About WEW
Women Empowering Women (WEW) is a student group founded on the principles of education, advocacy and fundraising. WEW aims to raise awareness on issues of women fleeing domestic violence, poverty, homelessness or seeking asylum. We aim to promote wellness, empowerment, and self-sufficiency among vulnerable members of our community.
Research shows that immigrant and refugee women who endure gender-based violence and domestic abuse face particular barriers that make it harder to reach out for support.
WEW works collaboratively with Nisa Homes Edmonton Chapter to support vulnerable immigrant and refugee women starting by raising awareness at the U of A, focusing on community engagement with a goal of raising awareness, recognizing, and challenging gender-based violence within the immigrant and refugee community and supporting survivors.
Land Declaration
WEW respectfully acknowledges that our student group is located in Amiskwaciwâskahikan (colonially known as Edmonton, Alberta), territory of the Papaschase and homeland of the Métis, on Treaty 6 territory. We respect the histories, languages, and cultures of First Nations, Métis, Inuit, and all First Peoples whose presence continues to enrich our vibrant community.
2024-2025 Team
Shonchari Subha
President
Hello everyone! I’m Shonchari, and I’m excited to be the President of WEW this year! As a third-year Neuroscience major, I’m passionate about making a positive impact in the lives of women in need through fundraising and advocacy. Our mission is to raise funds for Nisa Homes—a shelter and transitional space for women seeking support to rebuild their lives. I’m truly honored to be part of this amazing community and can’t wait to share all the incredible events we have planned! 🌟
Nowshin Talat
VP Internal
Hi everyone! I’m Nowshin, the VP Internal of WEW this year. I’m in my third year of the BSc/BEd program, majoring in Biological Sciences, and it’s also my third year with WEW. I’m excited to connect with all of you—our amazing community—while fundraising for Nisa Homes. My directors and I can’t wait to host fun events and create lasting memories together.
Palana Shah
VP Technology
Hi everyone! I’m Palana and I’m the VP of technology! I’m currently in my fourth year of a BSc. in Kinesiology! In my free time, I love to dance and spend time with my family/friends. I’m so excited to continue working with WEW this year in support of Nisa homes! Be sure to follow us on Instagram and I hope to see you at our events!
Nayyab Nadeem
VP Content
Hi everyone! My name is Naya and I’m in my fourth year of Nursing. I’ve been a part of WEW for 3 years now! I really admire and appreciate raising awareness of Nisa Homes through WEW. My directors and I are excited to share our amazing and informative weekly blogs with you all. Make sure to check them out!
Diya Vyas
VP Events
Hi everyone! I’m Diya and I am WEW’s VP of Events! I’m in my fourth year of Biological Sciences and Psychology. In my free time, I love to spend time with my family and friends. I’m excited to continue working with WEW and collaborating with likeminded individuals to provide support for Nisa Homes. I look forward to meeting you at our events 🙂
Gurleen Dhaliwal
VP External
Hi everyone!! I’m Gurleen, your VP External for this year! I’m in my fourth year of biological sciences and psychology. In my free time, I love painting and spending time with my friends! It’s my third year in WEW, and I’m excited to show continual support to NISA Homes through all of the exciting events we have planned.
Ziyi Li
VP Finance
Hi everyone, I’m Ziyi (pronounced Zee) and I’m in my fourth year of Finance at the Alberta School of Business. I am excited to join the WEW team this year and hope to meet all of the new and ongoing members! You can usually find me either studying at the basement of Cameron library or snowboarding at the hills in winter times
Gurbasksh Jhajj
VP Education
Hey I’m Gurbaksh and I’m VP of Education this year! I am in my fourth year of psychology with a minor in biological sciences. I love to dance, read, watch documentaries and spend time with family and friends. This is my third year with WEW and I am excited to share interesting posts with all of you!
2023-2024 Team
Paris Jones
President
Hi! I’m Paris and I am WEW’s President! I am in my fourth year of a Bachelor of Kinesiology. In my free time I am cheerleading, doing research in a lab on campus, or hanging out with my friends. I am looking forward to an amazing year with WEW and all of the fantastic things that our team is planning!
Jen Libo-on
VP Internal
Hi friends! I’m Jen (she/they) and am WEW’s VP Internal (again)! I’ve remained in my position because I meet so many new people across campus all passionate about supporting Nisa Homes and the work they do. I love my oil pastels (whenever I have the chance)! Make sure to attend WEW events and follow us on social media 🙂
Maya Abdou
Director of Volunteers
Hi lovelies! I am Maya and I’m WEW’s Director of volunteers! I am currently in my 4th year of nursing.I am so grateful to be part of such an amazing group that is committed to working together to support Nisa homes! Can’t wait to see you all at our events throughout the year!
