SheLeads: Ferzana Jamani

Ferzana Jamani’s decision to pursue a career in Mental Health and Addictions was serendipitious. It started twenty years ago, when she completed university and little idea on what to do next. A friend suggested her to volunteer at The Kettle Friendship Society. This was a huge eye-opening experience, as she was like many individuals who feared the unknown and did not have prior experience in the field of mental health. Seeing how many people were suffering and in need of a human connection, empathy, support, compassion, and understanding, Ferzana knew immediately that she wanted to do everything she could to raise awareness about mental health and addictions issues, reduce stigma and judgement, and give a voice to those individuals who may not otherwise be heard.

Since then, Ferzana has dedicated her life to supporting marginalized individuals as an outreach case manager, an adult education instructor, a trainer, and a facilitator. Currently, she is an instructor for Basic Mental Health First Aid as well as an instructor for Mental Health First Aid for Adults that Interact with Youth through the Mental Health Commission of Canada. She is also a trainer/facilitator through the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA), North and West Vancouver Branch, and she is pursuing her Registered Therapeutic Counselling designation. Ferzana is also the BC Mental Health First Aid Instructor and Mental Health and Addictions Lead for the Aga Khan Health Board. During the Diamond Jubilee, she was the BC Mental Health Lead on the Special Needs Medical Team in Canada, and the Canadian Mental Health co-lead for the Special Needs Medical Team in Portugal. She has delivered presentations about Mental Health and Addictions at Simon Fraser University, in high schools, as well as at organizations and conferences.

Ferzana’s dedication and passion for raising awareness about mental health and addictions issues is evident in her professional and personal life, in her voluntary commitments, and in her pursuit of further education. She wants to inspire people to prioritize their physical, spiritual, and mental well-being. She believes that with self-love, self-awareness, and authentic connections, we have the ability to transform ourselves, as well as become transformative agents for others. Ferzana will be speaking at the International Women’s Day Gala on Saturday, March 6.