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!
Ali Mohamed Farah is a nonprofit and development professional based in Ottawa, Canada, whose work is deeply grounded in the Somalia context. He works with ACTED Canada, supporting research and donor engagement related to Global Affairs Canada (GAC), with a focus on Somalia-focused programming. His experience spans humanitarian response and long-term development in fragile and conflict-affected settings. He is pursuing further studies in international development and hopes to advance this work through Results Canada.
Alissandra Paras is a 24 yr old recent graduate from York University and a major in International Studies. Alissandra is from the wonderful country of the Philippines and has changed her life by coming to Canada in 2022. She shares her interests for fashion, traveling, food, films and other forms of art, but her passion rests upon creating social impact and humanitarian efforts. Alissandra dedicates her free time to volunteering to various non profits and NGOs, as well as reading and enhancing her skills in creative writing. Alissandra hopes to achieve to become a diplomat one day, and be a great pillar of the community, and serve as an inspirational role model to younger generations who share the same heart for humanity and peace.
Amine is a final-year bachelor's student in Economics and Political Science at the University of Ottawa. He is an international student, originally from Morocco.
Amine has extensive experience in policy and government relations, working on key issues such as health, environmental protection, and international cooperation. Trilingual in English, French, and Arabic, Amine is a dedicated student leader, having been involved in student government and cultural clubs.
Amy is a second generation Canadian with proud roots in Punjab. She is deeply committed to advancing equitable health care that is patient centered, culturally relevant, and trauma informed. Amy holds a BSc Honors in Biomedical Physiology, along with certificates in Liberal Arts and Community Capacity Building, reflecting her passion for blending science, community, and advocacy. Outside of her academic and professional pursuits, Amy finds joy in the outdoors, especially near water or among trees. She enjoys exploring hiking trails with her Goldendoodle, Arthur. Her greatest passion is travelling. She has a personal goal to visit at least two new countries every year, with an overarching goal to travel to 50 countries before she turns 50.
Anthony is a global health scientist with experience in the diagnosis of tuberculosis (TB), HIV, and malaria. He has led and implemented community-based intervention programs in Tanzania, aimed at improving health outcomes in underserved populations. He is a recipient of multiple fellowship Global health programs from the International AIDS Society and the Society for AIDS in Africa. He currently serves as a Global Health Volunteer with Results Canada, where he contributes to advocacy and action for global health equity.
Asma Ul Husna is a dedicated advocate for displaced and marginalized communities, known for combining compassion with strategic action. Her journey was shaped in Cox’s Bazar, the world’s largest refugee camp, where witnessing Rohingya families lose homes, safety, and opportunity deepened her commitment to justice. Bridging frontline humanitarian work with policy advocacy, she expands access to health, education, livelihoods, and protection while amplifying voices too often ignored. Looking ahead, Asma aims to advance policy reforms that ensure enduring dignity and opportunities for vulnerable communities.
Ayesha Ali holds a Master of Global Affairs and a Bachelor of Commerce, both from UofT. During her studies, Ayesha interned at the FCDO and served as an Executive Producer of Beyond the Headlines – a nationally syndicated radio show/podcast democratizing policy discussions. Also, her collaborative research work on “how the City of Toronto can be accountable to Black and racialized youth from NIAs working on climate action” served as a key contribution for the TransformTO Youth Climate Action Engagement Strategy. Recently, as an OLIP intern, she gained practical experience working with MPPs across the aisle. She is interested in labour justice, women’s empowerment, and climate change; and the inherent linkages that lie within these areas.
Christina Rajack is a Social Service Worker with experience supporting women, youth, and newcomer communities in shelter, community, and international settings. She brings expertise in trauma-informed practice, program design, case management, research, and grant writing, with a focus on equity and empowerment. Through the Results Canada Education & Advocacy Fellowship, Christina seeks to strengthen her advocacy and policy skills to advance systemic change, amplify underrepresented voices, and create sustainable pathways for social and economic inclusion.
Clemence is a public health student at the Université de Montréal and a passionate advocate for global health, poverty reduction, and civic engagement. She brings a collaborative spirit, strong communication skills, and experience in community initiatives. Clemence is eager to apply evidence-based advocacy, engage with policymakers, and contribute to public dialogue. Through Results Canada’s Education and Advocacy Fellowship, she hopes to grow her advocacy skills, connect with fellow advocates, and support efforts to advance global health and end poverty.
