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ZOHRA HUSAINI MEMORIAL AWARD
For decades, Dr. Husaini contributed her expertise to innovative programming, securing grants and creating public engagement on human rights through the Indo Canadian Women’s Association. The work of ICWA and the grassroots technical, emotional, and cultural support that it has provided to those in need, therefore, is at the heart of this award, which recognizes excellence in thought and action in the pursuit of humanist ideals.
Promoting work that matters
The three shortlisted candidates for the 2025 Zohra Husaini Memorial Award are committed advocates who embody the spirit of Dr. Husaini’s work in thought action and humanism. In particular, their work courageously presses for gender justice and fighting against gender based violence in the Edmonton community. We honour their commitment and struggle.
Melika Rajaeitabar - 2025 Recipient
Melika is a Master of Public Health (MPH) student at the University of Alberta and a dedicated healthcare professional committed to human rights, particularly women's and girls' rights. As a former registered nurse outside of Canada, she witnessed the healthcare barriers faced by women in underserved communities, strengthening her commitment to equitable healthcare access.
Now studying public health in Canada, she integrates clinical expertise with public health strategies to address systemic health disparities. Her research focuses on maternal and child health in low- and middle-income countries, exploring cost-effective interventions like telemedicine and community health worker programs. She also advocates for recognizing nurses’ roles in public health leadership and policy.
Beyond academia, Melika volunteers at Medical Clinic 107 in Edmonton and has provided personal care support in Iran. Her work reflects a deep belief in grassroots community development as a crucial element in advancing health and human rights globally.
Kitty Choi-Cheung – 2025 Finalist
Kitty, a first-generation immigrant from Hong Kong, arrived in Canada in 2006 and has devoted her career to combating gender-based violence (GBV) while balancing work, studies, and family life. She earned a Bachelor of Social Work from Dalhousie University in 2017 and completed a Master of Social Work at the University of Calgary in 2024.
As a GBV survivor, Kitty is committed to gender equality and advocacy. She strives to eliminate gender and cultural-based violence for herself and her 13-year-old daughter by educating them both on gender equality and recognizing harmful norms and practices. During her MSW practicum at GBV Resource Collective, Inc., she conducted a systematic literature review on engaging men and boys in the fight against GBV.
She volunteers with Dal Insight Circle and the Co-Design Team for Advanced Caregiver-Centered Care Education at the University of Alberta. Additionally, she provides free counseling and resource navigation for church members and new immigrants, positively impacting marginalized communities.
Sogand Zakerhaghighi - 2025 Finalist
Sogand is an Iranian-Canadian mental health professional, intersectional content creator, and trauma-informed influencer. She holds a Master’s in Counselling and a Bachelor’s in Psychology and Sociology, with specialized training in Health and Wellness Lifestyle Coaching and Cyber-Counselling.
She recently completed Religious Doctorate Degrees in Pastoral Counselling (PhD) and Religious Studies (ThD) and has contributed as a Mental-Wellness Columnist for major
Canadian news outlets such as CBC Edmonton and CTV News.
As the founder and director of SZ Wellness INC.©, Sogand conducts Mental Health Coaching Sessions and facilitates trauma-informed workshops focused on healing and
collective growth. With over a million social media followers, she provides psycho-educational and psycho-social content to audiences at local, national, and international levels. Her work bridges academic expertise with accessible mental health advocacy, empowering individuals through education and support.
Melika Rajaeitabar
2025 Award Recipient
The winners of the 2025 Husaini Memorial Award were chosen by a community-based selection panel of social service organization representatives coordinated by the Indo Canadian Women’s Association.
Melika was chosen as the 2025 award recipient for her work on maternal and child health in low- and middle-income countries.