Camellia Jahanshahi – Dismantling Barriers Lead

Camellia Jahanshahi (she/her/none) is a queer Iranian-American multidisciplinary artist, performer, activist, community worker, and lifelong UU. With a BA and MA in Religions and Cultures from Concordia University, a professional certificate in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion work from Cornell University and over 10 years of community work, Camellia is ecstatic to be joining the CUC team to put her skills to work in the pursuit of solidarity, liberation, advocacy and joy. 

Within the Unitarian Universalist world Camellia has worked extensively with several congregations in their Religious Exploration departments, youth work, and, more recently, also acts as a lay chaplain for the Unitarian Church of Montreal. Camellia is the lead facilitator and founder of the CUC’s Rising Together, a virtual gathering space for Canadian UU’s of colour, and has demonstrated her passion for anti-racism and solidarity work several times over the years with various sermons, events, workshops, and projects. 

Outside of the UU world, Camellia spends her time engaging in more community work and is passionate about building spaces for connection, non judgemental learning, rest, and joy. Outside of all of that, she loves making art, cooking for her friends, and hanging out with her cat, Kimchi. 

With this role in the CUC, Camellia is eager to:

• develop anti-oppressive resources and curriculums for congregations
• help with community outreach plans to support more inclusive and diverse congregations
• build spaces for growing, connection, solidarity, and care
• create a sustainable model for this role and those who will do this work after me

You can reach Camellia at camellia.jahanshahi@cuc.ca