Strength through Diversity
Professional engineer committed to integrity, accountability, and safeguarding people and planet. I have a background in environmental engineering and social & ecological sustainability. I currently lead the Low Carbon Readiness Program at Mohawk College where I consult with small-to-medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) on their sustainability goals, understanding their carbon footprint, identifying energy efficiencies, and ultimately determining a pathway to lower environmental impact. I completed a PhD & taught at the University of Waterloo. As a Lecturer in the School of Environment, Resources and Sustainability, I fostered curiosity, social engagement, and active problem-solving skills through teamwork and collaboration.
Hopeful in the face of climate change. Though we may not be able to mitigate the ​impacts as much or as quickly as we had hoped, we should keep up our efforts and renew our commitments to goals set to 2030 & 2050. At the same time we can focus on adapting to the changes by understanding how climate risks will affect our day-to-day and long-term planning. We can continue being human: building community, showing up with compassion​, and making life a little bit easier & more fun for each other and ourselves.
Finding & cherishing the little joys in life. I enjoy volunteering and connecting with local groups. As a new parent much of my time goes toward raising my toddler, an amazing adventure full of many little joys intermixed with some tough challenges. I also work with BrainSTEM Alliance, where I get to share STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math) knowledge with youth in engaging workshops. In my "free" time, I enjoy doing local activities like rock climbing, bowling, skiing, festivals, traveling, exploring parks, and volunteering within the Ismaili community.
I grew up in post-colonial Tanzania and moved to Canada in my formative years. Feeling displaced at age 12, I became a sponge - listening, seeing, and sensing - experiencing the interconnectedness of natural systems, social paradigms, economic structures, and political frameworks, and noticing both connections and differences between Canada & Tanzania.
Sikia (Listen)
My parents moved us to Canada in pursuit of education, and I was proud to achieve a Bachelor's in Engineering, a Master's in Applied Science (Chemical Engineering), and a PhD in Social & Ecological Sustainability. Outside of formal schooling, I am always looking for opportunities to learn - new skills, more about human psychology and behaviour, and generally random things!
Soma (Learn)
Technically simama means to stand, but I am using it to mean "take a stand", which contextually translates to "lead". In my professional work, I lead action on climate change and sustainability work by helping small & medium-sized businesses navigate the transition to a low carbon economy. In my personal life, I protect the balance of spending time with loved ones, taking care of my health, and practicing conservation efforts with other responsibilities.
Simama (Lead)
BEYOND LAND ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
Waterloo is situated within the traditional territory of the Attawandaron (Neutral), Anishinaabeg and Haudenosaunee peoples. The area is encompassed by the Haldimand Tract, land promised to the Six Nations, which includes ten kilometers on each side of the Grand River. We are aware of some history - rich, powerful, painful - and we honour the strength and stewardship of the First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples. There is also a lot we do not yet know and we open our hearts and minds to learn, take steps toward reconciliation, and resolve to build relationships of trust and mutual support for the future generations of all peoples. Our hope is to go beyond acknowledgement to accountability and restitution.