills transferability and economic inclusion; advancing pathways for professionals navigating AI-driven labour market shifts. Her career spans roles at Cuso International, United Nations Association in Canada, and UN Women, where she managed multi-million dollar portfolios and built frameworks that served marginalized communities at scale. As an emerging advocate, Ms. Misago brings lived experience of systemic barriers to her commitment to structural change; ready to build her citizen-to-government advocacy voice at the federal level.
Goundo Diarra is passionate about the intersection of education, migration and forced displacement. She has seen firsthand the transformative power of education and is dedicated to addressing barriers that hinder access to education for displaced populations, and advocating for policies and programs that create opportunities for empowerment and inclusion. Goundo aims to collaborate with organizations and communities to bring about positive change, working towards an inclusive world where every girl, no matter her circumstance, has the opportunity to learn, grow and thrive.
Iqmat is an Edmonton-based community builder leading change in local and global contexts. She serves as a co-founder of Dear Future YEG, a volunteer-led civic engagement initiative encouraging youth to learn, connect, and take action in their communities. Professionally, she works as a Research Assistant exploring social and health inequities affecting racialized and underserved communities living with or at risk of cancer. As a Results Canada Advocacy and Education Fellow, Iqmat plans to strengthen her capacity as an advocate, while contributing to efforts targeting global health equity and poverty reduction.
Isabelle Fox is here to make friends. She is a graduate of Western University with an Honours Specialization in International Relations and a major in the School for Advanced Studies in the Arts and Humanities (SASAH), and was elected VP Advocacy of the Arts and Humanities Students' Council. Her work spans housing policy and international development, with experience in grant writing, fundraising, and business development. Isabelle sees the arts not as an accessory to advocacy but as one of its strongest foundations: stories, images, and shared narratives move people from awareness to action. She is driven by the belief that social change requires both rigorous evidence and compelling imagination.
Jay Simmons is a ministerial assistant to P.E.I.’s Minister of Economic Development, Trade, and Artificial Intelligence and a social work and criminology student committed to building healthier, safer, and more equitable communities. After losing her brother to an impaired driver, she co-led the research and legislative drafting for Project Red Ribbon Day, the first impaired-driving awareness legislation of its kind in Canada, which passed unanimously in the P.E.I. Legislative Assembly. Jay recently completed a practicum with Victim Services at the P.E.I. Department of Justice, supporting individuals and families navigating trauma and the criminal justice system, and served as a United Nations volunteer with the East and Southern Africa Regional Office, developing communications campaigns on child protection, disability inclusion, poverty reduction, and global health.
Jing Zhao is an aspiring educator with a Master of Education from the University of Windsor. Her work explores the micro credentials, language, and learning, with a particular interest in how education can foster equity and social transformation. In addition to her academic research, Jing has experience in strategic communications and public engagement through her volunteer work with the National Communication Coaching Association. Passionate about evidence-based advocacy, she is committed to advancing educational opportunity and community well-being. Through the Results Canada Fellowship, Jing hopes to strengthen her advocacy skills and contribute to collaborative efforts that address systemic barriers and create meaningful social changes.
Kalya is a final-year Master’s student in Public and International Affairs at the University of Montreal. Passionate about creative writing and social issues, she hopes to use her voice to champion the ideas she believes in, in order to amplify the voices of those who are less often heard.
Karanpreet Kaur Johar is an equity-driven nonprofit executive and governance strategist based in Surrey, BC, with over 10 years of experience advancing systems change across women's health, sexual and reproductive health and rights, youth wellness, anti-racism, overdose prevention, and food dignity. Guided by the Sikh principle of Sarbat da Bhalla (well-being for all), she works to ensure those most affected by inequity are centered in decision-making and power. She has led organizational transformation and board development focused on inclusion, diversity, equity, and accessibility, trauma-informed care, and decolonized governance, and serves on provincial and regional boards and civic advisory bodies. Karan co-founded Glow Within Foundation, a youth-led nonprofit advancing health equity education on topics like Endometriosis. Outside of work, she finds joy in books, dance, and community learning.
