Eligible travellers from 13 countries no longer need a visitor visa

Canada has announced the addition of 13 countries to the Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) program. Eligible travellers, from Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Costa Rica, Morocco, Panama, Philippines, St. Kitts and Nevis, St. Lucia, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Seychelles, Thailand, Trinidad and Tobago and Uruguay, who have either held a Canadian visa in the last 10 years or who currently hold a valid United States non-immigrant visa, can now apply for an eTA instead of a visa when travelling to Canada by air. However, individuals from these countries who are travelling to Canada by means other than air (for example, by car, bus, train and boat—including by cruise ship), will still need a visitor visa.

“This exciting development means that more individuals from around the world can now embark on unforgettable adventures, explore our diverse landscapes, reunite with family and friends, and immerse themselves in our vibrant culture without the hurdle of visa requirements,” says

Immigration Minister Sean Fraser. “This expansion not only enhances convenience for travellers, it will also increase travel, tourism and economic benefits, as well as strengthen global bonds with these 13 countries.”

The decision will also reduce Canada’s visa application caseload, allowing more efficient processing of applications to benefit all visa applicants.

More information is available at Canada.ca/eTA.

Upcoming offerings from Canadian Immigrant

Mark your calendars! Check out these Canadian Immigrant events that provide excellent opportunities for newcomers and immigrants looking for information and connections in the areas of careers, education and settlement.

Canadian Immigrant Industryspecific Web Conference Series: These free, 90-minute virtual events, organized in partnership with ACCES Employment, focus on information for internationally educated professionals in specific areas. The next two events will provide information for accounting professionals (Aug. 17) and information technology professionals (Sep. 14). Learn more at canadianimmigrant.ca/ web-conference.

Canadian Immigrant Fairs: Next up are Fairs in Calgary (Aug. 24), Vancouver (Oct. 26) and Mississauga (Nov. 9). Attendees will have the opportunity to spend the day speaking with settlement agencies, learning about educational options, exploring career opportunities, and networking with other participants. As always, we present our very popular offering — the Resumé Clinic — where experienced employment counsellors are available to critique resumés and provided free one-onone advice. Learn more and sign up to attend at canadianimmigrant. ca/careerfair

Ontario Bridge Ontario Bridge Training Program Training Program

Low-cost programs that give you a first chance at Low-cost programs that give you a first chance at a second career a second career training program to earn a 12-week training program to earn a certificate in network cabling certificate in network cabling training program to earn two 11-week training program to earn two certificates in cloud computing certificates in cloud computing training program to earn the 12-week training program to earn the Gas Technician 3 license Gas Technician 3 license

Learn more about the program: CareerFoundation/OBTP

15 Years Of Celebrating Immigrant Excellence

Presenting the Top 25 Canadian Immigrant Award winners of 2023

With increasing immigration targets, more immigrants are coming to Canada to make a better life for their families. And data shows that Canada is better for it, too — immigration accounts for 100 per cent of Canada’s labour force growth! But the true impact immigrants have on this country is best told through their personal success stories. That’s what the Top 25 Canadian Immigrant Awards has been about since its launch 15 years ago.

Presented by Western Union, the Top 25 Canadian Immigrant Awards is a leader in highlighting inspiring stories of immigrants in Canada, from coast to coast and from diverse cultures and backgrounds. The awards program is also supported by COSTI Immigrant Services and Windmill Microlending.

This year’s list of recipients includes a film star/vegan advocate, a Juno-nominated songwriter who writes songs to empower, a Canadian football MVP, as well as many diverse community champions working tirelessly to do good. We’re also again celebrating a Youth Award winner and Entrepreneur Award winner.

“For 15 years, we have been awed by the stories of our Top 25 inductees, and this year’s winners are a testament to the important role that immigrants play in Canada,” says Sanjay Agnihotri, publisher, Canadian Immigrant. “As we welcome more newcomers to Canada, it’s more important than ever for us to celebrate the important contributions immigrants and refugees make. Congratulations to all of this year’s recipients, and thank you to Western Union for being our partner in the awards.”

“Immigrants are an incredible engine of growth across Canada, contributing in so many ways to our society,” says Ari Hagnas, Western Union general manager, Canada. “In the spirit of recognizing their achievements, Western Union is once again honoured to sponsor these prestigious awards and recognize the numerous contributions from those who have moved to Canada from all parts of the world. We stand here to support them as they continue their journey in their new country.”

