At my best I’m calm, composed, caring, and supportive of others. I like to think of myself as a good party host. I’m good at active listening, quiet observation and doing what needs to get done, but I also enjoy talking (often laughing too loudly) and socializing. I am serious, hardworking and practical, but can also be boisterous and easygoing. I'm not a social butterfly, but it is important for me to maintain strong relationships with a handful of good friends. I am introverted, have a dry sense of humour, and tend towards sarcasm.

I like running, yoga, walking, listening to podcasts, reading, writing, crafts, and cats. I’m not super adventurous, but I am willing to step outside my comfort zone. I spent a couple years living, studying, and adventuring overseas. I’m a bit of a dinosaur nerd, love Lord of the Rings and am fond of Zelda. My favourite genres are Sci-fi and Fantasy.

I am passionate about reproductive health and sexuality education for Muslims, Islamic feminism, interfaith work, and being an ally to LGBTQ+ and indigenous people. I am pro-LGBTQ+ friendly, feminist, and gender-egalitarian interpretations of Islam. I am also an active volunteer for numerous organizations in the city. My research, work, volunteer work, and religious practice reflect my passions. 

I’m third generation Canadian. Although I’m half-Bengali and half-Pakistani, my Muslim Canadian identity is far more important to me than my cultural background. My parents were both born and raised in Canada.  I have three younger siblings.

My family is not very cultural and only speaks English. I do not speak any Urdu, Punjabi or Bengali. I speak French and have studied some Arabic. My family is Sunni and fairly practicing, but also fairly liberal. My family and I don’t eat zabiha halal. 

I completed my undergrad in Ontario. Currently, I am finishing my Masters in Religious Studies, and will inshallah graduate in August 2019. During my Masters I worked as a student chaplain, teaching assistant, research assistant and instructor. After graduation, I will continue to work as a research assistant and instructor, and seek additional employment in Regina for a year. 

During that time, I will also be applying for PhD programs and scholarships in Canada and the US, and inshallah hope to start a 4/5-year program in September 2020. Doing a PhD is a goal/dream of mine, but I am not expecting it to lead to university tenure-track position.