Balqees Jama

Bachelor of Arts - Major in Communications, Minor in International Studies

Balqees is a proud "Third Culture Kid" raised in Saudi Arabia, Muslim, Black woman, and second-generation Somali settler living in Vancouver -- unceded home to Musqueam, Squamish, and Tsleil-Waututh First Nations. She currently studies Communications and International Studies at Simon Fraser University, and is at the forefront of advocating for and developing anti-oppressive policies and practices at her school. She is passionately involved in varied communities and has served on boards of multiple student-led non-profit organizations, which has helped in implementing systemic change to better support the lives of marginalized people. Balqees has also worked with student unions and universities across Canada.

Balqees worked alongside activists to successfully lobby all levels of Canadian government on student-wide and racial-equity issues, support grassroots initiatives, and continues to provide advocacy and strategic consultations on justice, equity, diversity and inclusion initiatives for SFU, Vancouver City Council, and the community at large. In recognition of her labour and impact, Balqees is a recipient of the "Canada's Top 100 Black Women to Watch 2022" award.

As she completes her undergraduate degree, Balqees assures her peers and mentees that life can, and likely will, take them to the most unexpected places. She emphasises that sincere connections and lessons gained along the journey is key to character growth and skill development. Post-graduation, she hopes to continue her work in community care and development from an equitable lens, and dreams of eventually pursuing a Masters degree at a Historically Black College/University (in the United States). Balqees is deeply grateful for her journey and all supports from Allah (God), family, friends, and mentors, including those at Brentwood.

Find Balqees on Brentonian Connect:

brentonianconnect.com/user/2446