Nimao Ali

Ms. Nimao Ali is a social justice activist and inspirational leader working as an educator for both adults and children for almost 20 years. 

Ms. Ali completed her Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Mathematics at Carleton University and later received an Adult Education Teaching Certificate from Algonquin College and her Principal Qualifications from York University.

Ms. Ali has been appointed by multiple government bodies as an advisor. In 2017, she served as an external adviser to the Minister of Children and Youth Services of Ontario. She is a current board member of Somerset West Community Health Centre. In 2017 she was nominated for the Governor-General Award for her outstanding leadership. 

She has established many community projects over the years both in Canada and internationally. Ms. Ali spent many summers working on aid projects in East Africa, and has also co-founded local organizations undertaking key projects in girls’ education and empowerment in Canada.

She currently serves as the Muslim Chaplain at Carleton University and the principal of the Muslim Association of Canada Abraar Secondary School in Ottawa.

Public Policy/Media Contributions:

CBC: ‘Unique challenges faced by Black Muslim community warrant better understanding, attention’

Ottawa Citizen: ‘Ali, Lawendy and Dwyer: Faith-based mental health supports for students need a boost’

What have been the most rewarding aspects of your work so far?

- Supporting muslim children and youth to be unapologetic muslim who are proud of their identity 

- Giving back to our community 

- Being a voice for the voiceless 

What have been some of the more challenging aspects?

- As a community leader, mother and school principal balancing all of these roles are difficult, to say the least. 

- Overcoming fear and intimidation 

Name a Black Muslim woman who has been an inspiration to you and why.

My mother