Zoya is a Project Manager and facilitator at Health Commons Solutions Lab, drawing on her experience with research, human-centred design, and program development to address complex problems with creativity and care. Over the past year, Zoya has been co-designing and leading the Neighbours Project: a community initiative that aims to improve social connection, access to services, and quality of life for older adults in two Toronto neighbourhoods. Alongside her work at the Lab, Zoya is pursuing a Master of Design (MDes) in Strategic Foresight & Innovation at OCAD University, where her projects focus on healthcare system innovation.

Zoya has held a number of roles at impact-driven organizations including Social Innovation Canada, the Centre for Social Innovation, and RADIUS SFU.  She recently completed the 2021-2022 DiverseCity Fellowship with the CivicAction Foundation: a year-long program that brought together 30 rising leaders from across the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area (GTHA) with a focus on developing leadership skills and strengthening cross-sectoral collaborations. She holds a BA in Sociology plus Certificates in Entrepreneurship and Innovation and Sustainable Community Development from Simon Fraser University.