Ewin Joseph is an Afro-Caribbean advocate with lived experience of displacement, migration, and systemic inequality. Born in Haiti, she was forced to leave her home due to insecurity and later spent a decade in the United States before relocating to Canada, where she is now building a new home. Her experiences navigating education, and migration have shaped her commitment to equity, access to justice, and public service. Through the Results Canada Fellowship, Ewin hopes to strengthen her advocacy skills and contribute to policy solutions that center dignity, compassion, and lived experience.
Fatima Gimba is a Program and Policy Strategist, and an activist based in Ottawa, Canada. She is passionate about building inclusive and equitable communities, amplifying marginalized voices, and advancing social justice. With over 15 years of experience developing programs, leading advocacy initiatives, and building partnerships that address systemic barriers, Fatima brings a deep commitment to equity and inclusion. She joined Result Canada as a Fellow because she is dedicated to tackling poverty and inequality through collaboration, policy development, and community-led solutions, while learning from and contributing to a global network of changemakers.
In her current role at the World University Service of Canada, Fitia Ranaivo-Harisoa supports advocacy campaigns to build welcoming communities for newcomers in Canada and to expand access to education for young people, especially women and displaced people. She brings strong research experience from previous roles with Right to Play and the Aga Khan University, where she analyzed large-scale education program data in Pakistan, Rwanda, Burundi and Tanzania.
Fitia holds a Master's degree in International Development from the University of Edinburgh and a Bachelor's degree in International Relations from the University of British Columbia. She is an alumna of the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program.
Hawa Abdiaziz is a Somali refugee born in the Marafa refugee camp on the Kenyan coast. Inspired by her mother’s resilience in raising ten children within a patriarchal community, she is a media and education advocate focused on girls’ education and gender equity. Hawa holds a Bachelor’s degree in Media and Journalism from Nişantaşı Üniversitesi in Istanbul. She is involved with UNGEI’s Transform Education, served on the Refugee Education Council, and co-led the Girls’ Education in Emergencies Working Group. Hawa has spoken at the G7 Conference in Ottawa, engaged in the Global Refugee Forum, and held a leadership role with SheLeads Kakuma.
Henrietta Cobbinah is a dedicated advocate for global equity, poverty reduction, and evidence-based public policy. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Rural and Community Development from Presbyterian University, Ghana, and a Master of Science in Project Management, with a concentration in Business Analysis, from Northeastern University in Toronto. As a member of Results Canada, she contributes research, strategic communication, and advocacy to amplify the voices of communities affected by poverty and inequality.
Ira is an aspiring research professional who earned her BA in Psychology, with a minor in Neuroscience and Mental Health. She has developed early research experience through clinical research training and work as a research assistant. She is passionate about advocacy related to income disparity and poverty, as well as global health advocacy and the promotion of vaccination uptake. A strong believer in the power of accessible science, she is dedicated to knowledge translation and mobilization in health, policy, and research. She hopes to help bridge gaps between researchers, practitioners, policy makers, and the public, ensuring high-quality information is shared in ways that promote understanding, engagement, and meaningful change.
Ishika is originally from Mauritius and is currently based in Canada. She is pursuing a PhD in Epidemiology at the University of Ottawa, where her research examines mental health among marginalized adolescents through an intersectional lens. She is driven by a commitment to health equity and to translating research into meaningful action through policy engagement, advocacy, and accessible knowledge translation. Beyond her academic work, Ishika is involved with community organizations supporting refugee and newcomer well-being and girls’ education. Through the Results Canada Education and Advocacy Fellowship, she hopes to further strengthen her advocacy skills and contribute to equity-driven change.
Kamila Maral is a fourth-year undergraduate student at the University of British Columbia, majoring in Political Science. Originally from Kazakhstan, she brings a strong international and cross-cultural perspective to her academic and advocacy work. She spent two years studying in France, where she developed a deeper interest in global governance, public policy, and international development. Kamila currently serves as Vice President of Advocacy for Partners In Health Engage at UBC and works with Results Canada on advocacy initiatives advancing global health equity and evidence-based policy change. Her work reflects a strong commitment to social justice, inclusive governance, and empowering underrepresented communities.
Karthikeyan Swaminathan (Karthik) is the Industry Liaison Officer at DNA to RNA (D2R) initiative at McGill University, where he bridges the gap between academic research and commercial innovation. Specializing in the intersection of biological sciences and business strategy, he has successfully managed relationships with different stakeholders and supported the development of spin-off projects from McGill.
Karthikeyan holds a Master of Science in Neuroscience from McGill University and an MBA at the Quantic School of Business and Technology. With a strong commitment to mentorship and global collaboration, he actively supports international trainees and advocates for the translation of scientific discoveries into impactful health solutions.
