About me
Dr. Jamila Maliha brings over 26 years of experience in public education, marked by a strong commitment to student achievement, equity, and inclusive leadership. Her career has spanned diverse roles—from classroom teacher (elementary and secondary) and Science Department Head to Vice-Principal, Principal, and, most recently, Superintendent of Education in three Ontario school boards. Dr. Maliha currently serves as a Superintendent of Student Achievement and Well-Being with the Waterloo Region District School Board (WRDSB), where she oversees portfolios in K–12 Math and Science, Board Leadership Capacity, and Equity. Before joining WRDSB, she served with the Kawartha Pine Ridge District School Board and the Durham District School Board, where she led system-wide initiatives focused on identity-affirming education, student well-being, and transformational change. Her leadership portfolios over the years have included Equity, Diversity and Inclusion, Mental Health, Innovation and Information Technology, Research, Safe, Caring and Restorative Schools, and K–12 Teaching and Learning. Beyond her district work, Jamila mentors aspiring education leaders through the Supervisory Officer's Qualification Program (SOQP) and has served on the Board of Directors of the Ontario Public Supervisory Officers' Association (OPSOA). Jamila earned her Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) in Educational Leadership, where her dissertation focused on cultivating anti-oppressive and anti-racist school leadership. She is known for her relational leadership, collaborative style, and deep belief in the power of public education to advance social justice. She holds high expectations for all learners and leads with a clear focus on academic achievement—particularly in the areas of literacy and numeracy—while fostering inclusive, responsive, and empowering school environments where all students feel seen, heard, and valued. Outside of work, Jamila is a proud mother and passionate supporter of the arts. As a devoted "dance and theatre mom," she celebrates the role of the arts in nurturing creativity, student voice, and well-being. She also enjoys hiking and spending time in nature, finding inspiration and balance in the outdoors.
