A patriotic Canadian of Indo Pakistani origin Zohra immigrated to Canada in 1976. According to her ‘she burnt her bridges’ never to look back. Having traveled to about thirty-six countries around the world in Africa, Europe and South Asia, she has led an extremely adventurous life.  Consequently Zohra calls herself a ‘Citizen of the World’. 
 
Before leaving Pakistan as a teenager, she was awarded ‘Tamgha-e-Seerath’ a Gold Medal as ‘All Round Best Student’ presented by the Education Minister.  Before leaving Nigeria for Canada, she won two Gold medals in All Nigeria Open Championship in badminton, representing The University of Ife where she did her graduate work.  In Canada she won Honorable Regional Employee award as well as the Top National Sales Award in her banking career, namely a sports car!  After twenty year tenure she willingly closed this chapter and joined her son’s Optometry practice as the Dispensary Manager where she now enjoys working part time. She is currently writing her memoirs to share her exciting life experiences with others.  The working title being: ‘The Other I’ or ‘Doosree Mein’.
 
Passionate about promoting better mutual and cultural bonds, especially post 911, Zohra is the founder of Bridging the Gap Productions.  This is a non religious, non political and not for profit organization registered in Ontario. Canadians of various faiths and cultures from all walks of life have now joined hands in this mission of ‘Enlightenment through Entertainment’.
See photos with captions
 
Writer of short stories and poetry, in English as well as her native language Urdu, Zohra has touched upon sensitive social issues in our multi cultural community (see list of poems). The Two Award Winning Plays with a Multi Cultural Twist, presented by Bridging the Gap have now been published and the official book launch is scheduled for May 16, 2009.  See book cover and launch details.
 
Over the past 20 years, in various official capacities Zohra has spearheaded Annual Gala Dinners, Musical concerts and live theatre to raise funds for various charitable organizations.

Zohra has appeared on Radio and Television interviews in Sweden, Nigeria, Abu Dhabi UAE and Canada. She was recently interviewed by a U.S. Television channel in Buffalo, NY where her plays were also aired.

• Charter Member of Writers and Editors Network (Toronto)
• Board Member Vision and Literacy International
• Zohra has been actively reading at various poetry festivals of Canadian Federation of Poets, Oakville Poetry Allianance in Mississauga and Toronto. 
  see photos
  
• Zohra is excited that excerpts of her memoirs (not yet published)as well as a few poems have recently been translated by the University of Romania to be included in an anthology for publication.

Through the power of pen and people, we can make a difference. In a world of disintegration and disarray, we must join hands and promote integration and acceptance. Stereotyping is dangerous for it will unfairly alienate many. Once you bridge the gaps ‘Diversity is a definite plus’.
Thanks to all our members. Without the keen participation of highly talented professionals and artists Zohra could not have accomplished the above tasks.