What skills will I contribute to the NCF Board?
I bring a blend of community engagement, health policy, and service experience that I believe can add value to the NCF Board. As a Health Issues Committee Member with The Council on Aging of Ottawa, I contribute to discussions and policy recommendations to improve services for older adults, many of whom are impacted by digital inequity. My role involves research, outreach, and advocacy—skills that translate well to board governance.
Additionally, I have frontline experience in customer service and operations through my current role at Edible Arrangements, where I prioritize communication, teamwork, and problem-solving under pressure. My volunteer background includes working with seniors, newcomers, and people with disabilities in both structured (e.g., R.O.S.S.S., Race Roster, COA events) and informal environments. I also bring cross-cultural communication abilities, speaking English and Persian, which helps me connect with a wide range of community members.
My academic background in Biomedical Science at the University of Ottawa also demonstrates my ability to handle complex information and collaborate in high-accountability settings like lab environments.
What are the most important functions of NCF for its members?
In my view, NCF’s most important functions are:
These functions align perfectly with my own values and past volunteer work, especially supporting seniors and low-income individuals in accessing essential services.
Why do you want to be an NCF director?
I want to join the NCF Board of Directors because I believe that internet access is a human right, and organizations like NCF are doing essential work to close the digital divide in our region. Having volunteered with various Ottawa-based organizations, I’ve seen firsthand how lack of internet access and digital skills can isolate people and limit their opportunities—particularly seniors, people with disabilities, and low-income families.
Joining the NCF Board would allow me to contribute at a strategic level to a cause I deeply care about, while gaining valuable governance experience in a respected not-for-profit organization. I am also eager to contribute to committees such as the Community Connectivity Committee or Marketing and Communications Committee, where I can apply both my outreach experience and communication skills to help broaden NCF’s impact.