Kyan Nademi of North York, Toronto, Ontario, was appointed to the Ontario Arts Council (OAC) board of directors in June 2019. Canadian of Iranian heritage, Kyan says she is firmly anchored in both cultures. She graduated with a Bachelor of Commerce degree from Saint Mary's University in Halifax, Nova Scotia. Since then, her professional career has been in the financial sector. She is currently an Index Analyst at the Canada Pension Plan Investment Board.
Kyan has also built a parallel career in the arts, with appearances in films and music videos. She has served as emcee and host for various cultural events. She has also been on the planning committee of the CineIran Festival, the Phoenix Comedy Film Festival and the Tirgan Festival. In 2015, she was a contestant in the Miss Universe Canada competition.
Kyan is an activist for One Free World International, a non-profit organization that gives voice to minorities persecuted for their beliefs. She speaks about human rights issues and has participated in international conferences about freedom of religion, the rights of minority groups, and women’s rights. Kyan is the organizer of an annual event in support of Operation Smile, successfully raising more than $10,000 for the charity each year.
Kyan grew up in a family where arts and culture played a central role. Despite her youth, Kyan has been a major supporter and advocate for arts. She frequents art galleries, operas, ballets, musical performances and local theatre. She believes strongly that participation in the arts brings out creativity and productivity in everyone. Kyan advocates for the benefits of the arts for participants, especially for the value they bring to mental and emotional well-being.
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