Aga Khan University is incredibly proud to celebrate the recent recognition of three of its esteemed alumni from the School of Nursing and Midwifery (AKU-SONAM) in the prestigious Canada's Most Powerful Women: Top 100 Awards. Dr Neelam Punjani, Dr Shela Hirani, and Dr Salima Meherali have each received accolades that highlight their exceptional contributions to healthcare and community service. Their achievements reflect the core values of AKU-SONAM—excellence in education, leadership, and a commitment to improving lives through compassionate care.
Dr Neelam Punjani, a prominent nursing leader, has been honoured with the Amex Emerging Leaders Award, which recognizes the achievements of emerging female leaders who demonstrate exceptional potential for leadership and a commitment to creating positive change. Dr Punjani's work has focused on advancing nursing practices in the areas of health policy and leadership development. Her dedication to evidence-based care, alongside her passion for mentoring future nurses, has made her a transformative figure within both the Canadian healthcare system and the global nursing community.
Dr Shela Hirani and Dr Salima Meherali have both been recognized with the Canadian Tire Community Impact Award, which honours women who have made significant contributions to their communities. Dr Hirani, a leading advocate for community health and wellness, has dedicated her career to improving access to healthcare services for underserved populations. With over twenty years of academic experience, she advocates for breastfeeding, sparking a global baby-friendly movement in hospitals, disaster zones, educational institutions, workplaces and public spaces. Her innovative programs in public health have directly impacted marginalized communities, ensuring that quality care reaches those who need it the most.
Similarly, Dr Meherali's work focuses on community health advocacy, with a particular emphasis on maternal and child health. As a clinical leader and educator, Dr Meherali works tirelessly to address health disparities, particularly within immigrant and refugee populations. Her contributions to both clinical practice and community health initiatives have had a lasting effect on healthcare accessibility, social justice, and health equity.
These recognitions serve as a powerful reminder of the transformative role that nurses and midwives play in shaping healthcare systems, particularly through strategic leadership and community engagement. For AKU-SONAM, these awards are a testament to the quality of education and mentorship provided to its students, who are empowered to make a meaningful difference in the world.
As these extraordinary women continue to make significant contributions to their fields, they embody the values of excellence, innovation, and service that AKU-SONAM strives to impart to its graduates, ensuring a brighter future for healthcare worldwide.
