Two Ismailis honored as Women of Distinction (2018)

YWCA Metro Vancouver has announced the recipients of its 35th annual Women of Distinction Awards.

More than 1,200 guests and volunteers gathered on June 7, 2018 at the JW Marriott Parq to honour inspiring nominees and their achievements.

Zulie Sachedina

Vice President, Human Resources and the first General Counsel for Providence Health Care, Zulie has devoted more than 30 years to public service as a lawyer and human rights advocate. She served as a Director of the Human Resources Management Association of BC and on the Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada, where she wrote an influential decision supporting refugee claims based on sexual orientation. She continues to demonstrate her commitment to vulnerable and marginalized populations, most recently, by advancing a constitutional challenge for the right to prescribe medical-grade heroin to drug users with chronic substance use disorders. Zulie is also the first female chair of the Ismaili International Conciliation and Arbitration Board and an invited representative on bargaining committees and human rights forums.

Leila Rahemtulla

Leila has dedicated 25 years to education and training as an Instructor in Continuing Studies, SFU and BCIT’s School of Business. She pioneered online learning at both schools making education more accessible to adult learners. A sought-after curriculum designer and consultant, Leila has developed leadership initiatives for organizations in both the public and private sectors. Her impressive portfolio includes assisting with the launch of Amber Alert BC, spearheading the development of an award-winning robbery prevention training program, authoring a guide to reigniting one’s passion in life, and leading the design and delivery of Conflict Resolution training for the Ismaili Community, educating volunteers across Canada and Aga Khan Foundation staff. A passionate advocate for people with intellectual disabilities, Leila has also served on provincial and national boards to champion full inclusion.

Source: YWCAVAN / JUNE 8, 2018