Laila Elbery
VP Events
Hi!! My name is Laila and I’m VP of Events. I’m in my 4th year. I’m so grateful we have the opportunity to support Nisa Homes through our events. In my free time, I like to spend time with family/friends and sew. Looking forward to seeing you at our events this year!
Diya Vyas
Director of Events
Hi everyone! I’m Diya and I am WEW’s Director of Events! I’m in my third year of Biological Sciences. In my free time, I love to spend time with my family and friends. I’m excited to continue working with WEW and collaborating with like-minded individuals to provide support for Nisa Homes. I look forward to meeting you at our events 🙂
Rushdeeyee Fyith
VP Content
Hello! I’m Rushdeeyee, your VP of Content this year. I’m currently in my second year of Nursing, but fourth year at UofA. One of the things I love most about being in WEW is the opportunity to give support to my community by working closely with Nisa Homes and supporting our mission statement. I’m very excited to share our weekly blogs with you all this year!
Caroline Tran
VP Finance
Hi everyone, I’m Caroline and I’m VP Finance for this year! It’s the last year of my chemistry undergrad and once again, it’s a really good feeling to be a part of all the help and support that WEW contributes to NISA Homes and the greater community. I’m often sighted around a Tims or in a 2nd floor library on campus so if you see me, please don’t hesitate to say hello!
Faiza Noor
Director of Finance
Hi everyone! I’m Faiza and I am the Director of Finance! I am currently in my last year of my Math and Economics degree. It is incredibly meaningful to me to be a part of this team and to be able to support Nisa Homes through WEW. Please look forward to all of our events for this year!
Judy Ali
VP External
Hi, my name is Judy and I’m in my second year of Pharmacy at the UofA! I’ve been a part of WEW for the past three years and I can’t wait for you to see all the exciting events we have coming up! In my free time, I love to read, bake desserts for my friends and family, and make extravagant coffees. If you ever see me on campus- come say hi!
Gurleen Dhaliwal
Director of External
Hi everyone!! I’m Gurleen, your Director of External for this year! I’m currently in my third year of biological sciences and psychology. In my free time, I love painting and spending time with my friends! It’s my second year in WEW, and I’m excited to show continual support to NISA Homes through all of the exciting events we have planned.
Palana Shah
VP Tech
Hi everyone! I’m Palana and I’m the VP of technology! I’m currently in my third year of a bachelor of science in kinesiology! In my free time, I love to dance and spend time with my family/friends. I’m so excited to continue working with WEW this year in support of Nisa homes! Be sure to follow us on Instagram and I hope to see you at our events!
Amal Mirza
Director of Tech
ey! I’m Amal, the Director of Tech and a second-year BCom student majoring in Business Tech Management. In my free time I love to read and listen to podcasts. I’m also a huge tech enthusiast, and I’m thrilled to use my interests to support Nisa Homes through WEW. I’m looking forward to meeting and engaging with all of you at our events!
Amna Khan
VP Education
Hello! I’m Amna and I’m the VP of the Education Committee, currently in my third year. My hobbies are learning languages and (excessive) gaming. Being in WEW has been a great opportunity for me to learn about, and educate others on ongoing social issues. I encourage checking out some of our latest posts to stay in the loop!
Naya Nadeem
Director of Education
Hi everyone! I’m Naya and I’m one of the directors of the Education Committee. I’m currently in my third year of nursing! I’m really grateful to be apart of WEW and help promote and support NISA homes! I’m so excited for this upcoming year, make sure to check out our events!
Yosan Worede
Director of Education
Hello! I’m Yosan and I’m one of the Education Directors. I am in my third year as a business student. This is my second year apart of WEW and helping NISA homes! In my free time, I love to spend time with my family/friends and am apart of various clubs across campus.
2022 - 2023 Team
Yeganeh Molazem
President
Hi! I’m Yeganeh and I am WEW’s President! Throughout the year, you can find me on campus searching for a good nap spot. If you ever see me, don’t hesitate to come say hi 🙂 In my spare time, I love to go on hikes with my dog and spend time with friends and family! I am so excited for all the incredible initiatives my wonderful team and I have planned for this year! I can’t wait to see what we’ll accomplish together in WEW’s third year!
Jenelle Libo-on
VP Internal
Hello, my name is Jen and I am WEW’s VP Internal! I’m entering my fourth year in the Human Ecology, Family Science program. Throughout the year, I’m also involved with other student groups (HESA/GirlUp/ASLS) and volunteer with an after school program. I’m so excited to work with my committee to create a positive environment and promote connections between WEW members, volunteers, and the student population!
