Invisible Illness - The Weight of Long COVID

Sarina works within and for communities through ongoing community engagement programming initiatives through identifying community needs, capacities, & assets. She is committed to creating a better world which is evident through her work of organizing initiatives, that foster genuine connections and promotes well being for all. With her decades of experience in Community Development in supporting others in overcoming their own challenges she leaves a legacy of wellness in her community by creating a more connected community.
She has created and designed a variety of programs based on the Growth and Community Development Models that assist in the long-term improvement of Children, Youth and Families as well as serving on various Committees and Boards of Directors where the focus is the well-being of Children, Youth, Families and Seniors from all demographics.
Recently joining The Disability Alliance of British Columbia’s Board of Directors as well as other advocacy groups and initiatives. She has also joined "Expert by Experience" program at UBC Health that integrates patient and community perspectives into the education of health professional students, aiming to enhance patient-centered care and equip future health professionals with a wider range of skills.
She wholeheartedly believes that everyone from all walks of life deserve to be seen, heard and acknowledged and her focus sets on the Social Determinants of Health given inequalities and economic influences on health. Whether challenged to build presence or create programs to strengthen the community, she has consistently delivered strong results. She has received numerous awards including:

• The Tri-City Youth Reach Adult Mentor Award 6 times in 8 years
• Recognized by Mayor Greg Moore & City Council of the City of Port Coquitlam for her Commitment and Dedication to youth
• City of Port Coquitlam Centennial Celebration Recipient - One of just 100 community builders that have formed the fabric of that community over the last 100 years
• Presented with the Province of British Columbia Community Achievement Award by Lieutenant Governor Steven Point and Premier Gordon Campbell to recognize her dedication and service to others

As if long hours in the profession are not enough, she also gives endless hours of volunteer service to the Community at Large, Training, Consulting and Engaging in Organizational Development for Youth, Health and Sport & Recreation Oriented volunteer organizations. She sits on various Local, Provincial & National boards and is extensively involved in youth sports programs and initiatives, including KidSport Tri Cities for a number of year, has served as a Board Member for the local Steve Nash Youth Basketball Association for over 7 years and has been a extensively involved as a consultant, advocacy, program development and trainer with the Ismaili Council of BC & Canada for the last 15 years.

   Presentation for BC Lupus Symposium