Somia is a Canada-based practitioner and peacebuilder focusing on Impact Assessment and Conflict Transformation. Somia’s areas of expertise include national, international, and tribal negotiations, violence prevention interventions, deradicalization and psychosocial readiness. She is an experienced facilitator and trainer in trauma-informed practices, identity, othering and framing in peacebuilding.

Practice Areas 

  • National, International, and Inter-tribal Negotiations
  • Violence Prevention Interventions
  • Deradicalization and Psychosocial Readiness
  • Trauma-informed Practices
  • Peace Process Design
  • Relationship Agreements
  • Identity, Othering, and Framing in Peacebuilding

Qualifications

  • Leiden University, The Hague, Dept. of War, Peace, and Justice, Doctorate (2019 – current). Focus: Identity, Othering, Framing, Trauma, and Conflict Transformation
  • University of Maryland, Maryland, Graduate Certificate (2019). Focus: Terrorism Analysis and Counterterrorism Operations
  • University of Manitoba, Manitoba, Masters Natural Resources Management (2016). Focus: Free, Prior, and Informed Consent and UNDRIP
  • University of Manitoba, Manitoba, Bachelors Honours Environmental Sciences (2006). Focus: Environmental Assessment

Experience 

  • Narratives, Founder, Principal Partner – May 2017 to Current
  • AECOM Canada Ltd, Impact Assessment & Permitting Lead, Western Canada (2015–2017)
  • AECOM Canada Ltd, Environmental Planner, Western Canada (2012–2015)
  • MMM Group Ltd, Senior Environmental Planner (2012–2015)
  • International Consultant, Freelance (2007-2009)
  • ND Lea Engineers & Planners, Environmental Planner (2003-2008)
  • Advisor – Minister’s Advisory Council, Environment & Climate Change Canada (2020-current)
  • Chair – Women in Mediation Action Group (2020-2022)
  • Member – Mediators Beyond Borders International (current)
  • Director – Mediation Services Board of Directors (2020-2022)
  • Director – Efficiency Manitoba Board of Directors (2017-2020)
  • Affiliate – Canadian Network for Research on Terrorism, Security and Society (current)

Languages 

  • English – Written and spoken
  • Urdu – Written and spoken
  • Punjabi – Written and spoken
  • Arabic – Written and basic spoken
  • Hindi – Spoken

Region 

  • Oceania
  • Central Asia
  • East Asia
  • South Asia
  • Southeast Asia
  • West Asia
  • Europe
  • Central Africa
  • East Africa
  • North Africa
  • Southern Africa
  • West Africa
  • South America