Paris Jones
VP Content
Hi! I’m Paris and I am WEW’s VP Content! I am in my third year of a Bachelor of Kinesiology. When I’m not studying, I spend my time cheerleading on the UofA team, volunteering at the Steadward Center, doing research in the Neurovascular Health Lab, or hanging out with friends. I am looking forward to a great year with the WEW team and working with my committee to create fun and informative content!
Ramesh Mahdavifar
VP Technology
Hi all! My name is Ramesh and I’m the VP Technology. I’m doing a Masters in Public Health, specializing in Epidemiology. In my free time, I go with friends to an escape room, go bowling, or watch mind-boggling movies (such as Inception, Parasite, etc). I’m super excited to work with this wonderful team to stand up for injustices and institutional discrimination!
Palana Shah
Director of Technology
Hi! I’m Palana and I am the Director of Technology! I am currently in my second year of a Bachelor’s of Science in Kinesiology! In my free time, I love spending time with family and friends and dancing. I am so excited to be working with WEW this year and am looking forward to supporting such an amazing cause!
Judy Ali
VP External
Hi! I’m Judy and my role is VP External. I’m in my first year of Pharmacy at the UofA. Throughout the year, you can find me in any of the libraries on campus studying (but really just on my phone wasting time), or getting a ridiculously complicated coffee order from starbucks. I love to read, paint, and bake in my free time. I also make the best cookies in the world…no one can convince me otherwise 🙂
Madihah Khan
VP Education
Hi, I’m Madihah and I’m VP of Education! I’m going into my third year of BSc Psychology Specialization. I’m excited to continue working with WEW to educate on neglected issues and raise awareness on gender-based violence within the immigrant/refugee community. In my free time, I look for cute cafes, go on walks and spend time with friends and family!
Adelina Medelyan
Director of Education
Hi! I’m Adelina, and I’m one of the WEW Directors of Education. I’m looking forward to working with such a wonderful WEW team, and continue spreading awareness on paramount topics! I’m in my fourth year of Finance with a minor in Psychology. I’ve spent my summer at a fishing lodge, so ask me anything about fish.
Amna Khan
Director of Education
I’m Amna and I am one of the WEW directors of education! I’ll be starting my second year of my BSc in psychology. Outside of my responsibilities, I love reading, gaming, and hanging out with friends. I’m super hyped to start my role this year and immerse myself more within the club. I’m also excited to work with this team, which has been very welcoming and accepting of its members!
Caroline Tran
VP Finance
Hi there! It’s Caroline, here at your service as VP Finance for the 2022-23 school year! I’m a 4th year BSc Chemistry student at the UofA and you can frequently spot me scurrying around campus in search of coffee. In my spare time I either sleep or bike (sometimes both at the same time), or indulge in true crime content. Don’t hesitate to wave hello if you see me!
Faiza Noor
Director of Finance
Hi there! I’m Faiza, a third year Math and Economics student, and the Director of Finance. I’m very excited to continue working with WeW and for the opportunity to contribute more this year! I also work with AIESEC and the IHCC. I also enjoy doing (simple but fun) watercolor paintings and watching scary movies. I’m looking forward to having an amazing year with a great team!
Rushdeeyee Fyith
VP Events
Hey I’m Rushdeeyee! I’m a third year student & I’m the VP of Events this year. I’m honoured to host events with the WEW to support NISA Homes. When I’m not studying, I love going on hikes (walks but hiking sounds more intense lol) & spending time with loved ones. I’m super excited to work with WEW & I hope to see you all attending our events this year!
2021-2022 Team
Umaima Mirza
President
I’m in my 4th year of a psych and French degree and am so excited to say au revoir to uni in the winter semester. We have a phenomenal year ahead of us thanks to a passionate team of girls, and I can’t wait to see what we’ll accomplish in WEW’s second year! Besides WEW, I love baking, caffeine, podcasts, and meeting new people!
Jessica Zhang
VP of Content
I’m in my final year of Psych Specialization. I am thrilled to be this year’s VP of Content, working alongside amazing writers. I am most looking forward to creating more collaborative platforms to further amplify education, wellness and advocacy. Fun fact about me is that I was once in marching band! Music has, and continues to be central to my life.
Sarah Kenyon
VP Internal
I am in my 4th year at UofA studying women’s and gender studies with minors in sociology and history! I am so excited to be working with my committee to continue making WEW an empowering space and facilitating connections between members. Aside from being a part of WEW, I love going for walks, travelling, shopping, plants, and coffee!
