Alida was born and raised in Burundi. Her interest in addressing social inequalities led her to Malawi, where she worked with Makupo Development Group on HIV prevention for women and girls. Alida later moved to Sherbrooke, Canada to attend Bishop’s University, where she obtained her undergraduate degree in Sociology and International Relations. While in college, Alida served as president of the university’s Caribbean and African Students’ Association, a leadership position that afforded her opportunits to speak at conferences on global inequity. After graduating, Alida moved to Ottawa to work on a project with the Ministry of Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development. In her free time, Alida is a dance teacher and choreographer for a local traditional Burundian dance troupe.