Kevin Heera is a second-year Health Sciences student at the University of Ottawa and a member of the Results Canada Fellowship Program. Passionate about global health and proactive crisis prevention, he is committed to advocating for issues that address extreme poverty and improve access to healthcare worldwide. Kevin is a bilingual student that aspires to use both French and English in order to advocate towards a larger community. Through his fellowship, he works to amplify marginalized voices and promote sustainable health policies in efforts to create meaningful change.
Konain Ali is an Honours Life Sciences student at McMaster University passionate about advancing health equity through research, advocacy, and community engagement. Her interests have been shaped by volunteering in hospitals, long-term care, and community health settings, supporting older adults, oncology patients, and individuals experiencing social isolation. She also participated in the National Health Data & AI Inquiry Program, where she researched sleep inequality and healthy aging, co-authoring a published manuscript and presenting at academic conferences. Through the RESULTS Fellowship, Konain hopes to strengthen her advocacy skills, engage policymakers, and advance equitable policies that help reduce poverty.
Labiba is passionate about public health and believes that meaningful change begins with informed advocacy and compassionate leadership. Inspired by a desire to help create a healthier and equitable world, she is committed to addressing health disparities and amplifying the voices of communities too often left behind. Her growing interest in global health policy and communicable diseases has led her to pursue opportunities that strengthen her advocacy, communication, and leadership skills while contributing to lasting social impact. Outside of her professional interests, she enjoys volunteering in her community, reading, and finding new ways to make a positive impact.
Laura Jeyes is a recent Carleton University graduate with a B.A. in Human Rights and Social Justice, specializing in International Development. She has worked on various development and rights-based initiatives across Canada and abroad, and operates as a remote teaching assistant supporting Afghan women facing disrupted access to education. Laura holds certificates in areas including human trafficking prevention and trauma-informed care, and is passionate about advancing global development and social justice through advocacy, education and community engagement. Outside of this, she enjoys travelling, connecting with others, and getting outdoors. She is excited to bring this experience to Results Canada's Education and Advocacy Fellowship.
Laura is a second generation Brazilian-Canadian residing in West Vancouver, British Columbia. Recently turning 18 years old, she is entering her first year of university to study international relations. Since a young age, she has always enjoyed participating in charitable work and gaining experience with public organizations, for example spending one week in Portugal with the Fuller Centre building houses for Congolese refugees. She further expanded her experience working with non-profit organizations when she travelled to Cambodia with her high school to teach English to elementary students. Aside from her part-time job and studies, she enjoys travelling to new countries or participating in beach volleyball tournaments.
Lia Holla has spent the past several years working at the intersection of policy, advocacy, and public engagement, including as Executive Director of International Physicians for the Prevention of Nuclear War Canada. Her work has involved coalition-building, government relations, youth leadership development, public education, and advocacy alongside affected communities. Lia is passionate about advancing social justice through evidence-based advocacy and community engagement. She currently works with nonprofit organizations focused on gender health equity and disarmament. Lia is a graduate of McGill University, where she completed a double major in Physics and Political Science with a focus on International Relations.
Mardin is a community educator and environmental professional working at the intersection of food security, urban agriculture, and environmental justice. Through hands-on gardening programs, community workshops, and food access initiatives, she helps connect people to sustainable food systems while fostering community resilience and environmental stewardship. Her work is rooted in the belief that everyone deserves access to fresh, culturally meaningful food and the knowledge to grow it.
Marilynn (she/her) is a community builder and human rights advocate from Edmonton, AB. She holds a Bachelor of Arts specializing in Political Science and has published research on the rights of girls. In 2026, she was recognized as one of Alberta's Top 30 Under 30 for her advocacy.
Professionally, Marilynn works at the intersection of policy and community, working to amplify voices and contribute meaningfully to her community.
