Our Founder & Team
Tiana Sharifi
CEO, Expert
“We’re a small but mighty crew of educators, creatives, and changemakers who care deeply about youth and justice.
Every member of my team is here because we believe that prevention can’t wait — and that when we speak to young people with honesty and respect, they listen.
We collaborate, we laugh a lot, and we’re always learning — because the work we do is as human as it gets.
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Tiana Sharifi is a recognized leader in the prevention of sexual exploitation, with a reach that spans over 100,000 youth, parents, educators, and frontline professionals across Canada and internationally. As the founder of Exploitation Education Institute, she has developed a comprehensive, research-driven approach to tackling both in-person and digital exploitation. With a background in Psychology and Counseling, Tiana integrates education, frontline intervention, and systemic advocacy to address the root causes of trafficking, grooming, sextortion, intimate image abuse, and broader systemic vulnerabilities.
Her expertise has positioned Exploitation Education Institute as a leading force in the field, sought after for policy development, curriculum creation, keynote presentations, international conferences, nationwide law enforcement training, and nonprofit consulting. Tiana’s work has shaped prevention strategies across schools, law enforcement, and government agencies, ensuring communities are equipped with the knowledge and tools to combat sexual exploitation before it happens.
Through education, advocacy, and innovative digital tools, she is committed to reshaping how society understands and combats sexual exploitation.
Sadaf Mahdi
Strategy and Development Specialist
Sadaf supports ExEd’s mission to prevent human trafficking and sexual exploitation by helping shape our outreach, resource development, and community partnerships. In her role as Strategy and Development Specialist, she works closely with the CEO on strategic planning and program growth, aiming to expand ExEd’s reach and impact.
Sadaf has a background in Immigration Studies, holding a Master’s degree where she explored the complex, intersecting challenges faced by migrant women, particularly those dealing with intimate partner violence and housing insecurity. She also completed a Graduate degree in Urban Studies, exploring social issues affecting local communities and vulnerable populations. Her previous roles in the provincial government gave her hands-on experience in project management, policy support, and building strong relationships with various stakeholders. At ExEd, Sadaf brings her knowledge and care for community to every project.
Sara Salimian
Executive Assistant
In her role as Administrative Assistant, Sara plays a key part in supporting the team and ensuring the smooth operation of ExEd's mission to educate and empower communities about exploitation.
With over a decade of experience across branding, administration, and marketing, Sara is a versatile professional committed to helping businesses enhance operational efficiency and build strong brand identities. She has successfully contributed to a variety of industries, bringing a unique blend of creativity, organizational expertise, and strategic thinking to each role she takes on.
Outside of work, Sara enjoys spending quality time with her husband and kids. She is also passionate about exploring new experiences, immersing herself in the arts, and spending time outdoors with her dog.
Michael Taylor
Educational Advisor
Michael Taylor is a dedicated and experienced educator who was the recipient of the 2023 Premier’s Awards for Excellence in Education. Known best for his outstanding work through the Social Justice Voices program.
Michael is recognized for his creativity in social justice education, service learning, and youth empowerment initiatives. He is passionate about preventing youth exploitation and has provided presentations on the topic himself to his classes. He is currently completing a Doctorate of Education in Leadership and Policy at UBC.
In addition to leading the students who are a part of our Youth Advisory Committee, Michael oversees the curriculum development for the SEE programs.
Neomi Vafiadis
Digital Content Specialist
Neomi is a passionate marketing specialist whose professional expertise is matched by a deep commitment to making a positive impact, which led her to join Exploitation Education.
Neomi brings four years of expertise in digital marketing and social media, with a steadfast commitment to crafting authentic spaces that genuinely connect with target audiences. Her journey began as a singer-songwriter, where she built her own online community and learned how to forge meaningful connections that foster loyalty and inspire action. These foundational skills have since shaped every campaign she’s led.
For Neomi, the key to impactful engagement lies in discovering the right audience, fostering dialogue instead of monologue, and nurturing two-way relationships built on trust. Whether she’s designing campaigns that ignite important conversations or developing strategies that help brands uncover their true voice, Neomi’s passion lies in creating online experiences that resonate deeply and feel like a home for the communities they serve.