ABOUT US
The Catalyst is a student-run magazine that highlights systemic barriers faced by BIPOC and other marginalized communities in the healthcare and medical industries.
The Catalyst aims to inform and educate readers on these systemic issues ingrained in healthcare that contribute towards inequality among the BIPOC community and make a positive and impactful change in healthcare.
Meet the Team
President/Founder
Sumairaa Ahmed
Hello! I’m Sumairaa, and I’m going into my fourth year of Honours Life Sciences at McMaster University. As a South Asian woman, I am familiar with the challenges and barriers that plague not only my own community but countless others who face similar adversities. It is this shared experience that has fueled my determination to contribute to a broader spectrum of communities, dissecting the multifaceted aspects of these barriers alongside my team. The Catalyst is a manifestation of my amazing team’s unwavering dedication, knowledge, and creativity to championing health equity, amplifying the voices that have long been muted. By doing so, we aspire to dismantle the systemic barriers that hinder progress and build a future where compassionate and inclusive care is available to all. I invite you to join us on this transformative journey. Rest assured, our stories will challenge your perceptions, evoke emotions, and inspire you to take action.
Freelance Writers
Abrar Hossain
Hey there! My name's Abrar Hossain, and I am an upcoming 4th year Biochemistry student at McMaster University. In my free time, you would find me out with family and friends, or at my computer, watching Netflix or playing games. With my position as a freelance writer in the Catalyst, I hope I can combat stigmas in our BIPOC community by addressing their nature, explaining their origins and sharing how we can help any affected members of our community.
Sabin Ghimirey
My name is Sabin Ghimirey. I am a 4th-year Medical Sciences student at Western Univeristy. I joined The Catalyst as a writer because I am interested in learning and writing about the challenges minority communities face regarding healthcare access and quality and researching ways to alleviate them. Outside of school, I enjoy hiking and photography.
Sanjana Kapuria
Hi everyone! My name is Sanjana and I'm a 4th year student at Queen's University pursuing a bachelor in Health Sciences. My passion for promoting health equity began when I took courses discussing the social determinants that propagate health and disease. Since then, my mission has been to eliminate health and literary inequality among marginalized communities; through Catalyst, I hope to continue my journey as a health advocate.
Andre Wijesekera
Hi, my name is Andre. I go to University of Toronto, and I will be heading into my third year next semester. I’m in the writing team because I really like writing as I’ve been writing a blog since Grade 11 so now, I can use my love for writing to focus on issues that really intrigue me. My other hobbies include reading, watching TV shows with my sibling, and studying the Bible where I learn about the tender love of my Lord Jesus.
Aleeza Cheema
Hi everyone, I’m Aleeza! I joined The Catalyst Press as a Freelance Writer to learn about pressing healthcare issues faced by BIPOC and then to share my learning with the community via writing informative articles.
I believe that writing is a wonderful tool for expression, and a written (and well-researched) article can convey the depth of a said issue in a way that real-time discussions, or other modes of info dissemination perhaps cannot. Writing is a slow and diligent process, unlike the others — and hence the attention to detail & constant revisions (that writers usually employ) reflect greatly in the flow, accuracy and validity of the presented information! I am currently a final year undergraduate student at McMaster University, and I plan on pursuing Occupational Therapy as a career post-graduation. I like to regard myself as a deep thinker, and thus my hobbies fall very much in line with that: I enjoy having intellectual conversations, spending quality time in nature and learning philosophy! I also enjoy socializing and hitting the gym!
Ali Mohammed
Ali is currently in his fourth year of Biochemistry. He has a passion for advocating for ethical issues in the healthcare domain, including surrogacy, social determinants of health and access to healthcare. Due to this, Ali joined The Catalyst as a Freelance Writer.
Magazine Editors
Hera Jamil
Hello! My name is Hera Jamil and I am a 4th year student studying molecular biology and biotechnology. My interest in raising awareness for the BIPOC community stems from witnessing a lack of representation of marginalized groups in healthcare. I aspire to inspire change through the Catalyst.