The Top 25 Canadian Immigrants of 2023 were chosen after an extensive nomination, judging, shortlisting and public online voting process. Thank you to our esteemed panel of judges made up of past winners: Diana Alli D’Souza, Tracy Barry, Janaka Ruwanpura and Ruairi Spillane.

In addition to the Top 25, we’re also pleased to introduce the new Windmill Microlending Empowerment Award, which recognizes an individual who works above and beyond to empower and support the successful journeys of immigrants and refugees to Canada.

Now, let’s discover this year’s winners!

Ali Abukar

Social justice in the Prairies

Ali Abukar fled his homeland of Somalia at the age of 18, landing in Egypt as a refugee. He worked and studied there for a decade before finally arriving in Canada in 2011. Here he continued his studies, completing a master’s degree in social work in Ontario. Abukar was excited about building a successful future in his new country, but it wasn’t a straight door to success.

“The biggest struggle I faced was after I completed my master’s degree program in Canada; I could not land a job in my field for more than six months. I had to take a survival job while job hunting,” he says.

Open to going wherever opportunity led him, he moved to Saskatoon in November 2013 to join Saskatoon Open Door Society (SODS) as a settlement worker in schools (SWIS).

“Not giving up on my passion helped me achieve success,” says Abukar. “I was also openminded about where I looked for opportunities was quickly recognized for his passion, abilities and leadership skills; he was promoted to program team leader just four months later. After leading the society’s SWIS and youth programs for a little over a year and half, Abukar stepped up to become its chief executive officer in November 2015. He has been leading SODS, one of the largest newcomer-serving agencies in the Prairies with more than 220 employees serving more than 13,000 newcomers annually, ever since.

In the pursuit of social justice, he also serves on multiple community organizations’ boards and advisory committees, working to ensure the voices of immigrants and refugees as well as Black Canadians and people of colour are included in discussions and decision-making processes.

“Making a difference in people’s lives is what I love about my job and volunteering efforts,” says Abukar. For his ongoing advocacy for equity, inclusion and social justice, Abukar was recognized as a Champion for Human Rights in 2020 by the Saskatchewan Human Rights

Paola Ardiles Gamboa Healthy journeys

Paola Ardiles Gamboa, PhD, immigrated to Canada as a child with her family fleeing the military dictatorship in Chile in the 1970s. “Our family had to leave everything behind — language, culture and family,” says Ardiles Gamboa. “I have used this as inspiration to mentor immigrant and refugee youth so that their journey may be a little more joyous.”

She does this as a senior lecturer at the Faculty of Health Sciences, Simon Fraser University (SFU) in Vancouver. “I am privileged to be an educator and have the chance to influence young people who will be the future leaders,” says Ardiles Gamboa, who was honoured with the BC Teaching and Learning Council’s inaugural West Coast Teaching Excellence Award in 2022 for her inclusive teaching approach. “I teach my students using holistic tools such as art and dialogue, which allow for inclusive and more authentic participation.”

She also invites her students to dream. “I have learned that to create change, we must dream big, set goals and then take the actions to get there,” she says. “It's an honour to support our diverse youth in their journeys.”

Ndiallo Aw Badji World of business

As the founder and CEO of the multifaceted Groupe Mamy Kaya and Mamy Kaya World, Ndiallo Aw Badji is a social entrepreneur connecting Canada and her homeland of Senegal.

Based near Montreal, in Pincourt, Quebec, Aw Badji offers business consulting services as well as supports the production of natural African agri-food products, and natural and organic cosmetics under the banner of Mamy Kaya, Nature’s Best.

“I offer my coaching services to entrepreneurs, investors, SMEs and government organizations in various fields of activity such as strategic support, business development, business relations between Senegal and Canada, and finding financing and partners,” says Aw Badji, who holds master’s degrees in business and finance.

A champion of sustainable development, Aw Badji’s business not only empowers women farmers in Senegal and promotes African products in Canada, but it also honours her mother, Rokhaya Mother Kaya.

“Throughout her life, my mother was a very important role model who supported women

Her own dream is to advance policies, practices and research toward equity in health and education. “My research, teaching and community work are all about co-creating solutions related to community health and wellbeing,” says Ardiles Gamboa, who was recently awarded SFU’s Warren Gill Award for Community Impact.

In February 2023, Ardiles Gamboa and her research partners released a communityengaged research report The Myth of Canada: The Exclusion of Internationally Trained Physicians.

Ardiles Gamboa also currently co-leads Art on the Go, an arts-based youth participatory research project working to improve road safety policies for newcomer youth, in partnership with the Public Health Association of BC and Bridge for Health, a co-operative she co-founded in 2017.