Kaylia Little is a dedicated sustainability researcher and PhD candidate in Sustainability Management at the University of Waterloo’s School of Environment, Enterprise and Development, where her work focuses on energy transitions in Northern and Arctic contexts. With over seven years of experience in sustainability practice and research, Kaylia brings a multidisciplinary perspective to environmental and energy policy. At Waterloo, she has also taught and supported undergraduate courses in international studies, environmental studies, and energy sustainability. Kaylia’s academic journey reflects a commitment to advancing equitable and sustainable energy solutions through research, collaboration, and community engagement.
Keren Udeze is passionate about global health and anti-poverty advocacy. She holds an undergraduate degree in psychology and is actively involved in her community and frontline advocacy with organizations such as the Canadian Cancer Society, the Canadian Red Cross, and Big Brothers Big Sisters. These roles strengthened her belief in early intervention and equitable access to care. She has worked in the government and private-sector and gained insight into justice and financial systems. Through community-based service, she has seen how poverty and systemic neglect shape life outcomes. Keren hopes to pursue graduate studies in global health and law and one day work as a policy advisor advancing health equity in Canada and globally.
Leanne Sharzer is an Ottawa-based community organizer and the founder of Unseen Ottawa, a volunteer-led outreach initiative that supports people living rough through consistent, relationship-based street rounds, practical supplies, and warm handoffs to local services. She also works professionally as the National Event Coordinator at the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association, bringing strong coordination and stakeholder-engagement skills to her community work. In 2026, she is focused on scaling Unseen Ottawa’s Street Stewards program to multiple weekly routes and a growing volunteer team, strengthening local connections and improving how quickly people can access help when they want it.
Lindsay Chavez is a fourth-year student at the University of British Columbia studying Political Science. She is engaged in global health advocacy and currently serves as Vice President of Advocacy for Students for Partners in Health Canada at UBC, where she leads campaigns on LTE writing, global health day awareness, and equitable access to healthcare. She has gained professional experience through co-op placements in the public sector, where she contributed to policy research and DEI initiatives. Lindsay is committed to translating evidence into meaningful action and advancing global health equity. Outside of her work, she enjoys dreaming up business ideas, watching Netflix, and planning her next travel adventure — Peru!
Liv is a passionate advocate for social justice and gender equality, both at the Canadian and international level. By day, she’s a Junior International Project Officer at the Paul Gérin-Lajoie Foundation, where she assists in the management of women’s climate resilience programs in Bénin and the DRC. In her free time, she’s the co-founder of a youth organization called Génération Cinq, creating a momentum for youth involvement towards reaching SDG 5 in Francophone countries. Liv is passionate about diplomacy and political advocacy and continuously strives to make multilateral spaces more inclusive and accessible, especially for young people. She participated multiple times in the UN Commission on the Status of Women as a youth advocate.
“To be seen is to be heard.” This value guides Mehak’s (she/her) work as a Bachelor of Social Work student at the University of Windsor. She is completing her placement at LOFT Community Services, supporting individuals facing housing insecurity, mental health challenges, and systemic barriers through trauma-informed, anti-oppressive practice. Holding a BSc in Life Sciences, a Minor in Social Justice and Inclusive Communities, and a Certificate in Science Communication from McMaster University, Mehak uses research, creativity, and community initiatives to drive change. She is committed to knowledge mobilization and education, translating evidence into accessible advocacy through her work with the Girls Belong Here (GBH) program and OCIC.
Meladul Haq Ahmadzai is a graduate of the University of Manchester (UK), where he completed his Master of Science in Global Health. He has more than 10 years of experience managing his own business, Taleam Systems, which designs websites and provides IT support. He has given back to the community through extensive volunteer work, earning the Canada Service Corps Award in 2021. He actively engages with global organizations on innovation and technology solutions. For his final dissertation, he researched food insecurity in war‑affected countries, including Afghanistan, Ukraine, and Yemen. He remains passionate about expanding access to quality healthcare worldwide.
Natasha Fortin is a recent graduate of the Master of Health Sciences in Global Health Systems at Western University. During her studies, she worked with Reach One Touch One Ministries in Uganda, supporting community-based geriatric care and gaining insight into the Ugandan healthcare system. She holds a Bachelor of Science Honours in Medical Sciences with a Certificate in Medical Humanities from Dalhousie University, where her research examined the relationship between gut microbiota and neurodegeneration. Her experiences have shaped her commitment to health equity and prioritizing community-led solutions. Outside of academics, Natasha enjoys volunteering as a youth curling coach, hiking, and knitting.
