Zeina holds a PhD in Political Science (international relations) and a masters in Global Politics. She has over fifteen years of experience in research and program development where her work has focused on helping institutions create more inclusive and accessible spaces. Her professional experience includes:
- Research and consulting where she worked with Canadian diplomats on pre-departure intercultural training.
- Researcher and authored policy papers and reports on diversity, immigration, and innovation.
- Spearheaded and managed several projects at NorQuest that are aimed at reducing barriers to accessing education in Alberta for many of our newcomer learners.
She is also the Principle Investigator on an NSERC funded grant that explores the impact of municipal immigration policies on the labour market integration of newcomers.
As the Director of the Colbourne Institute, Zeina’s role is to lead a team of consultants and researchers to help organizations, communities and institutions understand how to create lasting change through a data-driven approach to inclusion.
Some of her favourite work includes thinking of new ideas and ways we can support our clients with their work. As an extrovert, she also loves meeting with new and past clients, hearing about their EDI journey and how we can continue to collaborate with organizations and communities in creating inclusive spaces for everyone.
When she’s not working, you’ll find Zeina reading, writing, and spending time with her two children while working on various crafts. She a creative writer and the author of Where the Jasmine Blooms (Roseway, 2025) and her next novel will be out in 2027.