CEO, Dynacare
City: Brampton, Ontario
Country of origin: Rwanda / Zaire
Young Naseem Somani travelled a treacherous path with her parents and siblings, fleeing Central Africa to safety in Canada in 1974. However, their troubles didn’t go away upon immigration.
“My biggest struggle was losing my father one month after landing in Canada. We were not settled, and my mom and sister had to work six days a week to make ends meet,” Somani shares. “I was a young teenager and had the responsibility of taking care of my brother. It was quite an adjustment and I had to grow up fast.”
Educated in French throughout high school, Somani also faced difficulty learning in English at the university level. “While settling down in a new country, we should make every effort to learn the local language — the ability to communicate is key,” she says.
“Other key attributes that helped me overcome my struggles were the values my parents had taught me,” she says. “They taught me that integrity, hard work, being a contributing member of society and getting a solid education were the passport to stability and personal security.”
More at the source: Naseem Somani | Canadian Immigrant
Ismailimail 