Ipinu Fatokun
Director of Volunteers
I am going into my 4th year of Neuroscience. I’m excited to continue working with WEW to stabilize the structure of the club to make sure we can accomplish our goals for the year. After being part of WEW for a full year now, Im also excited to get to work with the newer exec members to ensure our club runs smoothly! When I’m not sleeping, I enjoy reading and Netflix.
Kayle Lowe
VP of Education
Hi! My name is Kayle and I’m going into my fourth year of neuroscience at UofA. This year, I’m really excited to bring some new initiatives to the education committee that showcase Nisa Homes, and I’m excited to do this alongside the directors. In my spare time, I love spending money on plants, going for long walks, and snowboarding.
Benazeer Panhwer
Director of Education
I am in my 4th year at UofA studying women’s and gender studies with minors in sociology and history! I am so excited to be working with my committee to continue making WEW an empowering space and facilitating connections between members. Aside from being a part of WEW, I love going for walks, travelling, shopping, plants, and coffee!
Madihah Khan
Director of Education
I am one of the Directors of Education and am in my second year of BSc in Neuroscience. I’m so excited to work on the Education committee to raise awareness to challenges faced within the community and emphasizing neglected issues. I like to spend my time going on adventures with friends, long walks and baking!
Yeganeh Molazem
VP of Finance
Hey everyone! I’m going into my third year of studies at the University of Alberta. A fun fact about me is that I grew up in London, England. I’m really excited to work with our wonderful team to put together more truly amazing events, fundraisers, educational posts, blogs, podcasts & so much more! I am so thrilled for everything we have in store, so be sure to keep an eye out!!
Sumaiya Salsabil
Director of Finance
I’m going into my third year at the UofA doing a double major in psychology and computer science. I’m really excited to be working alongside this amazing group of people and to raise some funds for NISA homes with the rest of the Finance Committee! In my free time, I love binging Netflix, boxing, and rollerskating!
Manahil Sharif
VP of Events
Hi, My name is Manahil and I am the VP Events at WEW. I am in my fourth year of psychology specialization at the University of Alberta. I am super excited to come up with creative and fun events with my amazing director and fundraising money for Nisa homes. A fun fact about myself is that I love pineapple on pizza (controversial I know)
Laeba Rehman
VP External
My name is Laeba Rehman! I am going into my third year of Bachelor of Social Work at Grant MacEwan this fall. A fun fact about me is that I have never broken a bone in my body (surprising considering how many opportunities I’ve had). I’m super excited to work with the external team and the other team members!
Lia Pagano
Director of Events
I am in my 4th year at UofA studying women’s and gender studies with minors in sociology and history! I am so excited to be working with my committee to continue making WEW an empowering space and facilitating connections between members. Aside from being a part of WEW, I love going for walks, travelling, shopping, plants, and coffee!
2020-2021 Team
Jana Ali
President and Founder
I am the Founder and President of WEW and I am finishing a BSc Spec in Psychology this winter (yay!). This club means the world to me because I get to work alongside a group of incredible folks that teach me what it means to be truly empowered. I like to spend my time trying new baking recipes, painting my nails, drinking coffee and creating art!
Omar Mouhammed
VP Technology
I am in my 5th year of a BSc in psychology. I am most excited about taking pictures of the new WEW merch and leading the campaign to raise funds for Nisa Homes. We will be hosting a photoshoot and have everyone posing in this new merch (after COVID is over – Stay tuned!). In my free time, I like to exercise, watch TV shows and write blogs.
Hameedah Baruwa
VP Events
I am in my fourth year and pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in psychology. I am really looking forward to being able to be more creative with the types of events the Events Committee organizes this semester while also maintaining our level of success. A fun fact about myself is that I have a fear of elevators which I like to think (or pretend) is very rational.
Patricia Divina
Director of Fundraising
I am currently in my 4th year at the UofA, specializing in psychology. I am excited to raise funds for our group and for Nisa Homes! The Finance Committee will have a blast (amidst the boringness of organizing finances) this semester!! Besides being a part of this wonderful group, I love hiking, long walks, boxing, yoga, reading, baking and sleeping
Balsam Ben Hamed
Director of Education
I am in my 3rd year of a psychology major/biology minor degree at MacEwan University. I look forward to educating individuals on overlooked topics within our community, and also expand and provide more information regarding important topics through the informational posts that my team and I create. My favourite hobby is to play my ukulele, and a fun fact about me is that I love spending my free time watching Spongebob.
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