Nazila Isgandarova: Championing Diversity and Interfaith Harmony in Canada

In a notable recognition of her relentless dedication to fostering diversity and interfaith harmony, Nazila Isgandarova, an Azerbaijani diaspora activist in Canada, has been honored with the 2023 Champion of Diversity Award by Ontario’s provincial government. This accolade celebrates her exceptional role as a community leader, highlighting her efforts in promoting cross-cultural understanding and supporting multicultural initiatives.

Nazila Isgandarova’s journey is a testament to the power of community engagement and advocacy. A professor and the Director of Supervised Psychospiritual Education (SPE) at Emmanuel College at Victoria University in the University of Toronto, Nazila holds the distinction of being the first Muslim woman chaplain and spiritual care provider in Canada since 2004. She further cemented her trailblazing status by becoming the first Muslim certified supervisor-educator at the Canadian Association for Spiritual Care.

Her contributions extend beyond academic and spiritual domains. Guivami Rahimli, PhD, a professor at Baku State University and former president of the Azerbaijan-Norway Friendship Society, recalls their collaboration during the liberation of the Karabakh region from Armenian occupation. He lauds her for her invaluable role in accurately portraying Azerbaijan’s perspective on the Karabakh conflict to the international community.

In addition to her academic and advocacy work, Nazila is a co-founder of the Azerbaijani Women’s Support Center (AWSC). This charitable organization, the only one of its kind in Canada for Azerbaijani women, was established with fellow co-founders Minira Babayeva, Yegana Jafarova, Konul Gurbanova, and Elmira Mammadova. AWSC is dedicated to supporting women and families in need through various programs and initiatives, reflecting Nazila’s commitment to enhancing lives and strengthening community ties.

Her passion for community service is deeply rooted in her encounters with compassionate women in various organizations. These experiences inspired her to continue the cycle of support and advocacy, making a lasting impact on the lives of those she serves. Nazila’s recognition as a Champion of Diversity underscores her significant contributions and unwavering commitment to fostering an inclusive society.

In an interview with YorkRegion.com, Nazila expressed her gratitude, stating, “I’m truly grateful to receive this prestigious award. This recognition marks a significant achievement in my community work and highlights efforts and commitment to diversity and interfaith relationships.”

Nazila Isgandarova’s story is not just one of personal achievement but also a narrative of the positive change that dedicated individuals can bring to their communities. Her work continues to inspire many, bridging cultural divides and fostering a spirit of unity and understanding in Canada’s multicultural landscape.