“Live a life worth admiring as you never know who finds inspiration in your actions.”

Omnia Elhakim

2025 Top 30 Under 30

About

AGE: 24

PRONOUNS: She/Her

HOMETOWN: Calgary, AB

CURRENT RESIDENCE: Edmonton, AB

ORGANIZATIONS:

School of Public Health Students’ Association UAlberta (SPHSA)
Khairiyat Women’s Health Equity Network
The FentaNIL Project UAlberta
Connecting Seniors with Care UAlberta (CSC)

Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

I am most passionate about:

What specific issue(s) are you working to address, and what motivates you to do so?

My work focuses on improving health equity, addressing disparities in healthcare access, and fostering resilient populations and communities. My academic journey in public health continues to enrich my understanding of the underlying challenges we face trying to bridge gaps in healthcare systems. It has also instilled in me an unrelenting curiosity to innovate and find better ways to deploy existing tools to address these challenges effectively.

The turbulence of the pandemic further underscored the pressing need for enhanced preparedness to rapidly respond to disease outbreaks. In response, I explored the significance of strengthening healthcare systems in my literature review titled, “Sustainability in Healthcare Systems with focus in Alberta, Canada during the COVID-19 Pandemic”. More recently, I contributed to a global health project that aims to increase the vaccination rates among children in India.

As Vice President of the School of Public Health Students’ Association, I create inclusive spaces and amplify underrepresented voices. My involvement with the Khairiyat Women’s Health Equity Network focuses on gender equality and addressing healthcare disparities for South Asian immigrant women in Canada. I have also participated in health education and harm reduction initiatives. I led naloxone training sessions with The FentaNIL Project to combat the opioid overdose crisis. With Connecting Seniors with Care, I supported seniors during the pandemic by addressing social isolation through meaningful connections. Each experience reflects my passion for addressing health disparities and advocating for vulnerable populations, aiming to create long lasting change that strengthens communities.

What is your foundation?

My foundation is deeply rooted in my multiethnic background and my family’s resilience. Born in Sudan and raised in a family with Sudanese, Pakistani, Egyptian, and Turkish heritage, I carry a legacy of perseverance, adaptability, and pride in diversity. The experience of my family’s immigration to Canada was transformative, teaching me the value of community and the importance of giving back. I draw strength from my faith, which instills values of compassion, justice, and service to humanity. My parents have always been pillars of strength and wisdom, inspiring me to face challenges with determination and optimism. Key moments, such as working in a pharmacy during the pandemic, have fueled my passion for public health and reinforced my commitment to addressing inequities. The guidance that I have received from my mentors and instructors has further shaped my path, encouraging me to balance academic excellence with meaningful community engagement. At my core, I am driven by the desire to create a world where everyone, regardless of their background, has the opportunity to thrive.

What is your vision for the future?

I envision a world where health equity is the norm, public health systems are robust, sustainable, and resilient, and where disease prevention is a priority. I see myself leading initiatives that address health disparities, both in Canada and globally, by integrating evidence-based research with community-driven solutions. In the future, I hope to work with international organizations to design and implement sustainable public health programs that prioritize marginalized populations, focusing on preventive measures to reduce the burden of disease. Success, for me, will be measured by tangible improvements in the lives of those I serve: increased healthcare access, reduced disparities, and stronger community networks, all while focusing on prevention strategies that empower individuals to lead healthier lives. I aim to leave a legacy of compassion and collaboration, inspiring others to see diversity as a strength and equity as a universal right. In return, I hope to receive wisdom, continued growth, and the joy of contributing to a healthier, more just world.

Omnia delivered the TEDx Talk titled “The Spark of Surprise” at the TEDxUAlberta Conference 2023 (photographer credits: @justynb3n). The theme for the conference was “Misfits and Miracles”.

Omnia presented her research titled “Sustainability in Healthcare Systems with focus in Alberta, Canada during the COVID-19 Pandemic”, at the School of Public Health “This is Public Health” day. This literature review highlights deficiencies revealed by the pandemic and emphasizes the significance of sustainability strategies for upholding healthcare systems.

Omnia attended the UAlberta Medical Students’ Association’s Health Equity Conference 2024, which discussed the intersectionality between homelessness, substance use and women’s health. During the conference, she led a Naloxone training session (photographer credits: @talavisuals).

Omnia was a panelist at the launch event of the Khairiyat Women’s Health Equity Network, an organization committed to empowering South Asian immigrant women in Canada by destigmatizing sexual and reproductive health through education and culturally sensitive resources. During the event, she provided a public health perspective, where she highlighted key health challenges faced by South Asian immigrant women and discussed strategies to enhance equitable healthcare access.

Omnia currently serves as the Vice President for the School of Public Health Students’ Association (SPHSA) during her second year of the Master of Public Health (MPH) program at the University of Alberta. During Orientation Week of Fall 2024, the SPHSA hosted various events to welcome incoming graduate students to the School of Public Health.