“As a Latina living in Canada, I am aware of my privileges and continue to find ways to share my knowledge and skills through mentoring young people from the global south.” and young people in matters of finance, education and health — in short, everything we now call sustainable development,” explains Aw Badji. “I’m keen to replicate her efforts through Groupe Mamy Kaya, so that her name goes down in history as a model of sustainable social and economic development.”

Aw Badji has definitely honoured her mother’s legacy with impactful projects like donating seeds, solar energy equipment and motorized water pumps in villages in Senegal.

Following an Agri-Femme research mission, she has also launched Fund Mamy Kaya in Senegal, an investment, financing and development fund to provide micro-credit and financial education to women and in rural areas.

Even while battling serious health issues, Aw Badji has remained committed to this work as well as volunteering on several boards of directors and advisory committees. “What I’m most passionate about is supporting sustainable development and the social economy in business. My strength lies in bringing people together for business opportunities,” she says. “In everything I do, I want to have a positive impact on the lives of women and young people in particular.”

Wyle Baoween

The business of belonging

While working for 10 years as a civil engineer in the marine, construction and transportation industries, Yemen-born Wyle Baoween was witness to many workplace inequities. At the time, equity, diversity and inclusion work was far from mainstream, so leaving a secure job to start a business focused on this work may have seemed a little risky — especially for a newcomer to Canada with a young family.

But Baoween believes deeply in the mission of helping workplaces offer a sense of fairness and belonging, regardless of a person’s identity. So, with an entrepreneurial spirit, he launched HRx in Vancouver in 2016, just five years after immigrating to Canada.

“I spend my days speaking about things I am so passionate about, and it helps bring meaning to my life,” he says. “All of that started with the decision to come here [to Canada].”

Baoween also continuously looks for ways to bring more people into the conversation. “I hate to think that there are people afraid to take the important first steps because they are worried about getting it wrong,” he says.

As interest in social justice in the workplace has risen over the last few years, HRx has grown into a leading provider of practical, datainformed solutions for equity, diversity and inclusion, working with large organizations like Best Buy and TD Bank.

When not advising senior business leaders, Baoween can be found supporting community organizations. He is the founder and former president of the Yemeni Canadian Society, which he started in 2015 to build connections and help people from Yemen settle and adapt.

He is also a board member of the Nature Conservancy of Canada, vice chair of the Greater Vancouver Board of Trade’s Diversity and Inclusion Leadership Council, volunteer mentor at the Urban Native Youth Association and a past board member at Mosaic.

“Coming to Canada was a huge achievement and one of the things I am most fortunate for in my life. Here, I met my wife, started a beautiful family and began a business that I am very proud of.”

Edward Venzon Cruz Nursing champion

Like so many other internationally trained professionals, Edward Venzon Cruz’s biggest challenge in his Canadian immigration journey was getting his credentials — a bachelor of science in nursing, a PhD in education from the Philippines and a second PhD from Japan — recognized. “In applying for academic positions with universities in the Greater Toronto Area after arriving in Canada, I didn’t even get any interviews.”

Cruz credits perseverance and selfdirection for achieving what he has today as a researcher and associate professor at the University of Windsor’s Faculty of Nursing. “I recently received tenure and a promotion,” he says proudly. “In this role, I teach both at the undergraduate and graduate levels, supervise student research, as well as conduct research with my colleagues. Despite the rejections and disappointment I’ve faced over the years, I continued to strive hard to achieve what I wanted to do.”

And it’s his mission to help other internationally educated nurses (IENs) do the same. He is co-chair of the Partners in Integration and Education of IENs, supports IEN bridging initiatives by the Canadian

Association of Schools of Nursing, and is on the project steering committee of CARE Centre for IENs. He is also chair of the National Nursing Assessment Service’s education review advisory committee and co-chair for the National Newcomer Navigation Network’s IEN Community of Practice working group.

On top of all that, Cruz is also a research consultant for the Integrated Filipino Canadian Nurses Association, and a founding member and president-elect of the Philippine Nurses Association of Canada.

Through all these connections, Cruz has established partnerships for research and has received grants amounting to $618,715, including a Social Science and Humanities Research Council grant to explore the employment trajectory of Filipino-Canadian nurses in Ontario.

“What excites me the most about this project is it will shed light on the impact of gender, class and race in relation to the labour market outcomes of Filipino-Canadian nurses like myself in Canadian society,” says Cruz, who is somehow finding time amidst all his advocacy efforts to work on a third PhD!

