Maral Kiani Tari is championing change and empowerment one step at a time

At the Dhillon School of Business, we’re proud to celebrate the achievements of our sessional instructor, Maral Kiani Tari, who was recently honoured with the Catalyst for Change Award at the YWCA Women of Distinction Awards. Known for her powerful leadership, unwavering advocacy and deep commitment to equity, Maral continues to inspire students, colleagues and the wider community.

When Maral Kiani Tari speaks about leadership, she doesn’t just talk about titles or positions—she speaks of purpose, empathy and the courage to disrupt the status quo. A sessional instructor at the Dhillon School of Business and the Executive Director of the Family Centre in Lethbridge, Maral was recently recognized with the Catalyst for Change Award at the YWCA Women of Distinction Awards.

Maral’s path has never followed a conventional script. Raised in a family that challenged societal expectations about a woman’s role, she was inspired early on by her parents’ decision to immigrate to Canada and carve out a future where she could choose her own direction. That sense of freedom became a driving force in her life—igniting a passion to break barriers and build opportunities for others, especially women and underrepresented communities.

Professionally, Maral leads a team of 21—20 women from diverse backgrounds at the Family Centre, where the focus is on prevention and early intervention for children, youth and families across Southwestern Alberta. Her leadership style is deeply people-centered: “I believe in surrounding myself with individuals whose strengths are different,” she says, “because these differences elevate the work we do.”

It’s a philosophy she also brings into the classroom at the Dhillon School of Business. As a sessional instructor, she blends real-world experience with academic insight, offering students a “real-life meets theory” approach that builds connection, empathy and empowerment. Her journey includes becoming the Executive Director of the Lethbridge Food Bank at just 26 years old, where she launched the Mindful Munchies program, now delivering over 105,000 meals annually to students in 35 schools. Her leadership during the pandemic ensured families continued to receive support, proving that innovation and compassion go hand in hand.

For Maral, receiving the Catalyst for Change Award is both personal and symbolic. “This isn’t just about me,” she says. “It’s about every woman who has dared to dream, who has faced challenges with resilience and who continues to lift others as she climbs.” As a mother, the recognition holds even deeper meaning. “My nine-year-old daughter now has a tangible example of what is possible.”

Her message to students and professionals is simple but powerful “Your dreams are valid. Your voice is powerful. The world may try and shake you, but you are built to rise. No obstacle is greater than your purpose and no barrier is stronger than your light.”

Through her work, teaching and advocacy, Maral Kiani Tari isn’t just shaping conversations about leadership—she’s reshaping what leadership looks like.