Join us for an inspiring conversation exploring Deaf Culture as well as the stories and life experiences of Deaf Ismailis. Panelists will share their perspectives, successes, and roadmaps towards integrating their unique way of life into a cohesive Ismaili community and a larger society.

Imran Hakamali is proudly Calgary-born. Alumni of Gallaudet University, from the class of 2007 with BA in ASL (American Sign Language), and 2014 with MASLED (Masters in Sign Language Education). Imran has lived in Montreal, Washington DC, Toronto, and currently resides in Vancouver. He has taught ASL for almost 25 years, including all of the previously mentioned cities. He is best known for his beloved dog Sophie, his fluency and grace in ASL, his love of sushi, and his passion for travelling - especially by plane. Imran particularly enjoys meeting and connecting with people.

Shahzad Merchant is the Sr. Technical Support Manager for Customer Care at Sorenson, the nation’s leading provider of Video Relay Services. Shahzad began his Sorenson career in field service as an installation technician, installing videophones at customer homes in 2004. He served in a variety of transformational leadership roles, including modernizing the Technical Support team. Shahzad recently moved to Boston to be with his nieces, who he loves spending time with.

Nasima Lakhani moved to Canada from the USA in 2008. She currently resides in Ontario with her husband and 9 year old son, who enjoys all sports, especially basketball. Nasima has a passion for working with children, and she has worked in the childcare industry for the past 8 years. She has experience ensuring that a learning environment supports various learning skills and exceptions, and her goal is to ensure that all children feel a sense of inclusion. She also teaches children and school staff about deaf culture and American Sign Language (ASL), which helps bridge communication gaps between the hearing and deaf communities. Her free time is spent reading, watching Netflix movies, and walking long distances. Her life goal is to travel to as many places as possible so she can learn about various cultures. Nasima would welcome the opportunity to live abroad, in order to educate and be an advocate for deaf Ismailis around the world.

Safina Kassam-Benchekroune, Moderator, was born and raised in Calgary, and she is a proud Calgarian. She is hard of hearing, and says that she is very privileged to be part of both the deaf community as well as the hearing community. Safina works within the Alberta Health Services as an administrative assistant. She loves to travel, go out for walks, and spend time with her family - especially with her 8 nieces and nephews. Safina enjoys meeting and connecting with people, particularly when building bridges between the deaf and hearing communities.