About
Building the systems I wish had existed.
Born in Pakistan and growing up close to the border of Afghanistan, Meena saw firsthand how a lack of access to quality education, healthcare, and strong civic institutions impacts communities in the long-term. Driven to make a change, Meena advocates for accessible education, health equity, and civic engagement. She worked with a team to enhance business school policies for underrepresented groups, raised $105 million in funding for technology-driven health and education projects in Waterloo Region, and was the youngest and first Muslim elected official in Waterloo Region in 2022.
She has received numerous local and national awards, her work has been recognized in Canada's House of Commons, and in 2024, she was named one of Canada's 100 Most Powerful Women.
She currently serves as the Vice-Chair of the Waterloo Region District School Board, striving to make strong governance decisions for roughly 65,000 students across 123 schools.
Milestones
A path shaped by service.
- 2019
Service before leadership
Organized food access and mental health awareness programs for years; collected youth well-being data in my region in a first-of-its-kind project. Recognized in Canada's House of Commons for advocacy and community impact.
- 2020
Building a movement
Attended business school as a Loran Scholar. Saw access gaps for marginalized students and believed the future of business leadership deserved better. Co-organized a national campaign driving equity changes across funding, pedagogy, and admissions. Named a Queen's Tricolour Award Recipient, the highest honour Queen's presents to a student, for this work.
- 2022
Elected at age 21
Elected as the youngest and first Muslim politician in Waterloo Region after running a campaign focused on the least-engaged neighbourhoods in my city; engaged across seven languages and largely immigrant communities. Named one of Canada's 100 Most Powerful Women in 2024 for this work.
- 2025
Vice-Chair
Voted to serve as Vice-Chair of the Waterloo Region District School Board, serving 65,000 students across 123 schools.
- Now
Unlocking the potential of every community
On a mission to help overlooked talent grow as community leaders, and to equip pre-existing leaders to take a chance on fresh ideas and faces. Building something to increase civic engagement... stay tuned.