@zaquiamk · Urban Studies · Climate Resilience · Storytelling & Craft
I build bridges between sustainability, community, and African craftsmanship — through urban research, climate work, and intentional storytelling.
Bilingual urban studies researcher based in Toronto, climate resilience fellow with SPROUT, and founder of Zaquia Official — a handmade leather brand rooted in Senegalese craftsmanship.
I'm a bilingual urban studies researcher based in Toronto, working at the intersection of climate resilience, community engagement, entrepreneurship, and cultural storytelling.
Coming from Senegal and now based in Toronto has shaped how I see creativity, community, and opportunity. A lot of what motivates me comes from wanting to create bridges between different worlds — through sustainability, fashion, storytelling, and cultural representation.
Across research, facilitation, design, and storytelling — tools chosen for clarity and care.
ACTIVEA handmade leather bag brand combining storytelling, branding, and African artisanship through a modern and intentional approach.
ImpactBuilt from concept to launch: identity, craftsmanship sourcing in Senegal, content direction, and a growing audience across Instagram and TikTok.
ACTIVECommunity-based climate resilience project in Regent Park developed during a 10-week Lift360 fellowship with SPROUT, focused on local environmental concerns and adaptation.
ImpactCo-designed research, a final pitch, and a participatory community activity translating lived experience into accessible talking points.
RESEARCHIntegrated urban studies project analyzing flood risk in Pikine through topography, rainfall, land use, informal settlements, and socio-economic exposure.
ImpactMapped vulnerability across an at-risk urban area and proposed adaptation strategies grounded in local conditions and equity.
ACTIVEVice-President of Communications for the Senegalese community initiative mobilizing diaspora and Toronto residents around FIFA 2026.
ImpactSupporting media strategy, storytelling, and outreach to grow inclusive community participation across diaspora groups and local partners.
Fellowships, internships, and community roles across Toronto and Dakar.
Community-based adaptation strategies for cities facing climate stress and inequity.
Sustainable city-building that centers equity, community benefit, and long-term impact.
Waste reduction, zero waste, and reusable foodware systems through an equity lens.
Facilitation, participatory design, and youth-led civic conversations.
Bringing African craftsmanship, diaspora voices, and lived experience into global conversations.
Building brands that feel human, intentional, and visually distinct.
Translating ideas into accessible storytelling across video, photography, and social.
Building Zaquia Official — a handmade leather brand connecting Senegal and Toronto.
Selected fellowships and academic projects across climate, urban studies, and community.
Open to roles, internships, creative partnerships, and collaborations across sustainability, urban studies, communications, branding, and community engagement.
Collaborators, mentors, brands, community organizations, or anyone working on something intentional at the intersection of sustainability, storytelling, and community — I'd love to hear from you.
zaquiamk@gmail.com