Over the past 25 years, Karina Hayat has played a pivotal role in launching and managing multiple ventures spanning e-commerce, digital marketing, and lead generation for direct marketing campaigns. She has also successfully developed multifamily residential properties, focusing on creating modern living solutions to accommodate the needs of rapidly growing urban populations.
Currently serving as the Transformation, Change, and Innovation Advisor at Kudos Technologies, Karina harnesses the power of AI, automation, and data analytics to devise solutions that address business inefficiencies in SMEs. She leads a dedicated team that designs custom software to accelerate sales, optimize processes, and improve marketing strategies for businesses of all sizes.
Karina’s deep commitment to community service began at an early age in Guatemala, where she assisted her father in teaching illiterate adults in a makeshift classroom at just five years old. This formative experience inspired her to co-found Canada’s first Muslim Food Bank and launch the “100 Meals a Week” initiative, which aims to address the diverse needs of vulnerable individuals in Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside.
She is actively involved in a broad range of social issues, including family reunification, mental health advocacy, interfaith dialogue, and homelessness prevention. As past Chairwoman of the BCMA Vancouver chapter, Karina worked to foster community cohesion and safety. Her humanitarian efforts extend globally, as she has supported Syrian refugee families and demonstrated unwavering dedication to social impact.
Karina’s dedication to education is evident in her mentorship of young entrepreneurs. She aspires to write a book, establish an orphanage, and found a homeless shelter, further underscoring her commitment to social welfare and the betterment of her community. Despite her demanding schedule, Karina prioritizes health and wellness, emphasizing the importance of a balanced diet, regular physical activity, and mental fortitude. She encourages her children to adopt healthy, active lifestyles from a young age.
A highly sought-after speaker, Karina shares her expertise at conferences, contributing to the growth of fellow entrepreneurs. Her outstanding achievements have earned her numerous accolades, including recognition as one of WXN Canada’s Most Powerful Women, placement in CHATELAINE PROFIT W100 Canada’s Top Female Entrepreneurs, and recognition as an Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year Pacific Finalist. In 2022, Karina received the prestigious Women of Impact Award from the Government of Canada, acknowledging her groundbreaking contributions over 25 years.
Karina’s impact has been featured in major publications such as Global Citizen Forum, Yahoo! News, UNHCR, Global News, Press Reader, CBC, HuffPost, Lean In Canada, BC Tech Association, and the Women Entrepreneurship Knowledge Hub, reflecting her far-reaching influence across a wide range of fields.