Nolan Holder is a public policy leader with experience advancing equitable development, socio-economic resilience, and evidence-based decision making across government, academia, and international partners. He has shaped national strategies, managed major development programs, and collaborated with civil society, Indigenous organizations, and UN agencies to strengthen inclusive policy outcomes. With expertise in research, partnerships, and clear policy communication, Nolan is committed to advancing global development grounded in equity, dignity, and human rights.
Nyasha Guta is a community-centred policy and practice professional based in Edmonton, Alberta. She holds a Master of Health Sciences in Health Equity and Sustainability, a Graduate Diploma in Applied Health Sciences, and is a Certified Health Executive (CHE) with the Canadian College of Health Leaders. Nyasha brings experience in research, program planning, monitoring and evaluation, and community engagement across local and global contexts. Her work is shaped by reflection on ethical international cooperation and people-centred approaches, with a commitment to advancing the rights, health, and well-being of women and children. She is particularly interested in bridging policy, advocacy, and practice to support just and inclusive systems.
Olga is a bilingual nonprofit and communications professional with over a decade of experience across international and Canadian contexts. Her work spans communications, project management, and stakeholder engagement, with a focus on sustainability, global health, and community development. Olga has supported data-informed advocacy and cross-sector collaboration with organizations in Africa and Canada. She is particularly interested in the intersection of policy, evidence-based advocacy, and community-led solutions. Outside of work, she enjoys supporting grassroots initiatives and reflecting on how collective action can advance social and global equity.
Olivia Beak-Brown (she/her) is a Registered Nurse and health policy aspirant. She holds an Honours Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree from the University of Ottawa and has experience in public health, clinical research, and policy-informed practice. Olivia has collaborated with the Canadian Association of Nurses in HIV/AIDS Care on equity-focused guideline development and completed a co-op with Ottawa Public Health, supporting families navigating gaps in primary care access. She now works as a Team Lead with the Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, contributing to multi-site clinical studies and research operations. Olivia is eager to build practical advocacy skills and support evidence-based solutions that advance global health equity.
Olivia is an International Relations graduate from the University of British Columbia with a keen interest in global health and communications. She has been actively involved in student-led advocacy initiatives, including her work with Friends of Médecins Sans Frontières UBC, where she focused on research, engagement, and advocacy around global health and humanitarian issues. Olivia is passionate about using communications and grassroots advocacy to drive policy change, and she is committed to advocating for underserved communities with cultural sensitivity and care. She is excited to grow her advocacy beyond the student setting and looks forward to working alongside others committed to health equity and global justice.
Olivia is a Master of Global Health graduate from the University of Barcelona, where she completed her thesis in Urban Health. She previously earned a BSc in Biochemistry (Nutrition) from Memorial University of Newfoundland. Olivia has volunteered with organizations including the Canadian Red Cross, Canadian Blood Services, Kids Eat Smart, and Skate Canada. Passionate about the social determinants of health and advancing equitable access to care, she draws on her many years of service industry experience to build strong relationships, communicate effectively across diverse communities, and contribute meaningfully to team-based, community-oriented initiatives. She looks forward to supporting collective action through Results Canada!
Peyton is a master’s student studying sustainability in hospital food services. She also holds a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Health Studies. Her education has given her the opportunity to focus on the social determinants of health and global health issues, learning that health is not solely biomedical but is shaped by the society we live in. Peyton works in hospital clinic administration, through which she has seen the real impacts of the social determinants of health on health outcomes.
Peyton is passionate about sustainability, planetary health, and health equity, and
is excited to gain more experience advocating for local and global issues.
Outside of her academic/professional life, Peyton can be found sailing or making art!
Poonam Jusrut is an independent researcher with over a decade of experience in international development, environmental policy, democratic governance, and equity-focused research. She holds a PhD in Geography and has worked across academic, government, and international settings. Her peer-reviewed research covers evidence-based analysis of policy initiatives, with attention to inclusive economic opportunities and governance in vulnerable communities and gendered health outcomes in the Global South. Poonam brings strong research, writing, and analytical skills to support effective advocacy for policies that advance global health, poverty reduction, and social justice. She believes in strategic citizen advocacy for creating positive results.
Prabhjot Sangha is a health policy and strategy professional based in Ontario, Canada. She holds a Bachelor of Public Health from the University of Waterloo and a Master of Science in Global Health Policy from the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine. Her professional experience includes work with Indigenous health organizations, community-based institutions, and international development settings, including placements with UNICEF Zimbabwe and Engineers Without Borders Canada. Currently, she serves as Senior Advisor, Policy and Strategic Initiatives at the Indigenous Primary Health Care Council. Her work spans health equity, health systems strengthening, government relations, policy and strategic advisory support.
