Muntaha Aamir
WRC Distinguished Undergraduate Student Award Recipient 2025
Biography
Muntaha Aamir is an undergraduate student at the University of Calgary pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in Communication and Media Studies with a minor in Political Science. Throughout her academic career, she has demonstrated exceptional leadership, advocacy, and commitment to social justice, particularly in addressing issues affecting Muslim women.
Aamir has been a strong advocate for Muslim representation, engaging with policymakers and community leaders to promote meaningful change. As a delegate for the National Council of Canadian Muslims' Day of Action, she spoke with Members of Parliament to support a bill banning imports linked to Uighur Muslim forced labor. She has also organized events featuring the Mayor of Calgary and Muslim scholars to raise awareness about pressing global issues. As an executive member of the Muslim Students’ Association, she has worked tirelessly to create safe spaces on campus for Muslim women to pray, connect, and find community support. Additionally, her role as a University of Calgary Senate representative and former Board of Governors student representative has allowed her to advocate for policies that improve campus safety and well-being for women.
Aamir's resilience is reflected in her ability to navigate challenges and push for change despite facing obstacles. As a visibly Muslim woman who wears the hijab, she has confronted Islamophobia and discrimination while continuing to advocate for Muslim voices on campus. She has played an instrumental role in addressing gender-based violence, fundraising for campus resources, and organizing initiatives such as the Muslim Students’ Association’s first sisters' retreat. Her advocacy extends beyond the university, as she has written about the experiences of Muslim students facing discrimination and has been a leading voice in community discussions on inclusivity and justice.
Beyond her activism, Aamir has demonstrated strong leadership and governance skills. She has held positions as a student senator, faculty representative in the Students’ Union, and summer student with the City of Calgary’s Green Line project. She has contributed opinion articles to publications like CBC Calgary and Daily Hive, highlighting critical social issues such as anti-Asian discrimination and gender-based violence. Additionally, her work with Alberta Health Services as an IT Summer Student showcases her versatility in both advocacy and technical fields.
Aamir's commitment to community service is evident in her work with students facing sexual and gender-based violence. She has actively contributed to improving support systems and resources, working closely with university administrators to implement policy changes. Her compassionate approach ensures that the concerns of marginalized students are not only heard but addressed through actionable solutions. In recognition of her efforts, she received the Canadian Muslims for Peace and Justice Scholarship in 2023 for her dedication to advocacy and justice.
Muntaha Aamir’s impact extends across multiple spheres, from governance and policy advocacy to grassroots organizing and mentorship. Her unwavering dedication to empowering marginalized voices, particularly Muslim women, has made her a respected leader and changemaker. With her passion for justice, advocacy, and community engagement, she continues to drive positive change both within and beyond the University of Calgary.