Marilynn is the co-founder of a civic engagement organization and volunteers with organizations that work to further human rights locally and globally, such as Amnesty International, the John Humphrey Centre, and Canada Confesses. She is dedicated to uplifting marginalized communities and furthering the SDGs.
Marion Perrot is a PhD candidate in Public Health at the Université de Montréal. Her thesis examines inequalities in early childhood development across low and middle-income countries using UNICEF's Multiple Indicator Cluster Surveys (MICS). She investigates how structural determinants and public policies shape children's developmental outcomes, with the goal of informing more equitable health and social policies. Beyond her doctoral research, she collaborates on projects examining the role of the private sector in Canada's healthcare system, public opinion on health policy, and evidence-informed policymaking. Marion is passionate about translating research into policy and advocacy to advance health equity.
Dr. Anatole Mayema is a physician and public health professional with nearly 20 years of experience in communicable disease control, health systems strengthening, and global health. He has served in senior leadership and advisory roles, including Deputy National Tuberculosis and Leprosy Program Manager and Communicable Diseases Advisor, and has supported health initiatives with governments, the World Health Organization, and international partners across Africa. Currently pursuing an MSc in Community Health at Memorial University of Newfoundland, he is passionate about health equity, evidence-informed policy, and advocacy to improve health outcomes locally and globally.
Merin Sarah Shijo is a second-year student at the University of Alberta studying business, economics, and law. She is passionate about health equity, youth advocacy, and community engagement. As a member of the City of St. Albert Youth Advisory Committee, a Medical First Responder with St. John Ambulance, and a fund development volunteer with Volunteer Airdrie, she is interested in how policy and community action can create meaningful change. She enjoys connecting with others through advocacy and service and hopes to continue contributing to more equitable communities. Outside of work, Merin enjoys playing sports and would happily eat ice cream for every meal.
Miriam is an undergraduate university student with an interest in healthcare and ways to help impact and advocate for communities in need. Her hobbies include collecting vinyl records, playing volleyball, hiking, and she really loves reading. She has previously volunteered in settings with people of different backgrounds and is hoping to create a positive environment while becoming a voice for meaningful change through education and equal opportunities.
Feroz has a bachelor’s degree in economics, Statistics and has experience in the international fields working with NGOs. Feroz has been living in Canada for three years now and he has taken some short courses at Mohawk and Boreal Colleges and York University. At Mohawk College, he just graduated from Community and Social Services Management, a postgraduate certificate.
Given his experience in the nonprofit sector, he is now interested to learn about community development in Canada too. He is excited to learn more about Canada, how global partnership makes it possible to eradicate poverty from a Canadian perspective and resource allocation and finally meet open minded professional and actors in the international fields.
Moyandi Tamara Udugama is a global health professional with experience in nonprofit fundraising and international program delivery. She holds a Master of Science in Public Health from McGill University and a Bachelor of Health Sciences from the University of Ottawa. Moyandi recently returned to Canada after working in Vietnam, where she contributed to a Global Affairs Canada-funded program aligned with Canada's Feminist International Assistance Policy (FIAP) and a USAID-funded initiative focused on strengthening public-private partnerships (PPPs). Passionate about health equity and social justice, Moyandi is committed to evidence-informed advocacy and equitable access to healthcare.
Naphtal Nyirimanzi is a pediatrician and global health professional with over 16 years of experience in clinical care, research, education, and health system leadership. He has served as Medical Director of Nyamata Hospital and Pediatrician at the University Teaching Hospital of Butare in Rwanda. Naphtal also worked with Partners in Health as Pediatric Consultant at Koidu Hospital in Sierra Leone and as District Program Director in Rwanda. He holds Master of Medicine in Pediatrics, MSc in Global Health Delivery, and MSc in Medical Leadership. He is currently a doctoral student at Université de Montréal. Naphtal is committed to advancing quality healthcare delivery, health equity, research, education, and health system strengthening.
