Dr. Durdana Islam

Chairperson | Board of Directors

Dr. Durdana Islam is the Chairperson of the Kahanee Board of Directors and brings deep experience in natural resources management, climate action, social justice advocacy and gender equity. Raised in Chittagong, Bangladesh, she grew up listening to family stories about the 1952 Bengali Language Movement and the 1971 Independence war, which shaped her lifelong commitment to history, identity and voice. After immigrating to Canada, she completed a PhD in Natural Resources at the University of Manitoba, where her work centred on the lived experiences and knowledge of Indigenous fishing communities. She previously served as Chairperson of the Manitoba NDP Status of Women, Gender Equity and Gender Diversity Committee and is a strong advocate for women facing gendered racism and domestic violence. In 2022, she was nominated for the Empower Women Award by the Government of Manitoba and has also founded the Waverley Climate Action Team while serving on the board of the Islamic Social Services Association. Her leadership reflects Kahanee’s commitment to climate justice, care and storytelling, and she is deeply invested in creating spaces where history, authenticity and connection are honoured and shared.