Early School

Karina excelled academically, was top of her class, and skipped grades. She received a psychoeducational assessment in pre-kindergarten (4 years old) and was recognized as gifted. She participated in many civic activities in the school where she helped organize fundraisers, volunteered to perform in cultural events through dance, music and poetry. Karina was inspired by her father’s activism in the community.

Social Justice – Where it began

Karina was particularly sensitive to the ill-treatment of those in the indigenous community who were publicly shamed and marginalized. One day the oldest boy next door got in trouble for not helping and she heard him getting beaten for hours. A few days later when he didn’t come to play, she found out he had died from his beating. She recalls when she was around 8 years old, she loved playing soccer, basketball, baseball, tag, hide and seek, jacks and hopscotch with the other kids in the neighborhood. When she was 9, her friend was playing hide and seek behind the bus station and was hit by a bus. She visited him after the accident, and he had casts all over his body. He also passed away from his injuries.

Immigration to Canada (refugee)

When Karina was 11, her family had to flee from Guatemala. Her father was a human rights activist during the 1970s and 1980s. Since the teacher’s union was banned by the government, her father and his friends revived the Sindicate de Trabajadores de la Educación de Guatemala or “STEG” the Guatemalan Education Workers Union, in the late 70’s; however. He often brought Karina to the meetings. His friends who were other teachers, began disappearing and were believed to have been killed by the government. Her father applied for asylum and was accepted for political asylum to Canada.

Teens and beginning of a lifelong partnership

Karina feels blessed to have met Zeeshan at 16, as she shared similar values, work ethic and goals. She enrolled herself at the same taekwondo school as him so they could spend more time together. They both attended Douglas College full-time and held two part-time jobs. Zeeshan was working at the fair and at the local mall. Karina was working in food service, in retail at the mall and was the lead singer in a band. When Karina discovered a nutritional line she was taking had a business opportunity they both jumped at the chance to start their own business online. Karina and Zeeshan started Prizm Media in 2001.

The Hayats operated their business from home between 2001 and 2012. They were involved in non-heath care lead generation. In 2003, they hired their first employees, a graphic designer and a back-end developer who began working on the company’s proprietary lead management system. In 2004, they incorporated the business, hired two more employees and as a result of the financial crisis, they lost several clients, but persevered by entering an affiliate marketing industry. They worked in several industries doing online marketing helping businesses find new customers in the retail nutritional product arena, debt consolidation, content marketing, pay per click management. They differentiated themselves by taking on all the risk on the marketing side and offering a program where advertisers only paid per interested inquiries.  

Elevating Spirits Beyond the Mat

My involvement in local Taekwondo fundraisers was more than just about the sport; it was about fostering a community brimming with resilience, where we uplift each other in every circumstance, and offer students more than just training—a mentorship that guides them through life’s challenges.

A Journey of Compassion and Shared Blessings

Our expedition to Lahore was propelled by a heartfelt desire to extend our blessings, delivering nourishing meals to those in dire need. This endeavor was a manifestation of our unwavering commitment to global empathy and compassion.

100 Meals a Week Initiative

Our expedition to Lahore was propelled by a heartfelt desire to extend our blessings, delivering nourishing meals to those in dire need. This endeavor was a manifestation of our unwavering commitment to global empathy and compassion.

Founding a Food Bank

The establishment of the city’s inaugural Muslim Food Bank was driven by a dream to eradicate hunger and knit the community closer through acts of kindness and mutual support.

Rahman Family Initiative

Our involvement in family reunification efforts echoed my deep-seated belief in the foundational role of family and community welfare, ensuring that everyone has the support network they desperately need.

Enhancing Iftar Programs

My engagement in Iftar programs was motivated by the profound values of sharing and dignity, making sure families have the means to break their fast together in a manner that respects their unity and faith.

Interfaith Alliance for Social Justice

Collaborating with the Interfaith Alliance was an endeavor to underline the significance of working hand in hand, regardless of faith, to tackle homelessness and push for accessible housing solutions.

Enlightening Through Conferences

Speaking engagements at various conferences provided me with an avenue to contribute to the professional and entrepreneurial development of others, offering my insights and stories to inspire and educate.

Islam Unraveled Engagement

My active participation in fostering interfaith dialogue and dispelling Islamophobia is rooted in a deep commitment to education, fostering understanding, and nurturing respect amongst diverse communities.

Youth Empowerment in Entrepreneurship

Leading entrepreneurial initiatives for high schoolers was fueled by my passion to empower our youth with the skills and confidence needed to chase their dreams and craft their futures.

Global Humanitarian Missions

My efforts to sponsor families affected by conflict were motivated by a desire to reach out across borders, offering a beacon of hope and a semblance of stability in their darkest hours.

Outreach to the Vulnerable

My direct involvement in outreach programs was a response to the tangible struggles faced by those grappling with insecurity, highlighting the critical importance of community empathy and collective support.