Edmonton Hazara Association
The Edmonton Hazara Association is a membership based, non-profit community organization dedicated to fostering cultural pluralism, civic engagement, integration, and political participation among Afghan communities in Canada, with a particular focus on the Hazara people. Established in Alberta, Canada, the Edmonton Hazara Association serves as a platform to bring together Afghan Canadian individuals and families, promoting unity, social cohesion, and progress. As a non-religious entity, Edmonton Hazara Association upholds inclusivity and does not promote any religious belief or ideologies.
Our Values
We are guided by principles of equality, inclusivity, accountability, and transparency. We are committed to fostering creativity, well-being, and impactful work for our members and the broader community. Our actions are rooted in a belief in the power of collective efforts to create positive change.
VISION
Our vision is to build an empowered and well connected Hazara community in Alberta one where every individual feels a strong sense of belonging and support. We aim to contribute to the broader goals of cultural preservation, dialogue, and global advocacy for the rights of the Hazara people.
MISION
The Edmonton Hazara Association is dedicated to: Building community: Bringing together members of the Hazara community in Alberta to create a strong network of support, unity, and mutual learning.
Amplifying voices: Advocating for the Hazara community’s rights and raising awareness through dialogue, collaboration, and partnerships across Alberta and Canada.
Supporting integration: Assisting newcomers with their integration into Alberta’s diverse communities by providing culturally sensitive programs and services.
Cultural promotion: Preserving and celebrating Hazara culture through community events, initiatives, and educational programs.
Advocacy and humanitarian support: Championing the rights of Hazara people in Afghanistan and offering support to at-risk communities through advocacy and humanitarian aid..
Team Member
Hafizullah saeedi
Executive Director
Hafizullah Saeedi is an independent researcher and a human rights defender. He holds a Master of Arts in Global Studies from Leipzig University, Germany. He obtained a double degree in International and Comparative Politics from American University of Central Asia and Bard College-NYC, for his undergraduate studies.
Hafizullah has a background in human rights advocacy at the United Nations and European Union level.
His area of research includes human rights, security and development studies, with a focus on minority issues, countering violent extremism, and humanitarian action. In the context of Afghanistan, he has
written extensively on social movements, minorities and hate speech, as well as political participation of women and youth in national processes. He has previously worked with Minority Rights Group International, European Center for Minority Issues, and Asian Forum for Human Rights and
Development. In addition to his mother tongue Persian/Dari, he speaks English, Pashto, Russian and German languages.
karima delijam
Deputy Director
Karima is a dedicated advocate for community empowerment, cultural preservation, and social
justice. In her role as Deputy Executive Director of the Edmonton Hazara Association,
she significantly contributes to the organization’s mission of supporting and strengthening the Hazara community in Alberta. With a strong background in financial management, program
coordination, and nonprofit leadership, Karima brings a strategic perspective and operational excellence to her position. Her extensive experience encompasses nonprofit organizations,
international institutions, and grassroots initiatives, where she has effectively managed financial oversight, grant administration, and community-driven projects.
Karima is deeply committed to promoting inclusivity, advocating for human rights, and creating
opportunities for the Hazara community to succeed in Canada. She actively seeks to build meaningful partnerships with stakeholders, policymakers, and community leaders to ensure the sustainable growth and long-term success of Edmonton Hazara Assocation. Her leadership is characterized by a vision of unity, resilience, and empowerment, positioning her as a key advocate for enhancing the voice and presence of the Hazara community in Edmonton and beyond.
Jawad Zawulistani
Board Member
Jawad is a policy analyst and researcher mostly focusing on human rights and anti-racism
initiatives. Most recently, he served as a researcher for “Understanding Hate in Ontario”
project a collaboration between the Mosaic Institute and the Network for Economic and Social Trend (NEST). In this role, he provided valuable insights into the lived experiences and perceptions of hate in the province.
Additionally, Jawad co-lead a project that documented the narratives of human rights defenders who sought refuge in Canada following the Taliban’s return to power in 2021. Beyond his research contributions, he actively volunteers with educational programs that offer both in person and online learning opportunities for girls in Afghanistan, advocating for human rights centered approaches and inclusive processes for the future of the nation.
Previously, Jawad served as the Managing Director at the Afghanistan Human Rights and
Democracy Organization in Kabul, where he focused on empowering war victims and promoting their inclusion in peace-building efforts. He also worked on initiatives aimed at addressing ethnic conflict through dialogue and exchanges among youth from diverse regions and backgrounds.