Maninder Dhaliwal

Innovation to success

Recognized as one of the Top 500 Most Influential Business Leaders in B.C. by Business in Vancouver, Indian-born Maninder Dhaliwal is a professional engineer and a venture capital investor, driven to advance Canada’s innovation economy — while helping others do the same.

Dhaliwal, who came to Canada as an international student in 1999 — earning a master’s in electrical engineering from the University of British Columbia — is today the co-founder, president and CEO of venture capital and business advisory firm Lions Gate International. Celebrating its 10th anniversary, Lions Gate specializes in international technology mergers and acquisitions, venture capital for technology startups in Silicon Valley and emerging markets in Southeast Asia, and technology development and commercialization in Canada and the United States.

For her work, Dhaliwal has been lauded as one of Canada’s Top 40 Social Influencers in Innovation, Finance and Risk Management by Thomson Reuters.

When asked what drives her ambition? Dhaliwal answers simply, “Being a Canadian is having the gift of opportunity. It would be a shame to waste it.”

She adds: “The road to success is always under construction. But there are no traffic jams when you go the extra mile. One’s ability to succeed is always proportional to one’s willingness to fail, and very often a stubborn attitude toward the possibility of a positive outcome is the only thing standing between enduring and giving up.”

It helps to have support along the way, and Dhaliwal has made it a point to promote opportunities for others, especially for women and people of colour. She shares her expertise as the chair of the Vancouver chapter of TiE, a not-for-profit angel investor network, and founding chair of TiE Vancouver Angels.

“I recently led the launch of the world’s first TiE Incubation Lab for Canadian startups to access strategic advice, mentorship, handson learning and access to investment capital and networks to take their startups to global markets,” she says. “It is very gratifying to help Canadian companies go from ideation into funded projects, and to help advance Canada’s innovation economy on a global scale.”

At just 31 years old, Indian-born Natasha Dhayagude is the CEO and co-founder of Chinova Bioworks, a food biotechnology company founded in 2016 to develop natural, clean-label preservation ingredients extracted from white button mushrooms for the food and beverage industry.

“We work with brands to provide them with a food protection solution called Chiber, which enables them to reduce food waste and save costs,” explains Dhayagude, a board member of the Canadian Food Innovation Network. “Chinova’s solution adds value throughout the food supply chain right from the start by collecting stems from mushroom farmers, which would otherwise be wasted, and transforming them into a commercially viable product.”

With a bachelor of science in biochemistry from the University of New Brunswick in Fredericton, Dhayagude spent the early part of her career immersing herself with entrepreneurs and startups at various incubators and accelerator centres. Since then, she has raised $10.5 million in capital investment and has formed strategic partnerships with major multinational brands.

“I got my entrepreneurial spirit from my dad,” Dhayagude says. “He didn’t follow a traditional path; it seemed like he would invent different jobs and then fill whatever role was necessary to get that job done. I didn’t quite understand it then, but that’s what it means to be an entrepreneur.”

As a young woman of colour, Dhayagude faced extra challenges. “When I first started the business, my biggest challenge was being taken seriously as a young female entrepreneur,” she says. “So, as my business grew, my mantra was focused around reducing fear by being overprepared. And taking the time to have a clear vision of the business through every department, knowing the numbers behind the financials and setting a clear vision.”

Sometimes she questioned why she chose the path of an entrepreneur, but with every small win — from finishing her first prototype to upgrading her lawn chairs with normal office furniture to winning multiple awards — her decision was validated. “These things fuel you and build your sense of certainty that this, in fact, was the right decision.”

Mina Hoorfar Engineering equity

As a woman in the traditionally maledominated field of engineering, Mina Hoorfar, PhD, P.Eng., FCSM, dean of engineering and computer science at the University of Victoria (UVic) in B.C., has proven to be an accomplished trailblazer and leader.

“I am the first female dean of this faculty and I absolutely love my job!” she says. “I aim every day to serve as a role model for women and equity-deserving groups in the STEM fields.”

Hoorfar fosters an inclusive environment where everybody has the chance to earn the education they deserve. “Advanced education has given me tremendous opportunities far beyond what I ever imagined as a child in Iran,” she says. “I want to give back by helping my colleagues and students achieve their potential.”

Hoorfar came to Canada in 1998, after completing a bachelor’s in mechanical engineering at the University of Tehran, which she followed up with a master’s and PhD at the University of Toronto.

