Mehar Rashid
47 Years Old
Class of 2020
“My strongest passion is nurturing little minds and helping others whenever possible.”
Mehar Rashid is the Principal of the Fort McMurray Islamic School and responsible for keeping things running smoothly for students, parents and staff of the kindergarten to Grade 9 school.
Born in Pakistan, she moved to Canada with her husband Rashid, starting in Toronto, Ontario. In 2009, they made their way to Northern Alberta to reside and raise their two boys and daughter. It was in Fort McMurray where she started her teaching career.
“Fort McMurray is a very warm and welcoming place,” she said.
As a community ambassador, educator and mother to three, she adds philanthropic efforts into her home and work life and said though things can get busy, she ensures there’s happiness surrounding her.
“My strongest passion is nurturing little minds and helping others whenever possible,” she said. “I love my job as I see kids growing physically and academically in such a beautiful way. My students’ smiles, curiosity, and excitement always make me love my profession and workdays.”
As for giving back to the community, Mehar said there are several initiatives that the staff and students participate in each year like, raising funding for the Northern Lights Health Foundation and running toy drives during Ramadan.
“Our students and parents donate toys and deliver them to the Northern Lights Regional Hospital for sick children every year,” she said. “Every Ramadan, which is the ninth month on the Islamic Calendar when Muslims fast all month, we give and organize a toy drive.”
In 2018, Mehar’s efforts were recognized by the community in the Girls Inc. of Northern Alberta’s Women of Inspiration series as a nominee for going to extraordinary lengths to help her students and their families during the 2016 Wildfire.
Despite her going above and beyond her job, Mehar is humble. She volunteers when she is not actively responding to events around her in life and at school.
The past year has reminded her of the importance of balance and always needed family time.
“During lockdown, as a family, we had more time on our hands. I was surprised to realize how busy we have made ourselves in our daily lives by compromising this precious and most-needed family time,” she said.