Shumaila Hemani

One of Dr. Hemani's most transformative experiences was serving as a Music Faculty member with Semester at Sea during the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. As the voyage was forced to adapt to rapidly changing global circumstances, she witnessed firsthand the importance of resilience, adaptability, and compassionate leadership—insights that continue to inform her work on wellbeing, burnout recovery, and human connection. In recognition of her leadership during this period, she received a Certificate in Resilient and Inclusive Teaching from the Institute for Shipboard Education. This inspired her to use arts-based approaches, such as deep listening, to help individuals, communities, and organizations navigate burnout, build resilience, and cultivate well-being.

Dr. Shumaila Hemani is an award-winning speaker, ethnomusicologist, author, singer, and certified Positive Neuroplasticity teacher trained by Dr. Rick Hanson. A PEN Canada Writer in Exile, her debut memoir, Writing in the Wound: Acculturation, Trauma, and Music, was featured in Alberta's Favourite Reads and received a Silver Award from Literary Titan, which described her storytelling as "arresting, thought-provoking, and fiercely alive." Barb Howard, an award-winning Calgary-based author, found the memoir "fascinating" and her writing to be "multifaceted, beautifully lyrical, and crystal clear.” She has keynoted for Map the Systems Canada finals (2024) and the University of Hawaii's Climate Change and South Asia Conference (2023).

Dr. Hemani has delivered guest talks at many ethnomusicology conferences and appeared on several podcasts in North America, including CBC's What on Earth and Reading Hannah Arendt with Roger Berkowitz (Bard University, New York), U-Multicultural, OC87 Recovery Diaries, Wise Brain Bulletin, and more. Her creative non-fiction writing has appeared in The Conversation, The Goose, SUSPECT (forthcoming), To Write Love on her Arms, Wise Brain Bulleting, and the International Human Rights Arts Movement's special anthology on Hannah Arendt. She has a book contract with Routledge's Human Rights series for her monograph and an upcoming article in Traditions of Music and Dance (Cambridge University Press).

Speaking Topics

Arts, Culture, and Music

-Writing in the Wound: Music, Trauma, and Healing

-Deep Listening as Creative Practice

-Storytelling, Identity, and Belonging

-Music and Social Change

-Wellbeing, Burnout, and Resilience

From Trauma to Resilience

-Burnout Prevention Through Deep Listening

-Wellbeing in Times of Uncertainty

-Reconnecting with Purpose Through Creative Practice

-Human Rights and Energy Justice

-Immigration Precarity and Belonging

Human Rights and Cultural Identity

- Cultural Rights and Intangible Heritage

Testimonials

"Thank you, Shumaila, for her powerful storytelling." Action Dignity, Echoes of Equity event.

“[Shumaila’s] message addresses the critical and often misunderstood issue of burnout with empathy and insight. [Her] points about the uniqueness of each individual’s experience with burnout and the systemic nature of its causes are particularly poignant” - Alister Martin, CEO A Healthier Democracy, Former Physician at the Harvard Kennedy School of Medicine

"I was amazed at the series of workshops by Shumaila Hemani. In my 22 years of experience in the climate field, I have never had the opportunity to combine my background in film/photography/art with climate change. The work Shumaila is doing is incredibly innovative, and I think it touched a deep yearning among the participants to seek equity and justice in this world in which we are immersed.”

— Helen Corbett, CEO, All One Sky International

“Shumaila is an excellent facilitator. She guides participants to tap into new ways of experiencing their surroundings through sound and listening, helping them come away with a new perspective.”

—Stefanie Drozda, Program Officer, Alberta Ecotrust

“Such a powerful and deeply moving essay… What struck me most was the way CATABASIS gives narrative and emotional form to the precariousness Arendt identified at the heart of human rights: the condition of living without full political recognition or belonging. Your reflection on inhabiting a space between visibility and invisibility, voice and enforced silence, captures with extraordinary force the human reality behind Arendt’s insight that rights depend upon a political world willing to see and recognize us…profoundly impressed by your contribution.”

—Roger Berkovitz, Director, Hannah Arendt Center (Bard College, New York)

“Shumaila's unique approach blends artistic modalities, mindfulness meditations, positive neuroplasticity, and insights from legendary social advocates. With over 15 years of experience as a social advocate, Hemani is not just a coach but a compassionate guide empowering individuals to uncover breakthroughs and strengthen their courage for personal and collective wellness.” - Nelly Chavez, CEO Weekly Staff

Selected Organizations and Events

Map the Systems Canada Finals

Alberta Ecotrust Deep Listening Workshops

University of Hawaii

TD Incubator Artists Program, Werklund Centre

Canadian Poverty Institute Summer Program

Action Dignity's Echoes of Equity Labour Day Event

Canadian Centre for Ethnomusicology, University of Alberta

Artist Speak, Mount Royal University

Canadian Authors Association

Audiences value her ability to translate complex ideas into accessible insights that inspire reflection, resilience, and meaningful action.

Testimonials from Mentees and Clients

"Talking to D.r Shumaila about imposter syndrome helped me gain a new understanding of how to relate to my fears. I

realized that challenging ourselves puts us in uncomfortable zones, and that process of self-doubting is significant for growth. Her insights were incredibly valuable. It was a pleasure to meet her; she was a very kind mentor and used a gentle approach to help me overcome my fears."

- Mady (Mentee in the Women in Music, Canada

"I was overwhelmed with the understanding shown by Shumaila (in the Advocacy Burnout to Breakthrough call) and really had a strong sense that she appreciated the struggles I have and recognized similar obstacles and problems to me. Her empathy and ability to connect with me and recognize how I approached my work were extremely valuable and comforting."

- Ruth, Volunteer, UK Charities

I felt understood and valued during the coaching session and came away with renewed hope and optimism that not only can Icontinue my advocacy work in a more compassionate way to myself, but also that those I work with/for will be better supported too. Amost productive Advocacy Burnout to Breakthrough call with clear advice and methods provided for future work together. Iam indeed most grateful for the time spent." - Aya Nakamura, Changemaker, Calgary, Canada

"Setting intentions has been instrumental in boosting my self-esteem. Dr. Hemani's insights and strategies, especially considering neurodiversity, have helped me better manage daily obstacles. Additionally, the documents and schedule she provided were very helpful in understanding the overall approach."

- Liam S., Quebec, Canada