Team
STAFF MEMBERS
VICTORIA JAHESH
Chief Executive Officer
Victoria Jahesh, is a dedicated advocate for social justice, women’s rights, and gender empowerment. She holds an MD from the Medical University of Almaty, and pursued management studies at the Université du Québec à Montréal, complemented by extensive management experience in corporate companies across Montreal. Under her strategic leadership, AWCM has expanded its mission to create inclusive spaces where women can learn, lead, and thrive. Her ability to build alliances, foster community engagement, and champion initiatives that honor cultural heritage while supporting integration has positioned her as a dynamic leader whose vision continues to empower women and strengthen the broader Montreal community.
Liaison Agent
Alaiyah A Rasheed
Social aid and Community Outreach
Sophia Saad
Administrative Assistant
Communications Coordinator
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
MAKAI HARIF
President & Founder
Makai Harif, founder and president of the Afghan Women’s Centre of Montreal, holds a Master’s degree in Mathematics and Physics and has devoted her life to uplifting and empowering women across Afghanistan, Russia, and Canada. In Afghanistan, she served as a professor and worked at the Ministry of Social and Economic Affairs for Women, while also dedicating over 20 years to teaching and school leadership. Forced to leave due to socio-political turmoil, she moved to Russia, where her expertise and deep commitment to her compatriots led her to establish and direct the Afghan Women’s Association for eight years, building a strong and supportive community. Since immigrating to Canada in 2000, she has continued her mission by founding AWCM in 2002, where she has generously supported Afghan refugees in every capacity, offering guidance, advocacy, and empowerment, while fostering cultural pride, resilience, and belonging. Her dedication, vision, and compassion remain a source of inspiration and strength for all who work alongside her.
TAMARACK VERALL
Administrator
Tamarack has dedicated her life to activism, beginning at age 18 in 1967 by fighting for women’s rights and breaking barriers as the first female assistant manager of a swimming pool. She co-founded one of Montreal’s first women’s centres in 1969, became one of Canada’s first female postal workers, and later directed Ottawa’s first women’s shelter. Her commitment to justice continued through a decade of advocacy for incarcerated women and assessments of jail conditions across Canada, followed by 20 years creating “Women’s Lands” for healing in Canada, the USA, and Europe. An active member of World Pulse, a global women’s network, and recipient of the 2020 World Pulse Spirit Award, Tamarack brings her lifelong dedication and experience to her role as a valued Board Director of the Afghan Women’s Centre of Montreal since 2024.
SAFIEH LEILI KHAGHANI
Vice President
Leili Khaghani has been an active contributor to Montreal’s cultural scene since moving to the city in 1998, through her work with Radio Chavak, HafteH magazine, and numerous cultural organizations. In 2009, she founded the Savalan Cultural Group, dedicated to promoting Turkish language and culture, further strengthening the city’s cultural diversity. With over two decades of experience engaging with cultural communities and organizing impactful projects and events, Leili brings invaluable expertise to the Afghan Women’s Centre of Montreal, where her dedication and skills help shape and enrich high-quality programs that empower and connect women across communities.
Tamara Copney
Secretory
SHAHLA ROSTAMI
Administrator
Shahla Rostami holds a Master’s and Ph.D. in Persian Language and Literature and has built an accomplished career as a university professor, author, and researcher in the fields of literature and social studies. As a Board Director at the Afghan Women’s Centre of Montreal (AWCM), she brings invaluable expertise, vision, and dedication to advancing the Centre’s mission of empowerment, education, and social inclusion. Her deep commitment to promoting cultural awareness and women’s rights has made a significant impact on the community, strengthening AWCM’s values of solidarity, resilience and equality. Through her positive contributions, Shahla continues to inspire positive change and foster a more inclusive future for all.
We believe all women can embrace who they are,
can define their future, and change the world.