Nimi Nanji-Simard

Nimi Nanji-Simard is a seasoned professional with a diverse background in fundraising and entrepreneurship operating at the intersection of community and social change. All her endeavours are grounded in her deep commitment to uplifting others, to improving quality of life, and to addressing inequities by increasing access to educational opportunities — particularly for newcomers.

Nimi has held leadership positions in resource development for the United Way of Greater Toronto & Peel Region, Junior Achievement Canada, and the Canadian Business Hall of Fame. She helped found the Canadian office of Autism Speaks, where she was the inaugural Director of Development. 

Nimi is a Director of The Nanji Family Foundation, which focuses predominantly on funding educational and healthcare initiatives in Canada and around the world. In 2022, she led the development of the Foundation’s major gift to Seneca College of 50 nursing scholarships in perpetuity. That same year, she was the driving force behind the Foundation’s contribution to UNHCR's Aiming Higher campaign, providing education scholarships to 50 young refugees pursuing higher learning in health-related studies.

Combining her deep sense of justice with art, Nimi is the Founder and Designer of NimiNimi Scarves. Driven by the belief that design can influence social behaviour and strengthen human connection, she has worked in partnership with UNHCR, UNICEF, Women’s Brain Health Initiative, Montreal Children’s Hospital, and TVOntario to raise funds and foster understanding of global issues. 

Nimi has degrees in Political Science and Law at Carleton University and Social Work at York University.