Mari Sharif arrived in Canada as a refugee in the early 1980s, bringing with her a deep understanding of the challenges faced by newcomers. A graduate of the Settlement Program at George Brown College, Mari began her career at Catholic Cross-Cultural Services, a leading non-profit supporting newcomers in Canada. For 12 years, she worked directly with immigrants as a Settlement Worker, before transitioning to management roles. She spent a decade as the Manager of Settlement Services and later led Settlement Integration Place for over ten years.

Since retiring, Mari has become a sought-after freelance consultant, recently presenting her expertise to newcomer arrivals in Calgary. With over 34 years of experience and her own lived journey as a refugee, Mari offers a unique and compassionate perspective, deeply committed to improving the settlement process for immigrants in Canada.

Mina Sharif was raised in Canada as part of the Afghan diaspora and moved to Kabul in 2005, where she lived for 14 years until 2019. During her time in Afghanistan, she founded Sisters 4 Sisters, a nationwide mentorship program dedicated to empowering Afghan women and girls. 

Mina is  a recognized content creator for the Afghan diaspora, using her platform to bridge cultural gaps and promote a deeper understanding of Afghan life. She co-authored The Diaspora Journal and writes The Hyphenated Blog which explores the complexities of identity and belonging among displaced communities. As an accomplished author, media producer, and advocate, her work has been featured in numerous publications, as well as on TV, podcasts, and radio programs. Mina’s voice and expertise continue to shape conversations on conflict-affected populations, women's rights, and systems of uplifting marginalized voices.