2021 Honourary Woman of Distinction Winner
2021 Honourary Woman of Distinction Winner
Abrar Mechmechia
For her courage, resilience and dedication to the empowerment of women.
Born in Hamilton and raised in Aleppo, Syria, Abrar is a mental health counsellor with a passion for empowering marginalized youth and women. When the civil war broke out, Abrar remained in Syria to volunteer and work with SOS, UNICEF, and UNHCR to provide children with trauma-informed mental health care. In 2017, the situation became extremely dire, so she returned to Hamilton. Broken, but not defeated, Abrar channeled all her energy towards mental health care in Hamilton and beyond.
Over the years, Abrar has made an impact through her roles at Thrive Child and Youth Trauma Services, Wesley, and the Hatts Off group home. During the pandemic, Abrar launched her own virtual counselling platform and national mental health campaign to support women, children and youth impacted by the Covid-19 pandemic.
Congratulations Abrar!