Waterloo Region – The Region of Waterloois pleased to announce Samina Sami as the Executive Director of Community Safety and Wellbeing. Samina will lead the implementation of the Community Safety and Wellbeing Plan, working with the Steering Committee to accelerate progress on the plan and its four priorities on behalf of the dozens of system, grassroots and community organizations involved in the plan. 

“I am excited to officially welcome Samina to the role of Executive Director, Community Safety and Wellbeing,” said Regional Chair Karen Redman. “Samina brings a wealth of expertise and experience, in social services, community safety, and in government, which will serve her well on this new journey.”

Samina most recently led COSTI as CEO, a social service organization providing a variety of programs including skills training, employment, social services, gender-based violence education, emergency shelters, and housing. Samina previously served as the Executive Director of Community Safety at York University where she oversaw 24/7 community safety and emergency operations and she led the community-driven strategy, "Safer Together."

“I look forward to supporting the Community Safety and Wellbeing Plan, and working alongside community and partners to ensure every person who calls Waterloo Region home feels safe, cared for, and has an opportunity to thrive,” said Samina.

Prior to joining the Region and holding leadership positions at COSTI and York University, she also held a variety of leadership and policy roles with the Government of Ontario. While in government, she oversaw a diverse range of priorities, including gender-based violence strategies, public safety programs, economic development policies, community grant programs and public affairs.

She was also an Instructor at the Ontario Police College where she oversaw curricula development and training for police services across Ontario, including in adult education, hate crimes, community policing and anti-racism.

Samina holds a Bachelor of Science and Master of Education from the University of Toronto and a joint Executive Master of Business Administration from the Schulich School of Business and the Kellogg School of Management.

Samina joined as Executive Director of Community Safety and Wellbeing on September 15. The Waterloo Region Community Safety and Wellbeing Plan is a community-led, all of community initiative focused on creating safety and wellbeing for all. More information on the Waterloo Region Community Safety and Wellbeing Plan can be found on the safeandwellwr.ca website.

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