Jawad holds a master’s degree in research for Policy and Evaluation from Western University in London, Ontario, as well as a second master’s degree in Conflict Resolution and Coexistence from Brandeis University in the United States. In his spare time, he enjoys exploring new recipes, studying history and social justice movements, and taking long walks in Edmonton’s
scenic nature.
Marzia ahmadi
Finance and Accounting Lead
Marzia Ahmadi is a committed finance professional who contributes significantly to the
Edmonton Hazara Association’s mission through her expertise in financial management and
administration. Holding an MBA in Finance and possessing extensive experience in
bookkeeping, human resources, and nonprofit operations, she ensures a high level of financial
accountability and efficiency. In addition to her professional responsibilities, Marzia is passionate about community support and has volunteered in English language instruction and
interpretation services for newly arrived immigrants from Afghanistan. Fluent in multiple
languages, she plays a crucial role in the Edmonton Hazara Association’s efforts to empower and uplift the Hazara.
community in Edmonton.
arif yasa
Board Memeber
Arif Yasa is an accomplished educator and community organizer. Before immigrating to Canada, he served as a teacher in his home province of Daykundi, Afghanistan. Over the course of 13 years, he developed and implemented educational programs aimed at empowering youth, particularly young women who were deprived of education due to the Taliban’s rule and the ban on education for women and girls in the late 1990s.
Arif holds a Bachelor of Arts in Farsi/Dari language and Literature from Kabul University in Afghanistan and a Master’s degree in Public Administration and Policy from Punjab University in India. Now residing in Edmonton, he is dedicated to fostering community development and cohesion by celebrating and promoting cultural heritage. He has a keen interest in Hazaragi music and often participates in public
recitations of Farsi poetry at community events.
MArzia salihi
Board Member
Marzia is a strong advocate for the empowerment and inclusion of women and girls. She is dedicated to creating more opportunities for young girls within the community, fostering mutual support, and maintaining robust connections. With a background in engineering, Marzia organizes innovative events that blend cultural and artistic elements, providing audiences with engaging and memorable experiences. As an entrepreneur, she previously established and operated her own jewelry business in Kabul, Afghanistan. Marzia holds a degree in Civil Engineering and has contributed to Afghanistan’s reconstruction efforts through her involvement in public infrastructure projects. Additionally, she studied Accounting at the American
University of Afghanistan, where she played a key role in organizing inclusive cultural events that brought together students and alumni from diverse linguistic and regional backgrounds.
hadi sultani
Board Member
Hadi is a dedicated musician and community organizer.He skillfully plays the traditional Hazaragi instrument, the Dambora, and actively engages with younger members of the community to share his expertise and assist them in connecting with and preserving their musical heritage. Having resided in the city for several decades, Hadi has become a trusted resource for newcomers and community members alike. His music serves as a unifying force, fostering
connections among individuals from diverse backgrounds and creating lasting memories of joy,
unity, and celebration.
Moharam ali delijam
Board Member
Moharam brings a wealth of experience in organizational management, business development, and capacity building. He has previously served with the International Organization for Migration (IOM), where he effectively led programs focused on youth and women’s empowerment, including vocational training in environmental protection, agricultural development, and innovation.
Moharam holds a master’s degree in Agricultural Biotechnology. Leveraging his technical expertise, he founded Royesh Sabz Company in Afghanistan, where he
worked to enhance agricultural processes and boost crop productivity.
As a member of the Board of Directors, he is committed to community service and development, advocating for the Hazara community and newcomers to Canada through culturally sensitive reintegration initiatives and equitable opportunities for social development and inclusion. He also aims to apply his scientific knowledge to develop sustainable agricultural practices and share this expertise with community members in Alberta.
Mujtaba ahmadi
Interim Board Member
Mujtaba is a dedicated advocate for the Hazara community in Edmonton, actively working to promote unity through meaningful initiatives. He previously served as Edmonton’s city representative for the Global Movement of Peace in Afghanistan in collaboration with the Edmonton Afghan Charitable Society (EACS).
As Edmonton’s city representative, Mujtaba organized a protest and rally, advocating for peace, freedom, human rights, women’s rights, and the rights of religious and ethnic minorities. He also organized Edmonton’s first Hazara Genocide Memorial Vigil on September 25, 2021, to honor the victims of the Hazara genocide and raise awareness of the ongoing violence faced by the Hazara people. Mujtaba’s efforts reflect his deep commitment to community solidarity, cultural celebration, and the preservation of the Hazara people’s rich heritage.