Zeeshan and Karina Hayat - Innovators, Entrepreneurs, and Changemakers

1. Zeeshan and Karina Hayat - Innovators, Entrepreneurs, and Changemakers The entrepreneurial journey of Zeeshan and Karina Hayat is a remarkable fusion of business innovation, philanthropy, and social impact. With over 20 years of experience, they have co- founded and led successful ventures in e-commerce, digital marketing, and lead generation for direct marketing campaigns. Their commitment to affordable housing has driven notable achievements in developing multifamily residential properties. As leaders of a prestigious digital marketing firm, the Hayats harness advanced AI and automation technologies to boost sales, streamline operations, and refine marketing strategies. Their focus on resolving business inefficiencies has ensured long-term success for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) across North America. Zeeshan and Karina are passionate about shaping future leaders. They actively mentor MBA students at SFU Beedie and support young entrepreneurs through Junior Achievement's Be Entrepreneurial program, reflecting their dedication to empowering the next generation. Their commitment to social welfare is evident in their founding of the "100 Meals a Week" initiative in Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside. Since 2007, this initiative has provided over 250,000 meals to those in need. Their humanitarian efforts expanded during the COVID-19 pandemic with the creation of The Muslim Care Centre (MCC), which has delivered more than

2. 600,000 meals. Zeeshan and Karina’s unwavering dedication to fighting hunger and supporting vulnerable populations underscores their deep commitment to community service. Beyond their professional and philanthropic endeavors, Zeeshan and Karina prioritize health and well-being. They are deeply committed to physical fitness and mental health, fostering a healthy lifestyle for themselves and their children. Through their blog, they share insights and experiences from their wellness journey, extending their commitment to a broader audience. The Hayats have been honored with numerous prestigious awards. Zeeshan’s accolades include the BIV BC CEO Awards, while Karina has been recognized as one of WXN Canada’s Most Powerful Women. Their contributions to both business and social causes have garnered widespread recognition. Their digital marketing company has consistently received acclaim, appearing on the Growth 500 list in multiple years (2014, 2015, 2016, 2018, 2019), the Deloitte Technology Fast 500 in 2015, and Globe and Mail Canada’s Top Growing Companies in 2019. Zeeshan and Karina’s impactful work has been featured in prominent outlets such as Global Citizen Forum, Yahoo! News, UNHCR, Global News, Press Reader, CBC, HuffPost, Lean In Canada, BC Tech Association, and the Women Entrepreneurship Knowledge Hub. These features highlight the extensive reach of their influence. As they continue their journey, Zeeshan and Karina Hayat remain steadfast in their mission of innovation, leadership, and philanthropy. Their shared path is a testament to their core values and their ongoing dedication to building a better future for their community, business partners, and aspiring entrepreneurs.