Change is coming to Mississauga, and Rabia Khedr wants to be part of it.

She knows it won’t be easy. The 44-year-old mother of four is running for councillor in Ward 6. So are 6 others including incumbent Ron Starr, running for a second term.

But Khedr stands out. Not only for her diligent work on the sidelines — she has been a part of the Mississauga Accessibility Advisory Committee for a decade, with the last eight years as chair.

Her secret weapon may also be the unique perspective she will bring to the table if she is voted in.

“I want to be able to show people that a brown, blind woman with her head covered can make it in a society based on her skills and abilities,” she said. “It’s really important that every Mississaugan feel connected and reflected at council,” said Khedr, who has lived in Mississauga for nearly 40 years.

At a recent council meeting, outgoing Mayor Hazel McCallion praised her for her contribution to the city.

“Rabia is a person with a disability who accomplishes more than people with ability,” said the mayor. “She’s a dynamic person, and is involved in so many things in the community,” she said. “She doesn’t take no for an answer, when she wants to accomplish something.”

After years of working with committees, boards, organizations, Khedr said she felt she’s at the point where “I have done as much as I can from the outside,” she said. “For me, the next step is to be in a position of power where I can influence decisions directly,” said Khedr, who runs a consulting business called Diversityworx, which offers human-rights and equity training.

Her platform is one of accessibility, transparency and fairness. She also wants more clarity on the Line 9 gas pipeline that runs through Ward 6 along the 403.

“I’m not a crazy environmentalist,” she said. “I just think residents need to be informed.”

So like any politicians, she’s already making promises. But only ones she is sure she can keep.

“I’m making one promise: you have direct interaction to council. I will be there to voice your concerns,” she said.

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