“At first, I couldn’t speak more than a handful of words in English, but I was amazed

Sobhana Jaya-Madhavan

A life of community service

When she’s not making connections as associate vice president of external relations at Burnaby, B.C.–based Simon Fraser University (SFU) or teaching graduate students at SFU’s School of Public Policy, Sobhana Jaya-Madhavan dedicates her life to community service.

“I love connecting ideas and people and together working toward something meaningful,” she says.

Born in Malaysia, Jaya-Madhavan went to boarding school in India at age five and found her calling in community service at 16, when she became the youngest president of the Rotaract club. As a graduate social work student, she worked with the children and women of Film City slum in Mumbai.

Since immigrating to Canada in 1995, she has never stopped volunteering, whether on various boards on behalf of SFU, leading the BC-India Business Network as president, or supporting causes back in India.

“I started to volunteer at 16 and I still do,” she says. “At the heart of everything I do, is people and purpose-driven partnerships.” at how friendly, kind and patient all the people I met were,” she says. “Learning the language and the general atmosphere of acceptance and kindness really helped me.”

Hoorfar admits there were roadblocks along the way, but adds, “The great thing about a roadblock is that it doesn’t mean the end of the road; it is something that you can navigate under, above or around.”

Throughout her career, she has reminded herself to see challenges as opportunities, including as a founder and builder of the School of Engineering at the University of British Columbia (UBC) Okanagan. She led UBC’s Advanced Thermo-Fluidic Laboratory to practical advancements in the areas of energy, health and the environment, pointing the way to achieving a low carbon future.

At UVic, she’s taking on the challenge of reaching 30 per cent female students within her faculty by 2030. “We are already almost there!” she says. “That’s my goal — to enhance equity and diversity within my faculty, across the university and ultimately throughout Canadian society.”

Jaya-Madhavan credits optimism as a guiding force in her work and overall journey — including when she faced employment barriers as a new immigrant in Canada. “It was a surprise to realize my qualifications and skillset were not transferrable here,” she says.

After several unsuccessful job applications and doing minimum wage work, she finally joined the Government of British Columbia as a social worker. She served in front-line child welfare positions before moving into senior policy and management roles for nearly two decades.

After a short return to India as a global head of HR, Jaya-Madhavan joined SFU in 2017. Known for her inclusive leadership, inspiring public speaking, and ability to build bridges between people and ideas, she has received international recognition, including Women of the Decade (Education) and Iconic Women awards by the Women’s Economic Forum and international Inclusion Champion award from the National Federation of the Blind in India.

“I am keen to continue dedicating my time and efforts toward having a lasting impact in the various organizations I have the honour of being part of in Canada and India,” she says.

Dean Lin

Hope for newcomers

When Taiwan-born Dean Lin started his career in Canada, he didn’t face many obstacles. After completing his business degree, and subsequent MBA, in B.C., Lin was able to launch a varied career in logistics and then in international development work.

But, looking around at the experiences of other immigrants in his community, he was surprised to see the barriers they faced. “I was educated in Canada, so I didn’t encounter this problem myself. After witnessing the struggles of some of my relatives and friends in getting their credentials recognized here in Canada, it inspired me to shift my career and get into the training and employment field for newcomers.”

Lin now runs a social enterprise in Surrey, B.C., called DIVERSEcity Skills Training Centre, which offers in-person and online short-term computer and customer service training. Profits from the Buy Social-certified social enterprise support the charitable work of DIVERSEcity Community Resources Society.

“We offer training courses to help immigrants and Canadian-born jobseekers improve their skills to increase their employability. When I see our learners secure employment, it makes me happy and affirms the work we do,” says Lin, who credits collaboration with the centre’s partners, such as WorkBC, for its exponential growth over the last few years.

Lin is also an entrepreneur and community builder. He manages residential properties for his family business and runs a rental website for landlords and renters in Hope, B.C., where he lives part time. He is also a board member of the Hope Business and Development Society (a.k.a. AdvantageHope).

“I am passionate about volunteering for AdvantageHope because I am trying to make my town of Hope more vibrant. I would like to attract more businesses to invest and create more job opportunities here, while attracting more newcomers, too,” says the multi-talented Lin, who also volunteers with newcomer groups, hosting book club sessions and teaching yoga!

“I believe we can all make a difference in our community regardless of what you do or how much influence you have, as long as we are willing to do our part.”

