Meet the Board Members of Edmonton Hazara Association

Our Board of Directors

Moharam Ali Delijam

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.

Arif Yasa

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 Salehi

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

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.

Jawad Zawulistani

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-led 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.

Our Executive Team

Hafiz Saeedi

Executive Director

Hafiz Saeedi is an independent researcher and human rights advocate. He earned a Master of Arts in Global Studies from Leipzig University in Germany. With a background in United Nations advocacy, his research interests encompass social science, human rights advocacy, civic engagement, and community development, particularly concerning minority issues. Hafiz has gained valuable experience working with organizations such as Minority Rights Group International, the European Center for Minority Issues, and the Asian Forum for Human Rights and Development in various roles. In addition to English, he is proficient in Persian, Pashto, Russian, and German. He enjoys traveling, playing volleyball, and engaging in debates.

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 (EHA), 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 EHA. 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.

Mujtab Ahmadi

Interim Board Member | Outreach and Communication Lead

Mujtaba Ahmadi is a community leader and advocate known for his work in uniting Edmonton’s Hazara community through digital initiatives, public advocacy, and cultural engagement. He has consistently demonstrated leadership, determination, and a deep commitment to social justice and cultural preservation.

His efforts gained wider recognition in 2021 when he served as Edmonton’s city representative for the Global Movement of Peace in Afghanistan, in collaboration with the Edmonton Afghan Charitable Society (EACS). In this role, he co-organized a rally and protest on August 28, 2021, advocating for peace, human rights, women’s rights, and protections for religious and ethnic minorities in Afghanistan. Recognizing the importance of digital communication, he also created and established YEGAfghans, the official social media platform of EACS, expanding the organization’s online presence and community outreach.

On September 25, 2021, Mujtaba organized Edmonton’s first Hazara Genocide Memorial Vigil to honor victims and raise awareness of the ongoing violence, persecution, and genocide faced by the Hazara people. This event marked a significant milestone in both local and global advocacy efforts. He led key initiatives to raise awareness about the Hazara genocide and emphasized the importance of preserving Hazara heritage.

Continuing his dedication to community-building, Mujtaba founded HazaraYEG on April 21, 2022—a digital platform created to connect and uplift Edmonton’s Hazara community. Today, HazaraYEG serves as the official online and social media presence of the Edmonton Hazara Association, reflecting Mujtaba’s commitment to accessible, lasting community engagement.

On April 6, 2025, Mujtaba served as the English-language host for the celebration of Nowruz, Eid, and the inauguration of the Edmonton Hazara Association, helping mark a new chapter in community representation.

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 EHA’s efforts to empower and uplift the Hazara community in Edmonton.