Alina Haidary 2021
Alina Haidary is a Canadian Muslim who is known for her outstanding achievements, advocacy for her fellow Muslim women, and excellent community service. Alina demonstrates leadership and sets an example in the community through her courage, ambition, commitment, and confidence. She created her own path, starting as a refugee claimant to now working at Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada as an Integration Program Officer. Alina also worked with prominent service provider organizations and immigration lawyers in Toronto, providing settlement and advocacy services, often with a special focus on assisting women and increasing their access to services.
Alina further demonstrates commitment to civic engagement by volunteering with various organizations such as Women for Afghan Women, Nissa Homes, ZONTA International and the Canadian Council for Muslim Women supporting women’s equality and access to education and services.
Alina was selected as one of the first exchange students from Afghanistan to attend high school in the U.S. and graduated as the valedictorian. Alina was the recipient of a full scholarship from Bennington College where she successfully completed her B.A. in International Studies and Mediation and Negotiation. Later, she was the recipient of a Merit Fellowship from Ryerson University where she completed her M.A. in Immigration and Settlement Studies.
In recognition of her community and advocacy work for women and newcomers, Alina has received multiple awards. Her story is often cited as a success to encourage newcomers to make Canada their home, too.
TESTIMONIAL
“Alina demonstrates leadership by courage, ambition, commitment, confidence, and setting herself as
an example. When the Taliban took over Afghanistan, they prohibited education for girls. Alina had no
choice other than to dress up as a boy and attend school for five years. It was a huge risk that Alina
took, but Alina had a dream to gain an education and help disadvantaged people. When the U.S invaded
Afghanistan, Alina’s courage to go to school dressed as a boy was recognized by the Department of
State and she was selected as the first exchange student from Afghanistan to complete high school in
U.S.”