Mena Massoud

Acting ambitions

Mena Massoud was flying high when he starred in the title role in the Disney live action film Aladdin in 2019 — no magic carpet required! The Egyptian-born Canadian actor had only been in Hollywood for a short time before he landed the dream job, as well as impressive television roles in Amazon Prime’s Tom Clancy’s Jack Ryan and Hulu’s Reprisal

“Los Angeles had proven to be the land of dreams indeed,” Massoud says. “I had been waiting tables by night at one of Toronto’s most popular restaurants and I auditioned and worked on my art during the day. I worked my tail off to prove that I wasn’t going to let anything hinder my progress.”

But he soon realized that acting comes with great highs, as well as great lows.

“There are no rules to acting. There is no clear path,” says Massoud, who studied neuroscience at university before switching to theatre performance. “When you flunk a science test, it’s probably because you didn’t study hard enough. When you flunk an acting class, it’s inherently deeply personal.”

So, after Aladdin, Massoud focused on creating opportunities for himself and other diverse actors.

“I published my book Evolving Vegan and I started my own production company Press Play Productions,” he says. “We have produced Evolving Vegan: The Series for Crave Canada, a Farsi adaptation of Stephen King’s The Last King and In Broad Daylight, my debut Arabiclanguage film set to release in late 2023.”

Massoud also launched the non-profit Ethnically Diverse Artists Foundation to help other Canadian artists from underrepresented groups in their careers through mentorship, training and more.

Massoud, who recently starred as Prince Thomas in Netflix’s Royal Treatment in 2022, will be back again on screens in the boxing drama Giant, as British-Yemeni boxer Naseem “Naz” Hamed.

“I must constantly find and learn new tools to advance my career, my business and my life — and that is what I truly love about what I do,” Massoud says. “In a way, it’s just math and science all over again.”

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Timmins, including surrounding areas, is one of 11 Canadian municipalities selected for the Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot program.

Archana Medhekar

Law for social change

When internationally trained lawyer Archana Medhekar immigrated to Canada from India in 2001, she knew requalifying would be a stumbling block. “The relicensing process in Canada was not easily accessible and was financially constraining. I chose the option of ‘challenge exams’ rather than law school.”

Working in a small law firm earning an hourly wage, she started volunteering with the Elizabeth Fry Society at the Toronto West Detention Centre. “This experience exposed me to challenges women faced when living with poverty, mental health and addiction issues. What struck me most was the impact of parental incarceration on children and I made a commitment to work with low-income diverse families.”

Through her Toronto-based firm, Archana Medhekar Professional Corporation, she provides legal services to people from diverse cultural and racial backgrounds facing barriers to access to justice. As a certified family law specialist and mediator-arbitrator, she sees the law as “an instrument for social change” and is a well-known advocate for vulnerable women and children facing domestic violence.

“I study the root causes of violent conflicts and domestic abuse. Viewing the world through a holistic lens, I remain committed and hopeful of creating a just and peaceful world where everyone is safe in their own homes,” she says.

Medhekar has co-authored books and research papers on the topic, sharing the stories of immigrant women, youth and children. Her current research focuses on immigrant children and youth experiencing or witnessing domestic violence, with a book forthcoming.

On an international scale, Medhekar co-chairs the Women in Mediation Action Group of Mediators Beyond Borders International, coleading its delegation for the Commission on Status of Women at the United Nations in New York.

Closer to home, she is on the board of directors of Association of Family and Conciliation Courts and Ontario Association for Family Mediation.

“The ability to transform lives through social justice advocacy and public legal education motivates me,” Medhekar says. “I believe community projects and volunteer work are the best ways to shape the social fabric of an inclusive and diverse Canada.”

Hénoc Muamba preferred basketball to football as a kid growing up in Mississauga. Going from not loving the game to being named 2022’s Grey Cup Most Valuable Player (MVP) and Most Valuable Canadian — the second player to ever earn both awards — Muamba, born in Democratic Republic of Congo, has had quite the athletic journey.

“I didn’t even think I would be playing football at the next level. I played all kinds of sports as a kid. I played volleyball, basketball, soccer, you name it … but it really wasn’t until my high school basketball coach (who also coached football) came to me and said that I should try out football,” he said in an interview to Impactus

Muamba began his professional career playing with the Winnipeg Blue Bombers, becoming the first player from St. Francis Xavier University in Nova Scotia to be chosen first overall in the draft. He later joined the Indianapolis Colts of the National Football League, played with the Montreal Alouettes, and, in 2021, signed with the Toronto Argonauts.

In February 2023, Muamba re-signed with Toronto, although he was sidelined with a knee injury at the start of the season.