Angelina Zhang
My name is Angelina Zhang (she/her). I am in my third year of Sensory Motor Systems at McMaster University! I am part of the editorial team. My hobbies include drawing, reading, hiking, and discovering new music and film. Very excited to make this initiative fluorish with everyone :)
Owais Amir
Hi my name is Owais Amir, I am headed into my fourth year of Biochemistry at McMaster University. An interesting thing about me is that I love to learn all about electronics in my free time and my favourite thing to do is tinker with them. I am so happy to join The Catalyst as an editor! I personally have had experiences with poor health care access and as a Canadian citizen it is critical that we shine light on these inequalities.
Shruthi Raghuraman
Hey, I’m Shruthi! I’m in my fourth year at McMaster for Psychology, Neuroscience & Behaviour. As a member of this journal, I’m looking forward to understanding the involvement of bioethics in society, and intend on using my insight to raise awareness on issues that go unnoticed. When I’m not hard at work, I’ll be watching a good show or playing board games with friends.
Managing Editors
Turjo Rafid
Hi everyone! My name is Turjo and I’m in my 3rd year at McMaster University in Kinesiology - exciting times. In my spare time, I enjoy the occasional ponder by the lake and also absolutely demolishing my brother in a civil but classy game of chess. I joined The Catalyst in hopes of starting and facilitating a broader conversation about pressing healthcare issues and inequities that exist within our society. Keep your eyes very peeled for what’s to come!
Lara Al Barbarawi
Hey! I’m Lara Al Barbarawi, a fourth year Health, Engineering Science and Entrepreneurship (HESE) student in the iBioMed program at McMaster University. I am passionate about social issues around the world (which oftentimes affect BIPOC disproportionately). Taking a decolonial approach to knowledge, cultural practices and health is one I hope to advocate for at the Catalyst!
Graphic Designers
Aman Atwal
Hey! My name is Aman and I’m in 4th year Biology at McMaster University. I’m a big reader, and I love to paint! I joined the Catalyst because it is important for students to both understand the severity of the lack of racial representation in medicine, and learn about what they can do to help mitigate the discrepancy. I believe the first step in solving these issues is to raise awareness through social projects like The Catalyst; I can use my graphic design skills to support a great cause!
Manan Patel
I'm Manan Patel, a second year student at McMaster University studying in the Life Sciences program. I am interested in basketball, videogames, and like to design things in my free time where I can express my creativity. I am on the Catalyst team as a graphic designer because I believe the magazine is creating awareness for an important cause that affects me as a person of colour wishing to pursue a career in the medical and health field.
Samreen Judge
Hi! I’m Samreen and I’m in my 4th year of Honours Life Science at McMaster University. I am excited to be a part of the Catalyst initiative and I am on the Graphic and Design Executive Team due to my immense passion for all things visual and art-related. I look forward to raising awareness on the various barriers faced by BIPOC in healthcare and being a part of real change!
Social Media Manager
Harmehar Bhutta
Hey, my name is Harmehar. I’m going into my 4th of Honours Biology. One thing I love to do in my free time is to go hiking and spend time outdoors. I am very interested in the topic of bioethics and this is why I am excited to be a part of this team! I am excited for the upcoming school year and all that we will accomplish.
Public Relations
Anishah Nabi
I am currently a third-year student at McMaster University, pursuing a degree in Human Behaviour. I have a passion for reading historical fiction and mystery/thriller novels. I am thrilled to be a part of this team because it aligns perfectly with my keen interest in Public Relations.
Fatma Samatar
McMaster University: Honours Life Sciences, minor in Sustainability Year 4. I love reading books and anything photography related.
As someone who is passionate about health equity and the importance of representation in healthcare, I was immediately drawn to the Catalyst magazine's mission to address the health inequalities faced by marginalized communities. I believe that access to healthcare is a basic human right, and that no one should face barriers to receiving quality medical care. I am eager to engage in actionable initiatives and foster transformative change that sparks inspiration!