Nakita Valerio is an award-winning writer, researcher, and Muslim community organizer based on Treaty 6 territory, Amiskwacîwâskahikan (Edmonton, Canada). She is honoured to serve as the Research Director for the Institute for Religious and Socio-Political Studies (I-RSS), as well as the Editor-in-Chief for the RSS Journal. She is a graduate in history and Islamic-Jewish studies from the University of Alberta and has been a research fellow with the Tessellate Institute, I-RSS, the Edmonton Council of Muslim Communities (ECMC) and Mercy Mission Canada (MMC).  Nakita also acts as an academic strategist/mentor for graduate students in the disciplines of history, religious studies, sociology, and social work. She also serves as an advisor to the Chester Ronning Center for the Study of Religion and Public Life at the University of Alberta.

Watch Nakita's introductory video here.

Asma Ahmed has a PhD in Critical Policy and Educational Leadership from Western University. She is currently working as an adjunct professor in Niagara University in the College of Education. She is also the Senior Instructional Designer at the Muslim Association of Canada (MAC). Asma regularly conducts workshops for preservice teacher candidates and the Faculty in Departments of Education on supporting Muslim students.