Crediting mentorship for much of his success on and off the field, Muamba is passionate about giving back through his mentorship program called Eagle Vision, and speaking engagements at schools, churches and prisons.

“I feel like I’ve accomplished way more than I ever thought I would, and a lot of that is attributed to the people who have mentored me over the years,” he told the Toronto Star. “And so I want to give back and be able to do the same for other people.”

In his podcast, Muamba Moments, the linebacker continues to inspire, highlighting the journey of achievers in sports and beyond.

The husband and father of three is also now focused on creating the Muamba Foundation, inspired by kids from the Congo who have reached out to him. He hopes he can help bring football, mentorships, hospitals and schools to his homeland.

Hanen Nanaa Fresh voice

Awar survivor and refugee from Syria, Hanen Nanaa wasn’t sure what to expect as a young new Canadian in 2016. “Despite my initial fears of being a stranger in a new land, I was pleasantly surprised by the warm welcome I received from neighbours, coworkers and even strangers,” she says. “People went out of their way to offer assistance, and I am grateful for that.”

Still, starting from scratch to rebuild her life and learn English posed many challenges. “I approached these obstacles with unwavering determination. I enrolled in language classes, actively participated in various community organizations and fully immersed myself in the local culture,” says Nanaa.

Wanting to make the path easier for other refugees following behind her, the ambitious youth, studying politics and governance and law at Toronto Metropolitan University, turned to the concept of social enterprise to make an impact. “I took the initiative to create several projects, initiatives and collectives, all aimed at bridging gaps and ensuring that other refugees felt supported and welcomed.”

Today, the 25-year-old’s main focus is Books

Art Music (BAM) Collective in Toronto, a community hub that empowers youth and equity-deserving people through policy, art, innovation and community engagement. BAM Collective was recognized as the top finalist for the Toronto Arts for Youth Award in 2021.

“I am incredibly passionate about empowering young people and women, as well as creating positive change in our communities. What’s particularly exciting about BAM is that we prioritize youth voices and provide a platform for young people to express their ideas, collaborate on projects and take leadership roles.”

Nanaa’s own voice is loud and clear, and she’s being recognized for it. This year, she received the Pam McConnell Award for Young Women in Leadership, and, in 2022, the Alterna Prize for Women Social Change Leaders.

“My aim is to cultivate a diverse range of opportunities for the collective, enabling us to engage in research, identify community needs and design impactful projects that truly make a difference,” says this year’s Top 25 Youth Award winner.

Raymond Ngarboui

Helping communities

Raymond Ngarboui was born and raised in the middle of civil wars in Chad. “I survived civil war and other socioeconomic atrocities thanks to UNICEF and other community members who fed and protected me,” he says.

After coming to Canada, French-speaking Ngarboui was thankful to receive more help as he learned English and figured out a career path using his degree in agriculture. “I benefited from federal government support in my first 12 months in Canada,” says Ngarboui. “I feel a moral obligation to give back to society, by assisting disadvantaged and underserved community members.”

Today, Ngarboui works as a community development coordinator for Winnipeg, Manitoba–based non-profit organization Community Education Development Association (CEDA).

“My role consists of assisting communities and their members in identifying and assessing their current issues, challenges and needs, as well as the existing resources and other assets available to address those needs and bring solutions to the communities,” he says.

Ngarboui also works with the school system on strategies and resource mobilization to address major socioeconomic challenges, such as hunger or poverty, that prevent students from lower-income, immigrant and Indigenous families from better school attendance.

Recognizing the importance of food security, Ngarboui co-initiated Rainbow Community Gardens in 2008, which he says has become the largest community garden in Canada with 356 families from 44 different nationalities involved in 2022. “Community gardening and local food production is one of the key solutions to addressing food insecurity and the high inflation in groceries,” he says.

Ngarboui also initiated and co-organized the program Food 4 All in Winnipeg during the pandemic, which saw some 200 volunteers cook breakfasts and lunches for 20,000 community members.

“By doing this work, I contribute to the wellbeing of underserved families, in the same way that I used to benefit from organizations and people when I was in desperate need,” says Ngarboui, who is featured among 30 provincial historical personalities in the Manitoba Museum Gallery alongside the likes of Louis Riel and Senator Murray Sinclair, who led Canada’s Truth and Reconciliation Commission.

In 1994, Florence Ngenzebuhoro escaped war-torn Burundi and came to Canada as a penniless refugee and single mother.

