About Me

Bio

I am a social work scholar, community engagement specialist, and social justice leader with over 20 years of experience advancing health equity, gender equity, social inclusion, and community well-being through research, policy, education, and community-based programming.
My professional work bridges social policy, health and mental health promotion, organizational leadership, community development, and systems change. I bring extensive experience in designing and managing community initiatives, building cross-sector partnerships, facilitating participatory processes, and translating research into practical programs and policies.
I am particularly interested in the intersections of social and environmental justice, climate change, health equity, and community resilience. My current professional direction focuses on connecting these fields to advance more equitable, inclusive, and sustainable communities.
As the founder of Saleemeh Wellness, a developing Vancouver-based initiative, I am working to create accessible, culturally responsive, and community-centred wellness programming that strengthens connections to self, community, identity, history, land, water, and nature.
Saleemeh Wellness brings together health and mental health promotion, nature-based experiences, healing arts, mindfulness, and community engagement. Its approach recognizes that individual and collective well-being are deeply connected to social relationships, cultural belonging, and the environments in which we live.
My academic background includes a PhD and Master of Social Work from the University of Toronto, complemented by extensive experience in research, program development, evaluation, leadership, and advocacy.

In the news

• University of Toronto, “Sajedeh Zahraei leads FIFSW students, faculty and staff on a Healing Connections Hike”
• University of Toronto, “From clinical social work to organizational and systems-level change: How alumna Sajedeh Zahraei is leading efforts to improve mental health support for immigrant, refugee and racialized women”
• Bruce Trail, “Getting to Know Your Hike Leaders: Sajedeh Zahraei”

My training

Education

2014 Doctor of Philosophy, Social Work 
University of Toronto 

1996 Masters of Social Work 
University of Toronto 

1993 Bachelor of Science, Psychology Major  
University of Toronto 

Selected professional development and training

• Climate Action & Community Engagement Micro-Certificate University of British Columbia (Oct-Dec 2026)
• 200-Hour Yoga Teacher Training
  Kula Yoga Studio (Feb-Jul 2024)
• Mindfulness-based Stress Reduction (MBSR) Program
  Dr. Heidi Walk (January – May 2021)
• Mindful Self-Compassion Program
  Dr. Heidi Walk (June – July 2021)