About
Afsana is the Founder and CEO of BridgeForward, an organization dedicated to empowering underrepresented and newcomer communities with the skills, tools, and confidence to lead with purpose.
She advances policy development, training programs, and youth-centered engagement strategies that strengthen belonging and open doors to equitable leadership pathways for racialized, neurodivergent, and newcomer youth.
As a national accessibility advocate and inclusion specialist with the Government of Canada (ESDC) and the Canadian Council on Rehabilitation and Work (CCRW), she designs culturally grounded, emotionally safe environments that foster identity, inclusion, and future-building for youth from diverse lived experiences.
National Leadership & Recognition
Youth Accessibility Leader (Government of Canada)
Recognized nationally for advancing youth-led accessibility awareness and inclusive community design.
Young Workers National Delegate – Canadian Labour Congress, 30th Constitutional Convention
Represented youth voices in national discussions on equity, leadership, and worker empowerment.
CANConnect Diversity Grant Recipient (2025)
Awarded for “Incubator for Youth-Led Civic Engagement Initiatives" supporting youth leadership and civic engagement.
CRA Award of Excellence in Community Service, Atlantic Region
Represented youth voices in national discussions on equity, leadership, and worker empowerment.
Public Service & Union Advocacy
Programs Officer
National Program Development Team
Played a key role in legislative interpretation, program development, and implementation planning for the national rollout of the First Home Savings Account (FHSA)
Elected Union Representative
UTE-90000, Public Service Alliance of Canada
Advocated for young workers’ rights, accessible and inclusive workplaces, equitable leadership pathways across Canada’s public sector
Brand Ambassador
National Capital & Atlantic Region, CRA
Represented the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) as a Brand Ambassador, promoting accessibility, service excellence, and community engagement
