Maleeha Shahid

Maleeha Shahid is a trailblazing public servant, leadership coach, realtor, and author who has made history in the Town of Whitby. In 2018, she became the first woman of an ethnic background elected to the Whitby Town Council. She was re-elected as Regional Councillor in 2022 and, in 2023, became the first Muslim Deputy Mayor in Canadian history.

A Harvard Certified Executive Coach and graduate of Western University’s Local Government Program, Maleeha brings both academic expertise and lived experience to her leadership. As a Regional Councillor and longtime Whitby resident, she has championed inclusive growth—advocating for hospitals, sports facilities, and youth leadership programs while creating space for diverse voices in decision-making.

Her advocacy extends beyond local governance. She has organized initiatives addressing Islamophobia, mental health, domestic violence, and human trafficking, while also supporting food drives, cultural awareness campaigns, and fraud prevention programs for seniors. Through this work, Maleeha has consistently advanced equity, safety, and inclusion for marginalized communities.

She currently serves on several regional and town committees, including the Durham Anti-Racism Taskforce, the Durham Regional Community Growth and Economic Development Committee, the Durham Transit Commission, and Whitby’s Accessibility and Active Transportation Advisory Boards.

Maleeha’s leadership is guided by authenticity, compassion, and resilience. As a mother of three and a role model for racialized youth, she is committed to building stronger, safer, and more inclusive communities—values that align deeply with the mission of Refugee Girls Worldwide.