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Hibaq Gelle
Senior Policy Advisor at Ontario Ministry of the Solicitor General
Professional Background
Hibaq Gelle is an accomplished professional with a wealth of experience in policy development and community engagement. Currently serving as a Senior Policy Advisor at the Ontario Ministry of the Solicitor General, Hibaq plays a crucial role in shaping policies that drive social justice and equity across Ontario. With extensive experience in the public sector, she has held several impactful positions that have enabled her to influence change and enhance community well-being.
Before her current role, Hibaq served as a Senior Policy and Program Analyst at the Ontario Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services, where she contributed her analytical skills and strategic insights to develop programs addressing youth needs. Her commitment to community development was further demonstrated during her tenure as a Community Development Coordinator at the Community Action Resource Centre. In this position, she was instrumental in implementing grassroots initiatives aimed at empowering marginalized groups.
Hibaq's influence extends beyond the provincial ministry as she has collaborated with various organizations, including her position as a Studio [Y] Fellow at the prestigious MaRS Discovery District. Here, she was part of an innovative fellowship aimed at fostering leadership in young professionals within Toronto's diverse community. Additionally, her involvement with the Premier’s Council on Youth Opportunities demonstrates her dedication to advocating for effective youth policies and programs in Ontario.
Having worked extensively across sectors, Hibaq's roles have often centered around community development, youth advocacy, and health promotion. She has contributed to initiatives linking health and social justice, addressing systemic barriers, and enhancing health outcomes for diverse populations. Her extensive experience in community outreach and program coordination underscores her commitment to addressing the social determinants of health through collaborative and evidence-based approaches.
Education and Achievements
Hibaq Gelle possesses a robust educational background that has shaped her expertise in kinesiology, health promotion, and leadership. She earned her Honours Bachelor of Applied Science in Kinesiology from the University of Guelph, where she developed a foundational understanding of human health and physical activity. Complementing this, Hibaq furthered her knowledge by pursuing a Diploma in Fitness and Health Promotion at Humber College, equipping her with practical skills and insights into health education and promotion.
In her pursuit of advancement and social equity, Hibaq pursued further education at York University, obtaining a Certificate in Advancing Equity, Building Youth Capacity. This program reinforced her commitment to adapting policies and programs to better serve youth and diverse populations.
Additionally, Hibaq is a proactive learner who values leadership. Her Certificate in Leadership from the University of Toronto highlights her dedication to personal and professional growth, aiding her in effectively inspiring her teams and communities.
Hibaq's educational pursuits showcase her commitment to making a positive impact in public policy, health, and community development. Through her education, she has gained the analytical strengths necessary to navigate complex social systems and create advancements that prioritize equity and inclusion.
Achievements
Hibaq Gelle’s career is marked by numerous achievements that reflect her leadership skills and dedication to community empowerment. As a co-founder of Feed Somalia, she exemplified her commitment to addressing food security and health needs in vulnerable populations. This initiative has provided critical support to communities in need, illustrating her ability to mobilize resources and peers to tackle pressing societal issues.
Her role as a board member in the Community Liaison Committee at Rexdale Community Health Centre showcases her commitment to representing community interests in healthcare discussions and initiatives. Hibaq has also contributed to wider policy conversations through her involvement in the Conversations & Roundtables Committee at the Couchiching Institute on Public Affairs, emphasizing her capacity to engage with diverse stakeholders and influence policy discussions.
Hibaq has worked diligently to promote youth equity, contributing her voice and knowledge through the Toronto Youth Equity Strategy Community Panel and as a Health Promoter at the Ontario Lung Association’s Youth Advocacy Training Institute. Her advocacy for youth has been a central theme throughout her career, and she has actively worked to develop pathways that empower the next generation.
With a background in social media and community management at Integration TV, Hibaq transformed the way organizations engage with their audience, bringing communities closer together.
In addition, Hibaq’s past roles in health education and outreach, including at the African Canadian Legal Clinic, showcase her dedication to health promotion, advocacy, and education for youth and marginalized communities. Her work with diverse youth programs has fostered opportunities for young leaders to thrive and has reinforced her belief in the importance of collaborative community efforts.
Through her extensive experience and contributions across various sectors, Hibaq Gelle exemplifies the qualities of a passionate advocate, skilled leader, and community champion. Her diverse educational background combined with her dedication to youth empowerment and health promotion positions her as a pivotal figure in policy development and community well-being.
Achievements
