Our Team
Omnia Elhakim
Omnia Elhakim is a second year Master of Public Health (MPH) student at the University of Alberta. In addition to her MPH degree, she is pursuing two Graduate Embedded Certificates: one in Epidemiology and Applied Biostatistics and another in Global Health Equity. She also holds a BSc in Biological Sciences, a Minor in Human Ecology, and a Certificate in Sustainability from the University of Alberta. For her Certificate in Sustainability integrative capstone project, Omnia completed a literature review titled “Sustainability in Healthcare Systems with focus in Alberta, Canada during the COVID-19 Pandemic”. This literature review highlights deficiencies revealed by the pandemic and emphasizes the significance of sustainability strategies for upholding healthcare systems. Omnia currently serves as the Vice President for the School of Public Health Students’ Association. Her contributions to the Brain Awareness Movement and The FentaNIL Project demonstrate her passion for health education and harm reduction. Additionally, her involvement with Connecting Seniors with Care showcases her compassion and dedication to combating social isolation among seniors, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. She is also a TEDx Speaker where she presented “The Spark of Surprise” TEDx talk at the TEDxUAlberta Conference 2023. She has been a panelist for Khairiyat’s Kickoff Event. In 2025, she received the Top 30 Under 30 Award by the Alberta Council for Global Cooperation (ACGC). Omnia is deeply committed to making meaningful contributions to public health practice. Coming from a diverse ethnic background and fluent in multiple languages, she brings a unique global perspective and invaluable skills to the public health field. Her passion lies in improving healthcare access, reducing health disparities, and strengthening community networks, with a focus on disease prevention strategies that empower individuals to lead healthier lives.
Eman Khan
Eman Khan is a fifth-year undergraduate student majoring in Political Science with a minor in Sociology. She was inspired to join Khairiyat because of its vital role in building safer and more supportive communities. Eman is particularly passionate about addressing the stigma surrounding sexual violence and abuse—issues that are often silenced despite their widespread impact. She believes that protecting children begins with equipping them with the knowledge and support they need to navigate difficult topics and seek help when necessary. Through education and open dialogue, she aims to break down harmful stigmas, empower survivors to come forward, and help prevent further harm. By engaging directly with youth through school-based workshops, Eman hopes to contribute to a culture of awareness, support, and prevention. She believes that breaking the silence around sexual violence is a necessary step toward fostering a safer and more compassionate society.
Sarah Sait
Sarah Sait is a fourth-year Honours student in Cellular, Molecular, and Microbial Biology at the University of Calgary, and a member of the Scholars Academy. She is excited to join Khairiyat and contribute to the organization’s mission of promoting and destigmatizing important issues in women’s health. A passionate advocate for underrepresented communities, Sarah believes in the importance of tailoring outreach efforts to meaningfully engage diverse populations. As a member of the South Asian community, she is committed to empowering both youth and adults to engage in open conversations around abuse and prevention. She is particularly interested in gynecology and aims to raise awareness about topics such as menstrual hygiene, menopause, cervical health, and breast cancer—issues that are often overlooked or stigmatized. Through her work with Khairiyat, Sarah hopes to foster education, dialogue, and health equity across communities.
Munaza Kanwal
Munaza is a second-year student majoring in Accounting and Actuarial Science. She is excited to be part of Khairiyat and contribute to its mission of destigmatizing and increasing access to sexual health education and resources. As a South Asian woman, Munaza finds this work especially meaningful, having grown up witnessing how cultural taboos and misconceptions often silence conversations around women’s health in her community. She recognizes that this silence can leave many women without the knowledge or support needed to advocate for their well-being. Through her involvement with Khairiyat, Munaza looks forward to helping break down these barriers and creating space for informed, empowering dialogue.
Aamna Ghimire
Aamna is a second-year Software Engineering student with a strong passion for community engagement and advocacy. She is grateful and excited to be part of Khairiyat and its mission to break down the stigma surrounding sexual health and well-being, particularly within South Asian communities. Aamna recognizes that cultural taboos have long silenced these critical conversations, and she is committed to helping foster open dialogue and education. She believes that empowering the next generation with knowledge is essential to dismantling harmful stigmas and promoting health equity. For Aamna, the growth, support, and sense of community that Khairiyat fosters are deeply meaningful, and she looks forward to contributing to its impact in the years ahead.
Aani Chahal
Aani is a first-year student in Exercise and Health Physiology at the University of Calgary. She joined Khairiyat with a deep passion for making education accessible, particularly for young women navigating barriers to health and well-being. Much of her volunteer work focuses on advocacy and empowerment, driven by the belief that everyone deserves access to information and support, regardless of external challenges. Aani is dedicated to creating safe, inclusive spaces where South Asian women can learn, connect, and uplift one another without fear of judgment. Outside of her academic and advocacy work, she enjoys practicing Pilates, volunteering in her community, and discovering new food spots around Calgary.
Maryam Najam
Maryam is in her final year of a Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology at the University of Calgary. She is passionate about community health and education, and is excited to be part of Khairiyat’s mission to raise awareness around issues that are widespread yet too often left unspoken—particularly within marginalized communities. Maryam believes that open, accessible education is a powerful tool in addressing stigma and empowering individuals to take charge of their health and well-being. Through her role with Khairiyat, she looks forward to helping foster inclusive dialogue, promote prevention, and contribute to long-lasting change.
Alexandra (Alex) Laviolette
Alexandra (Alex) Laviolette is in her fifth and final year at the University of Calgary, pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Archaeology alongside a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Greek and Roman Studies. She also minors in Anthropology and has completed the Milestone program through the university’s Arts and Science Honours Academy (ASHA). Alex’s Honours thesis explores gender dynamics in New Kingdom Egypt, with a focus on ancient hieroglyphic texts and the Book of the Dead. Her research investigates how women were represented and rebirthed into the afterlife in comparison to men, offering insights through a feminist lens. Alex aspires to pursue a Master’s degree in Egyptology at Brown University, where she hopes to further her study of ancient civilizations and contribute to the field through an intersectional and gender-conscious approach.