Zeena Abdi Omer is a graduate student in the Master of International Public Policy program at the Balsillie School of International Affairs. She graduated from Brock University in 2025, earning an Honours Bachelor of Arts in Political Science with a minor in Gender Studies.

During her time at Brock, Zeena completed a co-op placement with the Canada Revenue Agency as a tax agent, where she gained valuable experience. She learned to apply federal tax policies, ensure regulatory compliance, and guide clients through complex administrative procedures. This experience strengthened her analytical skills and improved her ability to communicate complex information clearly, while also giving her insight into how government policies are implemented and the challenges of administering public programs.

Additionally, Zeena completed an internship at the office of Jeff Burch in Welland, Ontario, where she developed outreach strategies for underrepresented communities. Her responsibilities included conducting research, drafting briefing notes, and collaborating on community engagement projects. This experience fundamentally changed her perspective on public policy and fueled her interest in the Master’s program.

Outside of her academic pursuits, Zeena volunteered with Mission Services in Hamilton, where she worked with vulnerable populations facing challenges such as poverty, homelessness, and food insecurity.
Her academic interests encompass digital policy innovation and the ethical implications of AI. She is particularly focused on holding accountability within digital policy frameworks to address the challenges posed by emerging technologies.