Meet Asma

Waterloo is more than the place I live — it is the community my husband and I chose to call home and where we are raising our two children. What inspired us to make Waterloo our home was its welcoming spirit, strong sense of community, beautiful natural spaces, and the opportunities it provides for families to grow, connect, and thrive.

Since making Waterloo home in 2012, I have dedicated my career to serving our community and helping people build meaningful connections. My passion for community development led me to complete a Certificate in Volunteer Management and a Certificate in Senior Leadership and Management for Non-Profit Organizations at Conestoga College, equipping me with the skills and knowledge to lead organizations, build partnerships, and create lasting community impact.

My professional journey began as a Settlement Worker, supporting individuals and families as they navigated housing, healthcare, education, employment, and community services. I later served as a Program Lead, where I developed and delivered programs that supported some of our region’s most vulnerable residents.

In 2016, I founded the Canadian Arab Women’s Association (CAWA), which became a registered non-profit organization in 2018. What started as a grassroots initiative has grown into a respected community organization serving thousands of women and families across Waterloo Region and Guelph. As Founder and Executive Director, I have worked alongside community partners, businesses, volunteers, and government leaders to develop programs that support settlement, employment, entrepreneurship, education, family well-being, leadership development, and community engagement.

Through CAWA, I have built strong partnerships with municipalities, schools, community organizations, law enforcement agencies, healthcare providers, and businesses to address local needs and create opportunities for residents to succeed. I was selected to participate in the Aga Khan Foundation Canada Global Leadership Program, where I joined emerging leaders from across the country in strengthening leadership skills and advancing community impact. I have also had the privilege of representing CAWA nationally and internationally, particularly after the organization was granted Special Consultative Status with the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC).

These experiences have strengthened my ability to build partnerships, advocate for communities, and bring diverse voices to decision-making tables.

Throughout my career, I have learned that meaningful change happens when people come together, listen to one another, and work toward common goals. I have spent the past decade building relationships, advocating for community needs, and creating opportunities for residents to succeed.

Today, I am running for Waterloo City Councillor for Ward 2 because I believe every resident deserves to be heard, included, and represented. I am committed to bringing collaborative leadership, community-focused solutions, and a strong voice for Ward 2 to the City Council.

Together, we can build on Waterloo’s strengths and ensure our city remains a welcoming, vibrant, and prosperous place for current and future generations.