TEAM MEMBERS
CANADIAN CENTER FOR WOMEN'S EMPOWERMENT
Meseret Haileyesus is a distinguished thought leader and change-maker with a remarkable legacy in championing economic justice and health equity. With over 22 years of dedicated service, Mesi has been a tireless advocate for progressive policies, particularly in areas such as access to reproductive health, global health, women’s and children’s health, and economic rights at national and international levels.
In her role as the CEO of the Canadian Centre for Women’s Empowerment (CCFWE), Mesi has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to addressing economic disparities and dismantling systemic barriers hindering the economic advancement of marginalized women. Her impactful work extends across national and international organizations, involving the thorough review and improvement of systems, policies, and procedures. Mesi collaborates with a diverse range of stakeholders, including financial institutions, industry regulators, governments, the family justice system, consumer lawyers, and academics, to drive positive change.
Beyond her role at CCFWE, Mesi serves as an advisor at the Canadian Center for Non-Profit Digital Resilience and the USA-Nonprofit Technology Enterprise Network (NTEN). She also holds the position of Policy Advisor member at the Network for the Advancement of Black Communities.
Mesi’s commitment to societal improvement is evident through her roles on the Board of Directors at Centertown Community Health Centre and the End FGM Canada Network. She is a member of the Governance Committee for the City of Ottawa’s Community Safety Wellbeing Plan, addressing issues such as poverty, systemic racism, and mental health challenges faced by Black youth and their families in Canada.
Mesi is the visionary founder of Maternity Today, a global organization dedicated to enhancing and advocating for the health of women and newborns through rigorous advocacy, research, and education. Her passion for maternal, child, and newborn health aligns with her role as an ambassador for various global initiatives working towards achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
Her groundbreaking work in combating economic abuse and coerced debt through the Economic Justice Project has garnered widespread media attention in Canada, featured in prominent outlets such as CBC, Yahoo Finance, Globe and Mail, Toronto Sun, and Global News. Mesi’s relentless optimism and pragmatic approach to policy advocacy have been recognized by mayors across Canadian cities and at the House of Commons.
Mesi’s contributions have earned her numerous accolades, including the L’Oréal Paris Top 10 National Woman’s Worth Award, a Forty under 40 award from the Ottawa Business Journal in 2021, and the Women of Inspiration 2021 (Social Impact and Authentic Leader Award). She was also recognized as one of the 100 Most Accomplished Black Canadian Women in 2019, named one of the Top 100 Women to Watch in Canada in 2020, and received the prestigious 2023 Canadian Women Entrepreneur award by Google Canada and Canadian Women Entrepreneur.
As an advocate, leader, and devoted mother, Mesi draws inspiration from her family and remains steadfast in her commitment to building a more just, fair, and inclusive society that safeguards and advances the well-being of women and girls. Her work serves as a beacon of hope and progress for all those who strive for positive change.
Niha Shazad has had a wide-ranging journey, collecting professional expertise in order to make a meaningful impact on the community through policy. She works as a Policy Analyst at Natural Resources Canada, analyzing Canada’s energy and environmental issues, while being inclusive of impacts on women, vulnerable peoples and Indigenous communities. She is also part of the Anti-Racism Ambassadors Network, and host of the podcast IDEAA-nomics, focused on equity, diversity and inclusion. She previously worked at the Behavioural Insights Unit in the Treasury Board Secretariat for the Government of Ontario, and continues to bring policy innovation to her work. Niha has a Master’s degree in English from Queen’s University, and a Master’s in Public Policy from the Munk School at the University of Toronto. Prior to completing her MPP, Niha spent over four years in marketing and communications for companies like Alterna Savings, TENA’s long term care services.
