Marjila Yousof

Marjila Yousof is the Vice President of AYEDI where she is responsible for setting the group’s overall strategic objectives and direction, and working with the Executive and Advisory Board to deliver on AYEDI’s mission and vision. Her work to date has been shaped by that which she is most passionate about: improving the economic, social and cultural positions of women and girls, and encouraging the civic engagement of Afghan-Canadian youth. She is driven by a desire to identify and address the many and often times compounded barriers one may face to civic engagement – as a woman, a minority, a young person, and/or an immigrant. As a Policy Consultant, she has worked with YWCA Toronto Girl’s Centre, advocating for government investment in girls. Prior to this, she worked for a Member of Parliament and managed all activities of the Canada-Afghanistan Inter-Parliamentary Friendship Group, including promoting the expansion of positive relations between Canada and Afghanistan, liaising with the Embassy of the Republic of Afghanistan and keeping updated communications with Global Affairs Canada officials on the Afghanistan program. Prior to becoming Vice President, Marjila served on AYEDI’s Advisory Board as a Political Engagement and Outreach Advisor. 

Marjila earned her Master of Public Policy from the University of Toronto, Munk School of Global Affairs and Public Policy, and her Honours Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from York University. By leveraging her academic and professional experience she hopes to support the building of a future where the voices of Afghan-Canadian youth are amplified. Marjila strongly believes in AYEDI’s mission and the importance of creating meaningful platforms for knowledge sharing, civic engagement, and advocacy. She is looking forward to bringing her expertise and passion to her new role with AYEDI, and to continue creating spaces for Afghan-Canadian youth to actively engage with and participate in.