Nadiya Ekhteraeetoussi is a strategic leader, and enthusiastic supporter of mental health, women’s rights, and EDIA (equity, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility). With more than 12 years of experience, she is currently a Ph.D. candidate in Educational Leadership at the University of Regina in Canada.

Throughout her career, Nadiya has worked to support mental health initiatives and advocate for underrepresented communities, particularly women. She founded the Immunocompromised Women Working Group at the University of Regina Students’ Union, where she sought to raise the voices of vulnerable women. As chair of the EDIA Committee, Nadiya has worked to promote diversity and equity in the university community.

Her research and leadership have centered on human rights, systematic racism, and the mental health difficulties that women experience, particularly in educational environments. She focuses on equity, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility challenges for international women students. She has pushed for access to mental health resources and assistance through her roles as Vice President of External Affairs at the University of Regina Students’ Union and with the Canadian Federation of Students.

Nadiya has also actively participated in other research with the faculty of Nursing (On breastfeeding challenges for international students) and Jhonson Shyama on the EDI challenges for PSPs.

Nadiya also was the organizer and MD of the Women Gala Event, on International Day of the Women, and is involved in different volunteer and supportive movements. Nadiya’s commitment to improving mental health outcomes and promoting inclusive learning environments motivates her work in both education and advocacy, with a vision of a more supportive and equitable future for every student.