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.

Why Nisa Homes?»

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.

Meet Our Team 2022-2023

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!

Laila Elbery

Director of Events

Hii! My name is Laila and I’m the Director of Events! I’m in my 3rd year studying Fashion Business Management. I’m so excited to be working with everyone in the WEW team, and hope everyone loves the events we’ll be hosting! If I’m not studying I’m probably sewing, reading, playing soccer, or spending time with family/friends. I’m very grateful we get to support Nisa Homes through our efforts.

Maya Abdou

Director of Volunteers

Hi! I’m Maya, a third year nursing student and I am WEW’s Director of Volunteers for this upcoming year! If I’m not in a library somewhere pretending to study, you can most likely find me browsing any bookstore with a coffee in hand or spending time with friends/family. I’m super excited to meet our new team members and work together as a club to support Nisa Homes 🙂

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

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!