2022 Provincial Election Women to Watch
Cumberland Strategies Women in Politics program is highlighting all key Women to Watch during the 2022 provincial election race.
Melissa Felián
Ontario Conservative Candidate
After completing her Master’s Degree in Public and International Affairs from York University, Melissa moved to Ottawa to join the federal public service. She has worked on files related to trade, foreign direct investment, and broadband connectivity.
Melissa embraces the diversity of her mixed heritage. Her mother immigrated to Canada from Guyana and her father is of French Canadian and Hungarian decent. Melissa recognizes the diverse needs of the community and hopes to be an advocate for people of all backgrounds at Queen’s Park.
Chi Nguyen
Ontario Liberal Candidate
Chi’s early political experience would lead to Member of Parliament Carolyn Bennett bringing her on staff, while her contributions to improving the lives of women and girls were recognized by the YWCA Toronto’s Young Woman of Distinction Award, and the Governor General’s Award in Commemoration of the Persons’ Case.
Chi has an MSc in Health Community and Development from the London School of Economics and Political Science and has gone on to hold senior roles with some of Canada’s most respected institutions and charitable agencies, including United Way Toronto, the National Association of Women and the Law, the Toronto Women’s City Alliance, White Ribbon Canada, MASS LBP, the CBC, and more. She was an inaugural DiverseCity Fellow with CivicAction, and is an active member of the BMW Responsible Leaders Network. Most recently, Chi was the Director of Social Innovation Canada.
Farheen Alim
Ontario NDP Candidate
Farheen has been a public school teacher since 2014, working at the frontlines to support the next generation’s success and well-being. In her work, she respects and cares deeply about her diverse students and their families, doing her utmost to build positive relationships, meet unique needs, and nurture inclusion in her school community.
Outside of work, Farheen works tirelessly to support neighbours in need, recognizing that caring for the most vulnerable in our communities’ benefits everyone. She has volunteered at vaccination clinics and Green Toronto tree planting events, assisted with refugee applications, and supported countless local charity initiatives. She has also been involved as a member of the Political Action Committee with OSSTF D-19, Peel Regional Labour Council, and Etobicoke-Lakeshore NDP. Farheen holds a Bachelor of Arts in History and Politics from Queen’s University, and a Bachelor of Education and Master of Education from the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education (OISE) at the University of Toronto. She is always interested in learning more about how she can better serve her community. Farheen is currently running as the NDP candidate in the Etobicoke-Lakeshore riding.