International Multicultural Network Representative's next success ...

 We are truly honored to inform you that the International Multicultural Network representative for Canada, Dr. Nazila Isgandarova received the Order of Vaughan. On behalf of the IMN Staff, we congratulate our Canadian representative and all the recipients of this important award.

                              Dr. Nazila Isgandarova – Equity and Diversity

Dr. Nazila Isgandarova is a role model, mentor, friend and agent for positive change. She is a committed advocate working to improve the lives of women, girls and gender-diverse individuals in Vaughan. As a registered psychotherapist and social worker, Dr. Isgandarova is the founder of the Azerbaijani Women’s Support Centre and author of numerous publications on war violence against women, rape as a weapon of war, new models of Islamic spiritual care and counseling. Dr. Isgandarova is the recipient of the prestigious Forum for Theological Exploration research award for her study on domestic violence against Muslim women, the Canadian Association for Spiritual Care Senior Research Award, and the Society for Pastoral Counselling Research Award. Through workshops, information sessions, seminars, educational events and training sessions, Dr. Isgandarova shares knowledge and research about women’s and human rights advocacy while encouraging thoughtful conversations and policy discussions. Social justice is Dr. Isgandarova’s true calling. In her academic, professional and community work, she focuses on violence prevention, justice, social support system reform, housing and food insecurity and eliminating racial bias. As a role model in her field, Dr. Isgandarova was the first Muslim female chaplain/spiritual care provider in Canada, and the first Muslim-certified supervisor-educator at the Canadian Association for Spiritual Care. Prior to her work, this profession in hospitals and prison settings was primarily male-dominated and held by people not of the Muslim faith. Dr. Isgandarova’s impact on the community through the work she does – including advocacy for equity across social identities like gender, race and socio-economic status – is amplified by her caring and generous nature, which deeply enhances the city of Vaughan and everyone who lives, works and plays within it. Since 2016, she is in the position of the  International Multicultural Network representative for Canada.