Zeeshan and Karina Hayat - Empowering Communities

1. Zeeshan and Karina Hayat - Empowering Communities Zeeshan and Karina Hayat are a trailblazing entrepreneurial couple who seamlessly blend their business ventures with a strong commitment to philanthropy and social causes. With over 20 years of diverse industry experience, they have co-founded and spearheaded initiatives in e- commerce, digital marketing, and lead generation for direct marketing campaigns. Their shared vision for affordable housing has also led to notable successes in the development of multifamily residential properties. At the helm of an acclaimed digital marketing firm, Zeeshan and Karina leverage AI and automation to drive sales, optimize business processes, and enhance marketing strategies, enabling sustainable success for enterprises across North America. Their firm has earned recognition on the Growth 500 list multiple times (2014, 2015, 2016, 2018, 2019), appeared on the Deloitte Technology Fast 500 in 2015, and was featured in Globe and Mail Canada’s Top Growing Companies in 2019. The couple shares a deep commitment to health and wellness, prioritizing physical fitness, mental well-being, and family health. They actively encourage each other and their children to lead active and healthy lives. Through their blog, they share their wellness journey and insights with a broader audience, fostering a community around their health-oriented approach. Zeeshan and Karina have demonstrated their dedication to social responsibility by founding the "100 Meals a Week" initiative in Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside. Since 2007, their collaborative efforts have resulted in the distribution of over 250,000 meals. During the COVID- 19 pandemic, they expanded their mission with the launch of The Muslim Care Centre (MCC), which has provided over 600,000 meals. Their unwavering commitment to combating hunger and supporting vulnerable communities highlights their deep-seated belief in giving back. Beyond meal programs, Zeeshan and Karina’s philanthropic efforts extend to extensive welfare initiatives for the homeless. They are also deeply involved in mentoring MBA students at SFU Beedie and supporting young entrepreneurs through Junior Achievement’s Be Entrepreneurial program, reflecting their dedication to nurturing the leaders of tomorrow. As a highly respected entrepreneurial duo, Zeeshan and Karina have received numerous prestigious awards. Zeeshan’s achievements are highlighted by the BIV BC CEO Awards, while Karina has been recognized as one of WXN Canada’s Most Powerful Women. Their contributions to both the business and social sectors have been widely celebrated. Their work has been featured by prominent media outlets and organizations, including Global Citizen Forum, Yahoo! News, UNHCR, Global News, Press Reader, CBC, HuffPost, Lean In

2. Canada, BC Tech Association, and the Women Entrepreneurship Knowledge Hub. These features underscore the far-reaching influence they have across various fields. As they continue their journey, Zeeshan and Karina remain steadfast in their commitment to innovation, leadership, and philanthropy. Their story is a powerful testament to their shared values and their ongoing dedication to creating a better world for their community, collaborators, and future generations of entrepreneurs.