Audio Conversations: Pathways to Belonging and Influence

Strategies and skills of flourishing Canadians, born abroad

Pathways to Belonging and Influence: Strategies and skills of the flourishing Canadians, born abroad is a joint applied research project between Calgary Region Immigrant Employment Council (CRIEC) and Bow Valley College. The goal of this research project was to identify common trends, practices and tactics among successful immigrants and determine effective strategies for establishing oneself in Canada. This project is funded by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).

The first part of this project includes a series of audio conversations with immigrants who have successfully established themselves and are flourishing in Canada. The conversations reflect a diversity of experiences. Each person has unique life lessons to share with you. Listen to these conversations or read the transcripts to learn strategies and tips for establishing yourself and experiencing success in Canada. The second part of this project resulted in a report which summarizes common strategies and practices among successful immigrants.

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A conversation with Narmin Ismail-Teja

“Embrace Canada, Canada embraces you.”

Narmin Ismail-Teja came to Canada from Kenya as a child with her family. She is passionate about making Calgary a better place for everyone. She is a principal with impact@work and focuses on diversity and inclusion in the workplace and community.

Narmin shares her insight into establishing yourself in Canada and making Canada your home.

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Listen to audio

Transcript

You can view a text version of the audio conversation here.

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Listen to audio

Transcript

You can view a text version of the audio conversation here.

View PDF

A conversation with Rita Kanchet

“If you believe in something, don’t give up until you’ve made it.”

Rita Kanchet is a broadcast engineer originally from Syria. She arrived in Calgary with her family in December of 2015. She has established a successful catering business to support her family while she pursues further education in a new field in Canada.

Rita discusses her experience of starting over in Canada and embracing the community.

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Listen to audio

Transcript

You can view a text version of the audio conversation here.

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Listen to audio

Transcript

You can view a text version of the audio conversation here.

View PDF

A conversation with Misheck Mwaba

“What are the barriers and how do you go around them?”

Misheck Mwaba is originally from Zambia. He completed his academic education in Mechanical Engineering in Zambia, England and the Netherlands. He came to Canada to do his Post Doc at Carleton University and then continued his career in Canada. He is currently Vice President Academic at Bow Valley College.

Misheck discusses his experience of integrating into a new culture and getting his foreign credentials recognized in Canada.

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Listen to audio

Transcript

You can view a text version of the transcript here.

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Listen to audio

Transcript

You can view a text version of the transcript here.

View PDF

A conversation with Charles Osuji

“Get out there and connect with people.”

Charles Osuji completed his education in law in Nigeria and was called to the Nigerian bar in 2010. He came to Canada shortly after, challenged his exams and re-established himself as a lawyer here. He is now the owner of Osuji and Smith Lawyers.

Charles shares his message of positivity, determination and the importance of mentorship.

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Listen to audio

Transcript

You can view a text version of the transcript here.

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Listen to audio

Transcript

You can view a text version of the transcript here.

View PDF

A conversation with Esmail Bharwani

“If you keep the doors open, the opportunities will come.”

Esmail Bharwani is originally from Tanzania. He secured his professional accounting designation in England. He later moved from Tanzania to Canada where he has had a successful career as a professional accountant, corporate, commercial and tax lawyer, radio and TV personality, university instructor and writer.

Esmail, a life-long learner, shares about getting designations recognized in Canada, making the most of any and all opportunities, and about how persistent commitment and efforts to succeed enabled him to achieve his goals.

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Listen to audio

Transcript

You can view a text version of the audio conversation here.

View PDF

Listen to audio

Transcript

You can view a text version of the audio conversation here.

View PDF

A conversation with Lionel Laroche

“You need a mentor.”

Lionel Laroche is originally from France. He completed his education in chemical engineering in France and the USA after which he moved to Canada. He worked as a chemical engineer in Canada for several years and then established his own cross-cultural consulting company, Multicultural Business Solutions.

Lionel discusses the lessons he learned through his journey to finding the right career in Canada.