Our Staff

National Director

Raihanna Hirji-Khalfan has over 15 years of experience advancing disability rights, anti-racism, equity, and anti-oppressive practice in non-profit and public sectors. Raihanna served as the Accessibility Officer at McMaster University, where she managed the University’s accessibility program and compliance obligations with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA). She is a seasoned facilitator with expertise in designing and delivering training and education programs. She also has expertise in creating and managing programs for marginalized communities. Raihanna has a Master’s degree in Business and IT, a Master’s degree in Critical Disability Studies, and an LLM in Canadian Common Law.

Website & Digital Media Coordinator

Isabella has experience serving the community on issues of homelessness, social and environmental justice, and gender equality. In her work with the ASE Foundation, Isabella was the Marketing and Communications Officer and supported her colleagues in raising awareness and dismantling anti-Black racism and ableism. Isabella’s expertise lies in Graphic Design, Social Media, Sustainability, and Community Building. With a strong interest in the intersections of race and disability, Isabella is excited to apply her skills to support radicalized people with disabilities.

Community Learning Coordinator | IDEA Community Hub, ON

Ameera brings expertise gained through community engagement and social justice about culture, politics, and human rights. She recently graduated from Algonquin College’s Advertising and Marketing Communications Management program and is completing her Honours Bachelor’s degree in Communications with a minor in Human Rights and Conflict Studies. Through prior collaborative experiences with community organizations like the City for All Women Initiative (CAWI) and Refugee613, she is enthused to connect organizations at national and local levels to address the intersectionality of race and disabilities for more significant community support.

Community Learning Coordinator | IDEA Community Hub, BC

Daniela Cohen is passionate about helping to bridge divides to build communities where everyone can thrive. She has a background in education, an M.A. in Conflict Analysis and Management, and extensive experience designing and delivering initiatives to foster equity, diversity and inclusion, intercultural understanding, and peacebuilding. Daniela is also a conflict transformation practitioner and has facilitated various conflict resolution processes in Canada, the U.S., and South Africa. As a journalist and writer, Daniela believes in the power of storytelling to amplify underrepresented voices and create social transformation.

Researcher

Rayanne Banaga is a community counsellor and educator with a background working extensively with black and racialized communities in anti-oppression and anti-colonialism education, youth empowerment, community-oriented mental health, and community-based research. She believes in a collaborative approach to learning, healing, and caring for one another and uses transformative and restorative frameworks to reflect this in her work. Rayanne is deeply interested in imagining and building a world that centers on the self-determination and liberation of marginalized communities.

Community Researcher

Haneen Shat is an international affairs specialist and advocate for human rights and disability inclusion. A Fulbright Scholar with a Master’s in International Affairs from Penn State and a Bachelor’s in English from Gaza, she combines academic excellence with impactful advocacy. Haneen’s professional journey spans global research, teaching, and humanitarian work, where she has advanced the rights of underrepresented populations. Proficient in Arabic and English, Haneen leverages her interdisciplinary expertise to foster inclusion, agency, and resilience among vulnerable populations. Propelled by her passion—the oxygen with which she freely breathes—Haneen seeks to make a difference in the world.