Women in Urbanism Welcomes Three New Directors

Women walking down Queen St. W, Toronto, ON (photo by: Nicole Roach)

In November 2022, Women in Urbanism Canada (WIUC) welcomed a Founding Board of Directors, composed of ten incredible women from across the country. We are very proud of what we have accomplished as a volunteer team since then, with key achievements including incorporating as a national not-for-profit, enacting organizational by-laws, and creating a membership program. 

We thank all of our former Directors for their contributions, including Stephanie Bertolo (Secretary) and Sharee Hochman (Co-Founder & Vice-Chair), and wish them all the best in their future endeavours! 

As we move into 2024, we are very excited to welcome three board members to join our team. Our new Directors applied to the board as part of a recent intake round and were selected based on their desired role, areas of expertise, special skills, location, languages spoken, capacity for involvement, and personal attributes. 

We are so thrilled with the women we have appointed to join the Board of Directors and are excited for you to meet them! 

Introducing… WIUC’s new board members: 

Bita Jamalpour

(she/her) 

Surrey, BC -

Vice-Chair

Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.

Bita began her professional journey in Iran, earning a bachelor's degree in economics and contributing to regional planning. Inspired by a passion for communities, she pursued a master's degree in planning while working as a community planner. Recognizing the oversight of women's voices in city development, particularly in a country under Islamic dictatorship, her PhD dissertation focused on women's rights to the city. 

As a women's rights activist in Iran, Bita faced challenges before relocating to Canada in 2012. Currently serving as a municipal senior planner, she acknowledges gender disparities in women's urban experiences, motivating her volunteer work with organizations empowering women. In 2022, amid Canada's focus on gender-based analysis and equity, Bita became an Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) consultant, actively advocating for inclusive urban planning. Discovering WIUC a year ago, she passionately supports the team, believing that a healthy community begins by acknowledging and amplifying women's voices.

See Bita on LinkedIn.

“Joining Women in Urbanism Canada is an extension of my commitment to creating cities where every voice is heard and valued. As a feminist, I believe that empowering women in urban planning is not just about gender equality; it's about reshaping our cities into spaces that amplify diverse voices, creating environments where everyone, regardless of gender, can thrive and contribute to the vibrant mosaic of our communities.” - Bita Jamalpour

Sonali Praharaj (she/her) 

 Toronto, ON - Secretary

Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.

Sonali is an urban design professional passionate about city building that prioritizes gender equity and community well-being. She grew up in various cities across India, mainly in Mumbai, and has worked professionally in Paris, San Francisco, and now in Toronto. Her lived and professional experiences have motivated her to create accessible and inclusive urban spaces while navigating diverse cultures and contexts. With her expertise in city planning, urban design, transportation, landscape, and architecture projects, she aims to explore sustainable and resilient growth models that promote inclusive communities, ecology, and infrastructure.

Currently, Sonali works with Transportation Services in the City of Toronto. She holds a Master's degree in Urban Design from the University of California, Berkeley, and a Bachelor's in Architecture from Mumbai University.

See Sonali on LinkedIn. 

“My motivation to join Women in Urbanism Canada stems from a deep-rooted belief that gender-equitable cities are not just a distant dream but an urgent necessity. I am passionate about working alongside like-minded individuals and organizations to create spaces that echo with fairness, accessibility, and the collective strength of diverse gendered voices. By joining Women in Urbanism Canada, I am committed to sharing my knowledge, learning from others, and influencing positive change. Together, we can build inclusive, thriving communities that are truly equitable for all genders.” - Sonali Praharaj

Akanksha Bhatnagar (she/her)  Ottawa, ON - Communications Lead

Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.

Akanksha Bhatnagar is a government relations professional who is passionate about creating vibrant cities. She is a lobbyist with the Federation of Canadian Municipalities and works closely with officials at every level of government on issues such as climate adaptation, transit, infrastructure and homelessness. 

Akanksha moved to Ottawa to pursue a Masters in Political Management from Carleton University and graduated with a focus in strategic communications, advocacy, and political campaigns. Akanksha loves to find ways to connect people and build bridges; she believes that the best way to city-build is by centering its residents. 

Akanksha immigrated to Canada from India as a young child, and has lived in Edmonton, Ottawa, and Toronto. When she isn’t reading the news, Akanksha enjoys cooking for her friends, exploring local coffee shops, and portrait photography.

See Akanksha on LinkedIn. 

“For me, creating equitable cities is not just about addressing a disparity; it's about building communities that thrive on diversity, inclusivity, and shared opportunities. Urban spaces should reflect the richness of Canadian multiculturalism, and I hope to bring that vision to Women in Urbanism Canada.” - Akanksha Bhatnagar

Our appointed Board of Directors will be up for election at the first Annual General Meeting this spring. If you would like to vote, we encourage you to become an Engaged Member, and if you would like to be considered for future openings on the board, please fill out an application form. 

We are very excited for the future of the organization and thank you for following along!