Board of
directors.

Mitra Pashaeifam

Board President

Born and raised in northwestern Iran in a middle-class family, Mitra speaks Azari, Farsi and English fluently. After immigrating to Canada, she initially pursued a career as an aircraft mechanic before following her passion for helping others and pursuing an education in Social Work.

Her commitment to social justice and community empowerment has taken her beyond Canada, including time spent in a small city in Uganda, where she worked with disadvantaged children and women. Throughout her career, Mitra has worked with diverse populations, promoting social justice, advocacy, mental health and the empowerment of individuals facing social and economic challenges.

As Board President of empowerShe Alliance Society, Mitra brings her professional experience, compassion and dedication to creating meaningful opportunities for women and children. She is committed to advancing the organization’s mission of fostering dignity, inclusion, education and economic empowerment while building partnerships that support lasting, positive change.

Dr. Yumna Meer

Vice President

Dr. Yumna Meer is a professional sociologist, researcher, educator, and social welfare leader with 24+ years of experience in community development, gender and youth empowerment, social policy, aging studies, and public welfare programs. With a PhD in Sociology and international research experience at UBC, she combines academic excellence with practical leadership to create meaningful social impact. Her work focuses on advancing equity, resilience, and community well-being through research, policy, and evidence-based social development initiatives.

Vida Jahangiri

Treasurer

Vida is an AIBC-registered Architect and project management professional with extensive experience in architectural design, construction administration, and project delivery. Her work includes residential, institutional, and community-focused projects, with a particular focus on housing, shelters, senior living, and projects that support vulnerable and diverse communities.

Throughout her career, Vida has worked on government-supported projects in partnership with organizations such as BC Housing and The Salvation Army, contributing to housing, shelter, and community-serving facilities. She has collaborated with clients, consultants, contractors, municipalities, and community stakeholders to take projects from design and approvals through construction and completion.

Vida brings strong skills in project coordination, problem-solving, planning, construction management, and stakeholder collaboration. She is passionate about creating safe, inclusive, and supportive environments and believes that access to housing, education, and economic opportunities can help individuals and communities build stronger futures.

Through her involvement with empowerShe Alliance, Vida hopes to share her professional experience, leadership, and passion for community development while supporting women and families in building brighter, more independent futures.

Nadia Naderi

Director

Nadia Naderi is a licensed realtor, community leader, and passionate advocate for women and families. Active in the Greater Vancouver real estate market since 2012, she is known for her integrity, dedication, and commitment to helping her clients make informed decisions.

As a Director of Kurdish House in Vancouver, Nadia is actively involved in supporting community events, cultural initiatives, and programs that bring people together. She is especially passionate about empowering women, encouraging their participation, leadership, and connection within the community.

With a background in chemistry and years of experience in real estate and community service, Nadia brings a thoughtful, collaborative, and people-focused approach to everything she does. She is a Master Medallion Club member and recipient of the Sutton Pinnacle Award.

Aman Tiwana

Director

My name is Aman Tiwana, and I have been a supervisor with Ministry of Social Development for four years, where I work closely with community partners and support vulnerable individuals and families in navigating complex systems and accessing essential resources.

A key focus of my work is supporting women experiencing vulnerability, including women fleeing abuse, women and children accessing shelters and transition homes and those facing barriers to poverty, housing and safety. In my role, I have developed strong relationships with women-serving organizations and community partners, working collaboratively to connect people with the resources and supports they need.

I hold a degree in Applied Studies, with a focus on Women and Gender Studies, which has further strengthened my understanding of social issues and barriers impacting vulnerable women. I am passionate about building a stronger community, creating connections, and supporting women in moving toward safety, stability and independence.