Nneamaka is a pharmacist with a Bachelor of Pharmacy degree and an MBA. She has experience in clinical practice, pharmacy regulation, healthcare operations, and process improvement. Through her work and volunteer experience in Nigeria, she has seen the challenges many people face in accessing quality healthcare and essential medicines. This has shaped her interest in using policy and advocacy to strengthen health systems and improve equitable access to healthcare. As a Results Canada Fellow, Nneamaka is excited to build on her advocacy work, collaborate with advocates across Canada, and contribute to policies that improve equitable access to healthcare, essential medicines, and better health outcomes for communities around the world.
Ramona Kyabaggu is a health systems professional with over 15 years of experience spanning public health, primary care, research, and education. A second-generation Canadian of Ugandan and Grenadian heritage, she brings both professional and lived perspectives to advancing health equity and systems change. As a researcher, educator, and mom, Ramona is passionate about mobilizing evidence into action and building partnerships that strengthen communities. She is excited to connect with fellow Results Canada advocates to advance equitable solutions for global health and development.
Rema Akther Rahman is a BBA candidate in Project Management at ESG UQAM with a strong interest in leadership, advocacy, and sustainable development. Through her academic, professional, and volunteer experiences, she has developed skills in project coordination, communications, fundraising, and stakeholder engagement. Passionate about creating positive social impact, she is committed to advancing equity and community empowerment. Through the Results Canada Fellowship, she hopes to strengthen her advocacy skills and contribute to meaningful policy change on global development issues.
Samia Mohamed Badar is a public health specialist, epidemiologist, and PhD candidate in Population Health at the University of Ottawa. She has several years of experience in global health, outbreak response, emergency preparedness, community engagement, and health systems strengthening through international organizations and Canadian federal health institutions. Her doctoral research explores community engagement in strengthening child health systems and infectious disease prevention in fragile and low-resource settings. She is passionate about health equity, poverty reduction, and translating research into meaningful policy and advocacy action.
Saskia is a Health Sciences student at the University of Waterloo with a passion for social impact, sustainability, and community engagement. Her experiences span mental health crisis response, public health advocacy, and research driving systems-level transformation in health and community services. She also co-founded GrassrootsKW, where she works to strengthen community connections through climate action, guided by her belief that human and environmental well-being are deeply interconnected. Through innovation, collaboration, and systems thinking, Saskia is committed to creating meaningful, lasting change.
Shreya Rao is a passionate advocate for gender equity and reproductive health based in Vancouver, BC, and the founder of Planted, an initiative dedicated to empowering young people to transform their passion for change into meaningful action. A recent graduate of the University of Waterloo and an incoming Master of Business, Climate and Sustainability student at Duke University, Shreya has contributed to initiatives spanning climate action, public engagement, and gender equity. She serves as a Youth Public Engagement Champion with CARE Canada and has spoken at prominent forums, including the 70th session of the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women (CSW70), the Senate of Canada, and numerous public engagement events.
Stella Adesina is a dynamic and results-driven Human Resources professional with extensive experience providing strategic HR advisory services, employee and labor relations support, workplace conflict resolution, policy interpretation, and organizational effectiveness solutions within government, consulting, and multinational environments. She has an MBA, B.Sc. in Human Communication and Diploma in Human Resources Management. She also has professional certification in PMP, SPHRi and PHRi.
Yayo Vuni is passionate about migration, public policy, and social inequality. She holds a Master’s degree in Development Studies and a diploma in Refugee and Migration Studies from York University. Her work examines migration, refugee integration, governance, and equitable community development, with a focus on structural inequality and policy change. She is particularly interested in advancing research-informed approaches to social policy. Yayo engages in research and knowledge-building initiatives that support inclusive policymaking and sustainable development in Canada and globally.
Zahra Zareh is a third-year health studies student at the University of Toronto. She has been involved in various community organizations as a volunteer - Skills for Change, WoodGreen, The Neighborhood Organization, while also holding various leadership roles across her university campus. As an Afghan immigrant, she is passionate about education accessibility, global health, and gender equality. She looks forward to supporting collective action through Results Canada!
