Maryam Sheikh (She/Her/Hers)
Tell us about yourself:
Hi! I'm in my third year of the Justice, Political Philosophy, and Law program with an interdisciplinary minor in Community Engagement at McMaster University. My interests lie in global health, urban planning, and policymaking. I'm interested in exploring how to apply my passion for community work to help strengthen social, health, and legal systems and foster sustainable and inclusive cities.
I joined CityLAB because I was eager to learn more about Hamilton, work alongside peers from different disciplines, and step out of my comfort zone to engage in a unique learning environment.
CityLAB has provided me with this and more. The program has given me the opportunity to work on a complex, real-life issue and has challenged me to view the housing crisis through a critical lens. Through the program, I've met incredible, creative peers and instructors, explored various parts of the city, learned about design thinking, and renewed my love for learning. I've developed my research, project management, and dialogue skills, which will transfer into my future pursuits. I'll also carry my newfound love for The Burnt Tongue throughout the rest of my degree.
How is your project going so far?
My team's project focused on unlocking municipal land as a tool to build more affordable housing. Our project process included conducting research on current housing policies, consultations with city staff, conversations with different stakeholders, and analyzing data. We examined existing mixed-use housing models, historic design processes, and potential sustainable housing solutions. Our work and project findings will inform the City of Hamilton's Housing Sustainability and Investment Roadmap (HSIR).
I'm left with a deeper understanding of how social, political, and economic factors interact to create the housing landscape we see today, as well as an appreciation for all of the work community stakeholders engage in to enhance the experiences of Hamiltonians.