"Ehsas" - an understanding of one's actions, of the impact of them. 

"Ehsās" has been fundamental in reaffirming my commitment to advocacy both within academia and beyond. 

I foster a deep commitment to amplify the voices of underrepresented communities as a Youth Advisor for the Canadian Commission for UNESCO. I’ve worked at the intersection of social sciences and culture—advocating for equity in policy and organizing initiatives that center the lived experiences of marginalized groups. This advocacy led to the founding of Khairiyat Women’s Health Equity Network (www.whe-net.org), a nonprofit dedicated to improving sexual and reproductive health education within South Asian communities. Over the past year, we have hosted culturally responsive workshops in partnership with local organizations and secured grants to expand our efforts—building networks for healthier communities across campus and Calgary.

Alongside this, my academic pursuits in neuroimaging—supported by a summer studentship and continued as an Honours student—have deepened my understanding of how research can serve public good. Through the Arts and Science Honours Academy, I have conducted research on systemic discrimination and championed inclusive practices within academic spaces. This commitment continues through my current involvement in a SSHRC-funded project at the University of Calgary and shaped my path as a 3M fellow with the 2025 cohort.

To further explore equity in action, I also served as a co-lead for the 2025 SDGA Annual Summit, working to align student-led initiatives with the UN Sustainable Development Goals and foster collective responsibility for social change.