Arifa Virani
Acting Executive Director / Program Director
With over 13 years of leadership, creative direction and business development experience in the private business and non-profit sector, Arifa brings a unique perspective to lead ADRIA in the strategic objectives and fulfillment of its vision, mission and values.
As the Acting Executive Director of the Alternative Dispute Resolution Institute of Alberta (ADRIA), Arifa is deeply committed to serving the community by providing Albertans with the information, tools, and resources needed to navigate conflict effectively and collaboratively. In this role, she ensures that ADRIA fulfills its mission of advancing the practice, professionalism, and quality of Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) processes while fostering a sense of trust and accessibility in the services provided.
Arifa brings strategic leadership, guidance, and creative vision to ensure ADRIA achieves its mission while maintaining operational excellence and financial sustainability. She works closely with the dedicated team, board of directors, and stakeholders to develop and implement strategies that reflect the evolving needs of Albertans and the broader ADR community.
Arifa is inspired by the opportunity to foster meaningful connections with individuals, organizations, and partners, enabling ADRIA to continue delivering high-quality education, professional accreditation, and access to a skilled network of mediators, arbitrators, adjudicators, and practitioners. As a non-profit, ADRIA takes pride in supporting the professional growth of practitioners while empowering communities to resolve disputes in ways that are fair, effective, and reflective of contemporary standards.
As a leader, Arifa embraces a collaborative leadership approach that emphasizes teamwork, open communication, and shared decision-making. She focuses on inspiring and empowering the team to achieve organizational goals while fostering a supportive and inclusive work environment. By incorporating best practices in leadership and principles from Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI), Arifa actively works to ensure all voices are heard and valued, promoting a culture where diverse perspectives are not only welcomed but integral to the decision-making process. This approach encourages participation, fosters a sense of belonging, and drives continuous learning and professional growth. Arifa’s leadership philosophy centers on building trust, fostering strong relationships, and creating an environment where collaboration, respect, and equity are fundamental to the organization’s success.
Arifa holds an M.A. in International Studies and Diplomacy from SOAS University of London and a B.A. in Political Science from the University of Alberta. Her professional journey has taken her across Canada, the United Kingdom, and Norway, providing her with a diverse perspective that shapes her work.
