Hadia Samim
Hadia Samim is a dedicated public health educator, community advocate and global health professional with deep expertise in healthcare inequities and social justice. She has been teaching at Simon Fraser University for over two years, offering courses that explore global health, structural inequities and social determinants of health. Hadia’s work emphasizes how historical and systemic factors continue to shape healthcare access, and she is passionate about helping students critically examine the inequities faced by marginalized communities, particularly BIPOC populations.
With a master of public health (MPH) degree focused on social inequities, Hadia brings both theoretical insight and practical experience to her teaching. She has worked with global organizations like the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), UNICEF and World Bank Group, as well as Fraser Health Authority, contributing to health policy, community development, and immigrant and refugee healthcare programs. Her broad experience has strengthened her commitment to addressing the health disparities facing marginalized groups.
In addition to her academic role, Hadia is the co-founder of BC4Afghans Community Services, a non-profit supporting refugees and newcomers to Canada. She also serves as a climate ambassador for the World Bank Group, where she advocates for health equity, youth engagement and sustainable development. Through her roles in both the public and private sectors, Hadia has developed a comprehensive understanding of the intersection between global health, social equity and climate justice.
Hadia’s teaching philosophy is rooted in the belief that all students deserve a safe, inclusive and supportive learning environment. She prioritizes creating a space where students can engage openly with complex topics, challenge systemic inequities and explore diverse perspectives without fear of judgment. By fostering a classroom culture that emphasizes mutual respect, empathy and collaboration, she helps students feel empowered to critically analyze the material, while also developing the practical skills needed to address healthcare inequities in their future careers.
Her goal is to inspire students not only to think critically about social justice issues but also to take meaningful action in their communities, contributing to positive change in healthcare systems and beyond.