I’m proud to have called Waverley West home for nearly 20 years. My husband and I are raising our children here, we’ve built lasting relationships with our neighbours, supported local businesses, and volunteered in our community - and we’ve watched this neighbourhood grow. That experience has given me a firsthand understanding of both the opportunities and the challenges that come with living in one of Winnipeg’s fastest-growing communities.

I listen. I bring people together. I solve problems. And I take action.

My experience in healthcare, humanitarian work, advocacy, business, and community leadership has prepared me to be a practical, collaborative, and effective voice for Waverley West at City Hall. I know how to navigate complex challenges, build partnerships, work across differences, and turn ideas into action. Most importantly, I understand that leadership is about service.

Experience, Leadership & Community Values

• Entrepreneur: I founded and grew a commercial and residential cleaning company, creating meaningful employment and opportunities for people facing barriers to employment. Running a business has taught me the importance of accountability, responsible budgeting, making payroll, problem-solving, and delivering results.

• Healthcare Worker: I provided compassionate care to seniors as part of a medical team, supporting their health, dignity, and well-being. This experience strengthened my belief that every person deserves to be treated with compassion, respect, and dignity.

• Co-founder, Canadian Yazidi Association: I co-founded and helped lead a national not-for-profit organization supporting the resettlement of more than 1,500 newcomers. I have led national advocacy efforts, developed programs for newcomer and immigrant families, worked with governments and community partners, and helped turn urgent community needs into practical solutions.

• Board Member, Manitoba Multi-Faith Council: I worked to bring Manitoba’s diverse faith communities together through dialogue, understanding, and collaboration. I’ve seen firsthand that communities are stronger when people have the opportunity to listen to one another, find common ground, and work together.

• International Speaker & Advocate: I have presented on community development, humanitarian issues, advocacy, and human rights at Government House, Capitol Hill, the United Nations, universities across North America and Europe, and before parliamentarians in Ottawa - work rooted in ensuring that people who are often overlooked have a voice in the decisions that affect their lives. I bring that same commitment to representing every resident of Waverley West.

A Practical Approach to City Hall

My work has taught me that meaningful change requires listening, collaboration, and a commitment to finding solutions.

That is the approach I will bring to City Hall.

I will work with residents, community organizations, local businesses, city staff, and fellow elected officials to address the issues that matter most to Waverley West — from improving roads and transportation and expanding recreation opportunities, to creating safer neighbourhoods, protecting green spaces, supporting local businesses, and ensuring City Hall is accountable and responsive.

I believe strong communities are built when people feel heard, respected, and empowered to contribute. I will bring that same commitment, experience, and practical approach to serving Waverley West.

Nafiya has dedicated much of her life to building stronger communities - locally, nationally, and internationally. She has a strong track record of bringing people from diverse backgrounds together around shared goals and finding common ground.

Nafiya has never been a member of a political party. She believes municipal leadership should be focused on the needs of residents and that lasting progress depends on the ability to work constructively with people of different backgrounds, experiences, and viewpoints.

As an accomplished speaker and community advocate, Nafiya has shared her expertise on community development, advocacy, humanitarian issues, and human rights on national and international stages. She has presented at:

• Manitoba Government House Speakers Series

• Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C.

• United Nations in New York

• Universities across North America and Europe

• Parliamentary and government forums in Ottawa

While Nafiya pursues this work out of a deep commitment to community and public service, she is humbled to have received recognition for her contributions, including:

• King Charles III Coronation Medal - awarded in recognition of her leadership in refugee resettlement and her work building bridges between faith and cultural communities.

• Winnipeg 150 Award - recognizing her contributions to improving the lives of others in Winnipeg.

• Provincial Leadership Award - recognizing exemplary leadership and meaningful contributions to Manitoba through public service.

• Statements of Recognition from Premier Wab Kinew and former Premier Greg Selinger - recognizing her community development, refugee resettlement work, and contributions to public service in Manitoba.

• Statement of Recognition from Member of Legislative Assembly - recognizing her contributions to community members in Fort Richmond.

For Nafiya, these honours are meaningful not simply as recognition, but because they reflect the values that have guided her work throughout her career: service, collaboration, inclusion, and a commitment to building stronger communities.