UCalgary’s Aamir Jamal a finalist for Top 25 Canadian Immigrant Awards

University of Calgary and the Faculty of Social Work are proud to share that Faculty of Social Work professor Dr. Aamir Jamal, PhD'13, has been nominated and selected as one of 75 finalists for this year’s Top 25 Canadian Immigrant Awards.

The prestigious people’s choice awards celebrate the achievements and contributions of remarkable immigrants in Canada who have made a positive impact on their communities. The awards recognize the achievements of all immigrants including volunteers, successful entrepreneurs, cultural icons and in the case of Aamir Jamal, community advocates and change-makers.

“Dr. Jamal’s work advocating for gender justice and advancing girls’ education in the global south is an inspiration to all of us to make change,” says President Ed McCauley.

“Here in Canada, his deep knowledge and leadership in anti-racism and domestic violence prevention makes us stronger.”

Cast your vote for Jamal between now and June 9. You'll find a detailed biography of Jamal on the voting page, highlighting his remarkable achievements.

For example, Jamal’s commitment to advancing girls’ rights to education has provided hundreds of girls with the opportunity to be educated, helping to transform their respective communities in the process. His innovative work drives change by engaging men and leveraging Indigenous practices.

This approach has catalyzed a social change movement across conflict-affected regions in northwest Pakistan and Afghanistan. Before the Taliban seized power, Jamal advised and supported the Afghan education ministry, making tremendous gains in girls’ education across the country. He continues to work with courageous advocates inside northwest Pakistan and Afghanistan for gender justice and girls’ education.

In Canada, his most recent SSHRC-funded national study tackles racism, Islamaphobia and looks to support Canadian Muslim youth while affecting policy change.

Jamal, who has more than 25 years’ experience in the international development sector, is the director of social work’s global engagement and international partnerships, and leads the International Community Development graduate program. He also chairs the International Affairs committee of the Canadian Association of Social Work Education, where he promotes strong partnerships and collaboration between social workers in Canada and the global south.

Born in Peshawar, Pakistan, Jamal moved to Canada in 2006 where he completed his PhD in the Faculty of Social Work, focused on international social development. Over the years his leadership, scholarship, teaching ability, and hard work has led to international, national, provincial, and municipal recognition.  A few recent awards include the City of Calgary International Achievement Award (2021), UCalgary Arch Award for International Career Achievement (2022), and the UCalgary Sustainability Award for Faculty Research (2022).

The 25 winners will be announced in August. The public can now vote for up to three of their favourite finalists online until June 9, 2022.