Rukaya Abdul is a dynamic educator, curriculum strategist, and leadership development expert with over a decade of experience in adult education, instructional leadership, and program design. As the founder and director of Hayah Leadership Centre, she is passionate about shaping global education through faith-inspired, innovative pedagogical approaches that empower the next generation of leaders. Her professional journey in Canada includes serving as an Education Consultant for an Islamic school in Ontario, Academic Manager at the Canadian Technical & Management College, Staff Supervisor at Wachiay Friendship Centre, ESL Instructor at CCI-LEX, and Leadership Coach for International Professionals at the Edmonton Mennonite Centre for Newcomers. Rukaya is currently pursuing a Doctorate in Education, with a focus on transformative learning and leadership. She holds an MBA from the University of Leicester (UK), a Certificate in Adult Education from the Canadian College of Educators, ECEA from North Island College, and a Chartered Marketing Qualification(NIMN). Her Islamic studies include certifications in Hadith, dua ( An noor Al-Mubeen) and fiqh Seerah(KIU). She has actively contributed to faith-based community development, including being an islamic speaker, developing a madrassa curriculum for Comox Valley Islamic Center and also serving as an Islamic teacher both in BC and Ontario. At Hayah, she leads with the vision of nurturing spiritually grounded, socially conscious, and globally competent youth through leadership rooted in Islamic ethics for success in both deen and dunya.

Dr Sarumi is a distinguished legal scholar, social justice and systems change advocate whose academic and professional journey reflect a deep commitment to justice, equity, and community empowerment. She is a registered Barrister in Canada and also holds a Ph.D. in Law, focusing on policy reform and human rights advocacy. Her training combines scholarly depth with applied legal practice, making her an exceptional asset in areas such as access to justice, anti-racism initiatives, child welfare, and inclusive education. Dr. Sarumi has worked extensively at the intersection of law, education, and social change. Her experience includes leading anti-racism initiatives, coordinating gender equity programs, and advising on access to justice and inclusive education policies. She brings both scholarly depth and practical insight to her advocacy, engaging racialized and ethnocultural communities through research-informed dialogue and program development. Dr. Sarumi’s profile reflects a rare blend of academic excellence, legal acumen, and socially responsive leadership, positioning her as a powerful contributor to Hayah which prioritizes ethical leadership, and transformative education.

Rimshah is a renowned speaker and a public speaking coach known for her powerful integration of social justice, faith-informed advocacy, and youth empowerment. With a Bachelor’s degree in Health Management and Humanities from York University and specialized training in Public Sector Leadership from Schulich School of Business, she brings a strong foundation in equity, public discourse, and values-based leadership. As a Leadership and Communication Coach, Rimshah leads identity-based workshops and spoken word sessions across Canada, engaging women and youth with creativity, authenticity, and purpose. She is also an Islamic school teacher with a solid Islamic education enriching her work with spiritual and ethical depth. A TEDx Speaker and an International Speaker Slam Finalist, Rimshah has been featured on CBC Radio and Global News for her impactful storytelling. She continues to mentor emerging leaders through transformative coaching, creative facilitation, and a deep commitment to personal and social change.

Ms Reham holds a Bachelor of Accounting degree from Helwan University(Cairo) and also studied at Al-Rahma institute and Dar Alarqam(Egypt) with an advanced knowledge of Tajweed and Qaidah Nooraniyah. She is a committed Quran and Arabic educator who brings a learner-centered, spiritually grounded approach to her teaching. At Ayaat Foundation, Tarbiya Elementary school and ICCM Milton, she focused on building students’ confidence through clear Tajweed instruction, individualized support, and active engagement with parents. She is currently completing her Qur’an Ijazah and continues to model the value of lifelong learning.Bilingual in Arabic and English, she integrates technology, time management, and differentiated instruction to meet diverse learner needs. Her work reflects the Hayah values of integrity, nurturing leadership, and living the Deen through action.

Ms. Salma holds a Bachelor of Liberal Arts in Social Science from The King’s University and an ECEA from MacEwan University. She is certified in TESL, TEFL, and TESOL, with over ten years of experience in education, youth programs, and literacy support. Her background includes educational psychology, child development, family systems, and Islamic studies. She has worked as a Parenting and Literacy Coordinator at EMCN, supporting newcomer families, and served on the board of Sakina Circle, helping shape faith-based curriculum. A graduate of Edmonton Islamic Academy, she naturally blends Islamic values into her teaching. Ms. Salma is currently pursuing nursing at NorQuest College, following her lifelong dream of caring for others. At Hayah Leadership Centre, she brings together her skills in education, faith, and service to help raise confident, compassionate Muslim youth leaders.

Ms. Maryam is a Registered Early Childhood Educator (RECE) in Ontario with over five years of experience supporting the holistic development of young learners. She holds a Diploma in Early Childhood Education from Sheridan College and a Bachelor’s Degree in Education (Guidance & Counselling) from the University of Lagos. With a strong background in educational psychology and inclusive education, she integrates Islamic values, play-based learning, and character development into her classroom practice. Trained at Clear Path Islamic Centre and AlMaghrib Institute, and certified in First Aid & CPR, she brings both professionalism and spiritual insight to her role. Her strengths include STEM-focused lesson planning, sensory learning, and parent engagement, making her a strong asset to Hayah’s mission of nurturing faith-based leadership in children.