The power of one

Deqa Nur’s journey as a changemaker started with a simple question:  “How can I help?”

It began when Deqa walked into her East Mall community space and asked if she could volunteer. That small act led to much more, as she joined tenant programs and became a tenant representative. She later became a part of the City of Toronto’s Tenant First Advisory Panel, pushing for safer, stronger, and vibrant communities. 

In 2018, Deqa become an intern at Toronto Community Housing. “The internship changed my life,” she says. “I met staff, I met tenants from other buildings, and I saw how real change starts at the local level.”  

Finding her passion

Her push for change is shown through everything she does. She’s a York University graduate in International Development Studies, an emergency replacement person (ERP) in teaching, and founder of a non-profit called Hooyo Innovation Hub.

Deqa calls herself a “social developer.” “It’s sort of a love to make sure that socially, everybody is doing well,” she explained.

As a tenant representative, she helped bring in youth programs and create spaces for conversation and mentorship. She continues to raise awareness about job opportunities and training. “Engagement is the most important part of building strong communities,” she said. 

Women helping women 

In 2017, Deqa founded the Hooyo Innovation Hub. A mother of three herself, Deqa named her non-profit “Hooyo,” which means “mom” in Somali. The non-profit helps women, especially mothers, get job training in areas like childcare, First Aid, and food handling.

In May 2025, she received a YWCA Toronto Women of Distinction Award for her work supporting women. Deqa is currently working in the constituency office of the Honourable John Zerucelli, Member of Parliament for Etobicoke North and Secretary of State for Labour.  

Deqa’s message to others? 

“Get involved. Volunteer. Start small. It’s in the service of others that you find your passion.”