Zahura Ahmed

I love holding space. It brings me great joy and energy to see people connect with passion, meaning, and a shared dedication to making our world better. Things that make my heart burst: one of my university students says they found their voice by the end of the semester; a yoga student says they connected deeply with their heart during class; a youth I work with finds the fire within themselves to advocate for change. These moments remind me what it means to be alive and to be a part of something bigger. 

For the past decade, I have worked in community and international development, learning from and collaborating with changemakers across the globe who inspire me daily. I am deeply moved by peacemakers and liberatory thinkers, including Octavia Butler, Thich Nhat Hanh, and Richard Wagamese. As a dedicated practitioner of yoga and meditation, these philosophies shape how I show up every day. I believe in re-imagining a better future and holding the hope necessary to take action toward it. I believe in the power of stories and learning alongside the natural world. I believe in using internal self-awareness and grounding to show up well for the collective.

In both my work and my life, I bring a trauma-informed lens and an ethic of care rooted in a heart-centered approach. As a facilitator, teacher, and practitioner, my intention is to always hold space with integrity, a humble mind, and an open heart.

I am a first-generation Bangladeshi Canadian living on the Lekwungen Territory of the Esquimalt and Songhees Nations. When I'm not working, you can find me hiking, cooking, or spending time by the ocean. My most cherished role in life is being an auntie.