Our Team

Noor Qureshi

CMWIM Co-founder
Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, Class of 2028
nqureshi2028@meds.uwo.ca

I completed my Bachelor’s in Genetics and a Master’s in Global Health, where I gained a solid understanding of representation in healthcare and how seeing yourself reflected in the spaces you aspire to enter can inevitably shape opportunity and belonging.

I have experience working in Pakistan and Kenya, where I evaluated health infrastructure across urban and remote regions and explored strategies to optimize healthcare delivery within low-resource settings. During my Master’s in Global Health, I continued this work in Uganda, collaborating with at-risk populations, including fisherfolk, rural communities, and pediatric groups,  to assess HIV outcomes and identify barriers to effective treatment access. 

Beyond academics, I am a strong advocate for increasing female representation in sports and the founder of She Can Play Too, a diversity-based volleyball program endorsed by the Ontario Volleyball Association and Boys and Girls Club that empowers young girls from underrepresented backgrounds to access and thrive in competitive athletics.

I’m passionate about advancing women’s representation, and creating inclusive spaces where Muslim women can thrive in medicine and beyond. Please feel free to connect with me!

Taif Ali

CMWIM Co-founder
Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, Class of 2028
tali2028@meds.uwo.ca

While completing my Bachelor’s of Medical Sciences at Western, I was extensively involved in creating interdisciplinary research spaces through seminars and conferences that provided underrepresented communities opportunities to gain research experience and mentorship.

I have also been actively involved in piloting First Lego League programs in Brant County that mentors young underserved students to help them explore opportunities in science and technology. Through this work, I’ve seen firsthand how mentorship can open doors and inspire confidence. I value being an active member of my Muslim community, volunteering with local youth programs for sisters where I mentor those interested in STEM, organize workshops, and foster a sense of sisterhood and connection.

My commitment to community engagement and mentorship continues to shape my journey and I’m so excited to bring that passion into representing and uplifting Muslim women in medicine. Always happy to connect!

Noor Simsam

CMWIM Co-founder
Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, Class of 2029
nhmidans@uwo.ca

I am fortunate to have completed an MSc from McMaster University, an Honors BHSc from Western University, and currently learning as 1 of 21 global fellows at the Institute for Healthcare Improvement (IHI). 

Within the Muslim London community, I have been deeply involved in advocacy for racialized immigrants and Syrian refugees, working to address fundamental access needs, and have been recognized through Leadership & Community Service awards by the Muslim Association of Canada. Beyond community work, I bring extensive experience in health equity spanning academia and open-source medical innovation for low‑resource settings.

I'm passionate about health equity, especially lifting each other up as Muslimah's in our journeys in medicine!

Sarah Bilgasem

CMWIM Graphic Design Lead
Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, Class of 2028

Hi, I’m Sarah, and I’m from Northern Ontario. I completed my Bachelor’s in Engineering and Master of Health Science focused on health equity and sustainability, which sparked my interest in the barriers patients face when accessing care in rural and northern regions. This grew into a passion for supporting patients who travel long distances for healthcare and finding ways to make our system more equitable. I love connecting with other Muslim women in medicine to build community, share experiences, and support one another through our journeys. Outside of school, I enjoy being outdoors and capturing moments with friends and family through photography!

Ragad Abu Fardeh

CMWIM McMaster Chapter Lead
McMaster Michael G. DeGroote School of Medicine, Class of 2027

I completed my Honours Bachelor's of Health Sciences at McMaster University, where I was involved in the establishment of various mentorship and community engagement programs. As a first generation immigrant, I am most passionate about advocating for newcomers and racialized individuals in healthcare settings. Outside of academics, I enjoy embroidery, photography, and watching true crime documentaries.  

Emaan Rana

CMWIM McMaster Chapter Lead
McMaster Michael G. DeGroote School of Medicine, Class of 2028

I completed my Bachelor of Medical Sciences at Western with a focus in pathology and a passion for equity in healthcare and education. Through my leadership as Co-President of Women in Science and Vice President of Relations of the Undergraduate Pathology Alliance at Western, I've advocated for mentorship and representation for underrepresented students in STEM. I'm committed to creating inclusive spaces where Muslim women can thrive in medicine, and I'm excited to connect with others who share this vision!

Hibaa Hasan

CMWIM Queen's Chapter Lead
Queen's University School of Medicine, Class of 2028

I did my undergrad in Psychology and Neuroscience at McMaster, and am from Mississauga. In my free time, I enjoy reading, trying new coffee shops, and playing pickleball. I’m passionate about mentorship and building a strong Muslim community within medicine, which is why I joined CWIM!

Aamna Naveed 

CMWIM Queen's Chapter Lead
Queen's University School of Medicine, Class of 2029

My name is Aamna, and I’m truly excited to work with and represent this inspiring community of Muslim women in medicine. I’m passionate about creative thinking and can’t wait to explore with all of you how we can harness it to make a meaningful impact in our community. Outside of medicine, you’ll often find me painting, it’s one of my favourite ways to unwind and express myself.

Anam Biabani

CMWIM TMU's Chapter Lead
Toronto Metropolitan University School of Medicine, Class of 2029

Hi, I’m Anam! A South Asian muslim woman deeply curious about exploring the intersection between faith and health through my strong involvement in Islamic mental health research. Beyond my academics, I’m a passionate runner, traveller, and social media enthusiast (follow me along @medwithanam on ig and TikTok)!

Angela Faye Galeos

CMWIM University of Calgary Chapter Lead
University of Calgary Cumming School of Medicine, Class of 2027

I completed both a Bachelor of Nursing and Bachelor of Science before applying to medical school. Currently, I serve as the first Filipino Canadian Co-President of the MMAC Calgary Chapter, Director of Community Outreach, and Student Lead Executive of UpSurge Calgary. Through these roles, I am passionate about advancing Muslim and minority representation in medicine and surgical specialties by leading mentorship initiatives, organizing panel events, and creating meaningful opportunities for networking and professional growth.

Amena Thraya

CMWIM University of Calgary Chapter Lead
University of Calgary Cumming School of Medicine, Class of 2028

Asalamu Alaykum! My name is Amena Thraya, a first year medical student at the University of Calgary! I have a bachelors degree in neuroscience and a masters degree in psychiatry from the University of Alberta. I am deeply passionate about understanding and improving mental health outcomes within diverse communities. My interest in CMWIM stems from a commitment to supporting Muslim women's professional development and recognizing the unique intersections of faith, culture, and gender that shape their experiences.

Currently, I serve as an executive of the UofC MMAC chapter, Students for Arab Health Advocacy, and Women's Heart Health club, where I work to advocate for holistic, inclusive, and culturally informed approaches to health and wellbeing. Through these roles, I aim to bridge the gap between medicine and identity, empowering women, advocating for equal access and representation, and contributing to meaningful change in community.

Jenna Salem

CMWIM University of Alberta Chapter Lead
University of Alberta Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Class of 2028

Jenna Salem is a 2nd year medical student at the university of Alberta. She is co-lead of her MMAC chapter, is a women’s health researcher, and plays for the Lebanese national women’s ice hockey team. 

Maria Khalid

CMWIM University of Alberta Chapter Lead
University of Alberta Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Class of 2028

My name is Maria and I am a second year medical student at the University of Alberta! I am really passionate about health equity and advocacy, and hope to make meaningful change while being a part of CMWIM! Outside of academics, I enjoy being active in the gym, spending time with my friends, and hanging out with my 4 sisters!