Veena Ismail is from Gilgit Baltistan, Pakistan. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Human Nutrition & Dietetics and currently serves as a Program Officer in Health & Nutrition. Her passion lies in improving maternal and child nutrition, adolescent nutrition, and fostering women's empowerment. Over the past decade, she has been deeply involved in numerous health and nutrition projects, alongside her active participation in volunteer work. Profoundly aware of the benefits of exercise, she has a keen interest in sports, particularly volleyball and badminton. She has actively participated in volleyball as a team player, competing at both local and national levels.

Her OMLAS project, titled "Empowering and Nourishing Women in Gilgit Baltistan by Addressing Malnutrition and Menstrual Hygiene Challenges," targets menstrual hygiene management (MHM) and malnutrition. Despite the UN recognizing MHM as a public health and human rights issue, women in Gilgit Baltistan face additional challenges. They lack the resources and knowledge needed to manage menstruation effectively. Families often view girls on their periods as dirty and impure. Girls frequently decide not to attend school due to pain, fear of getting dirty, and limited access to sanitary facilities. Stereotypes and the male-centric nature of society make women feel ashamed of discussing menstruation with their families, contributing to a culture of silence.

Her primary focus is on SDG 3: Good Health & Well-being, with the cross-cutting theme of women's empowerment by ensuring gender equality (SDG 5).

Veena says; “Growing up in a male-dominated society, grappling with these challenges has been a significant struggle for me, and I always seek a platform to voice my experiences and confront these issues. OMLAS presents an incredible opportunity to tackle such issues. The OMLAS fellowship is a transformative leadership, social innovation, and entrepreneurship program that empowers fellows to implement impactful community projects. I am fortunate to be a part of OMLAS 2024, where I can contribute to positive change and make a difference in addressing the pressing concerns of females in GB by empowering them with knowledge of health and nutrition.”