Bylines & Frontlines, Episode 6: Spotlight on Bibi Hakim. The Power of Policy, and Showing Up

What does it really mean to work in government — and who gets to shape the decisions that affect our lives? In the first episode of our Spotlight series, we sit down with Bibi Hakim, a parliamentary affairs professional and community advocate whose work bridges Parliament Hill, global diplomacy, and grassroots civic engagement. Bibi has supported federal Ministers and Parliamentary Secretaries, staffed international summits, and helped move complex legislation through committee. But her story doesn’t stop inside government. She’s also deeply invested in youth leadership, mental health advocacy, and building political power within Indo-Caribbean and South Asian communities in Canada. In this conversation, we talk about: ● What working in parliamentary affairs actually looks like behind the scenes ● How young professionals can navigate power without losing their values ● Why civic engagement and voter education are essential to a healthy democracy ● Turning mental health advocacy into real policy change — including her role in advancing accessible, affordable, and inclusive services adopted by the federal government in 2021 ● Mentorship, representation, and what it takes for young women to claim space in public life This episode is for anyone who’s ever wondered how policy gets made, how advocacy becomes action, and how to show up — even when the system wasn’t designed with you in mind. Guest: Bibi Hakim Host: Frieda Castellanos Series: Spotlight