Raquel is a first-year master’s student in Public Policy and Global Affairs at the University of British Columbia, with an undergraduate background in Psychology and Sociology. She previously worked in the Intergroup and Social Justice Lab and the Secure Lab, and is currently a trainee at BC Children’s Hospital Injury and Prevention Unit and a fellow at the Institute of Asian Research, Centre for Southeast Asia. She is also employed working with individuals with developmental disabilities and as a sales associate at New Balance. Her long-term goal is to integrate psychosocial research with healthcare and human rights policy in developing countries through work with international and multilateral organizations.
Reha is a recognized leader with 15 years of experience at the intersection of social development and education. She specializes in designing impact-driven, experiential programs—often rooted in art, theatre, and play—for diverse audiences, especially marginalized youth. Currently, her work focuses on designing employability and workforce education programs for young people across multiple countries, bridging education with meaningful pathways to work. Her practice is grounded in the belief that real change starts from within. Born and raised in India, Reha has traveled the world for education and work, and now calls Montreal home as she embraces the Québécois way of life.
Renu Bhargavi (she/her) is a passionate advocate with a strong interest in global health, education, climate action, and poverty reduction. She has been involved in climate-related projects and has led volunteer initiatives focused on community engagement and creating social impact. Through these experiences, She developed a deep appreciation for grassroots advocacy and collective action. As a Results Canada Advocacy and Education Fellow, she is committed to strengthening her advocacy, communication, and leadership skills while contributing to efforts that build political will to address poverty and advance equity.
Samar Barazesh (she/her) is a Master of Science in Public Health student at the University of Alberta specializing in Health Promotion and Socio-Behavioral Sciences. Her work sits at the intersection of public and clinical health, policy, and global development to advance health equity and reproductive justice by addressing social determinants of health, marginalization, and discrimination, grounded in evidence-based policy and advocacy. As a researcher and principal investigator on multiple studies and the founder of community-driven health initiatives, she has collaborated with organizations, schools, and Indigenous communities locally and internationally to address health inequities.
Samrah Ahtsham is a Sociology graduate from the University of Calgary with experience in early childhood education, advocacy, and civic engagement. Her work with children and families, along with her involvement in community and political initiatives, has deepened her understanding of how structural inequalities shape people’s lives and access to opportunity. She has contributed to mental health initiatives as well as human rights and anti-racism work through the National Council of Canadian Muslims, and she is currently supporting youth-focused political outreach on a Member of Parliament’s campaign team. Samrah is eager to bring her lived insight, compassion, and commitment to equity to the Results Canada Fellowship.
Shehani is an advocate who believes real change happens from the ground up and reaches across the globe. Whether she is researching policy changes on Parliament Hill with Results Canada or standing up for human rights worldwide with Amnesty International, she is driven by one mission: to build a more just world for everyone, everywhere. For her, justice is not bound by geography, it is the foundation of shared humanity.
Sherwain is an undergraduate student in Vancouver pursuing a degree in Finance and Accounting. Originally from Sri Lanka, he is passionate about economics and how it strengthens work in financial policy and regulation. He is especially interested in clear, evidence-based regulation that supports economic stability, and reduces poverty through more inclusive financial systems. His commitment to social impact grew through years of volunteering and leadership in service organizations in Sri Lanka and throughout high school, where he worked closely with underserved communities and helped deliver hands-on support. Outside of class, he is training for a marathon and enjoys the steady progress of long-term goals and daily discipline.
Silas Babatunde is a Business Development professional and social impact advocate based in Edmonton, Alberta. Originally from Nigeria, he brings a global perspective shaped by lived experience and a commitment to community empowerment. His advocacy journey began in 2013 with Voluntary Service Overseas on livelihood and education programs, followed by work with the United Nations supported Education Sector Support Program in Nigeria.
He has built a strong career in business development across banking, financial services, and retail. He is passionate about equity, economic opportunity, and citizen led advocacy, and is a 2025 Results Canada Fellow.
Winky is a feminist and human rights advocate committed to advancing social justice through collective action and community engagement. She brings experience across government and non-profit sectors in Canada and Asia, including UNICEF, UNHCR, Amnesty International, and YWCA Toronto. Her work spans fundraising and program engagement, giving her insight into how public mobilization and grassroots movements intersect to drive change.
As a global citizen who has lived and studied across Europe and Asia, Winky has worked in diverse cultural and institutional contexts, strengthening her ability to advocate for women, children, and displaced communities. She brings an intersectional, globally informed perspective grounded in inclusive advocacy.