“During my first year in Canada, I had no resources and no connections,” says Ngenzebuhoro, who was born into the royal family of Burundi and went to law school at the University of Burundi. “I spoke very little English. I had to worry about where my kids and I would sleep and eat the next day."

Ngenzebuhoro noticed that there were few social services available to French speakers in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA). “Trying to seek help in French was so immensely challenging to the point where I felt completely isolated,” she says. “All of the major social service networks were English-speaking only, and I was turned away. I decided I would make sure that Francophone immigrants and nonimmigrants would never have to go through the challenges that I faced.”

Today, Ngenzebuhoro is the CEO and executive director of the Francophone Centre of Greater Toronto, commonly known as the

Centre Franco. Originally founded in 1976 as a downtown cultural centre, the Centre Franco has seen exponential growth and today offers healthcare, legal aid, housing assistance, mental health resources, skills training and resettlement support in nine locations to more than 41,000 GTA residents every year.

“Today, we have service hubs all around the GTA, helping tens of thousands of vulnerable people every day. I want to make sure that people like me or in similar situations can seek help with dignity, compassion and care,” she says. “I love Canada and I will always fight for the country that has given me so much, and so that others can be afforded the wonderful opportunity to succeed and flourish in Canada.”

This June, Ngenzebuhoro received a Prix Boréal for her inclusive work with Centre Franco as well as her extensive community and volunteer work. “That I was the first person of colour (and first woman of colour) to receive Francophone Canada’s highest honour was a significant tribute to the progress of Canada’s immensely diverse French-speaking community,” she says.

Faouzia Ouihya Music of the heart

She amassed more than one million streams for her first song on Spotify at the young age of 15, but Moroccan-born Faouzia Ouihya was just getting started. The singer/ songwriter, who goes just by her first name, was nominated for a Juno Award in the Songwriter of the Year category this year.

Faouzia is a classically trained multiinstrumentalist (piano, violin and guitar) who began crafting her own songs at the age of six while growing up in Carman, Manitoba.

“I really believe that immersing yourself in music can help you through the tough times in life, and I always hope that my songs can do that for everyone,” says Faouzia, whose musical influences include pop divas Beyoncé, Rihanna and Lady Gaga along with the Middle Eastern chanteuses she grew up listening to.

Faouzia, who made her major-label debut with the 2020 EP Stripped, a six-track project including “Tears of Gold” and “Born Without a Heart,” has also racked up an impressive repertoire of high-profile collaborations. These include “I Dare You” with singer Kelly

Clarkson, “I Fly” with chart-topping DJ duo Galantis, “Money” alongside French rapper Ninho and “Minefields” with John Legend and Charlie Puth on piano, which gave Faouzia her first Top 10 entry on the U.S. iTunes charts, garnering more than 100 million global streams.

With more than three million TikTok followers, one million YouTube subscribers, one million Instagram followers and more than four million monthly listeners on Spotify, Faouzia is also a massive social media star.

Having immigrated to Canada at an early age, Faouzia has often spoken about her strong connection to her Moroccan roots, the food, the attire and the culture and her identity as a Muslim artist. In an interview with GQ, the singer spoke about her desire to tell her story through her music, which has been described as “emotional and intense.” “Whether it’s things that happened to me five years ago, or something I experienced today — whatever that emotion may be. Honest and real experiences are an important part of how we express music,” she says.

Mustafa Popalzai Hope and duty

Adetective constable with the Toronto Police Service’s Homicide Unit, Mustafa Popalzai sees policing as much more than a career.

“Being a police officer and serving the community is what I consider a calling,” he says. “I see my role as a police officer as an opportunity to positively touch lives and make an impact.”

Born in Kabul, Afghanistan, Popalzai and his family fled the Taliban for Canada when he was just 14 years old, an experience that has shaped his professional path in policing. “Being born and raised in a part of the world where the police were perceived more as an entity to be feared, rather than a service to provide assistance when needed, has really helped me become a better officer.”

In 2021, when the world witnessed Afghans fleeing the Taliban who had regained power in Afghanistan, Popalzai co-founded Project Hope to assist the influx of new Afghan refugees in Canada. “It was like déjà vu for me. My father who was an artist had to flee due to death threats from the Taliban back in 2000,” says Popalzai.

“I consider myself very fortunate to live in a country that provided me and my family with a new life and a second chance. But I have not forgotten our struggles when we first arrived in Canada.”

That was the inspiration behind Project Hope. The program was designed to help newly arrived refugees with information sessions, guidance and even financial assistance.

“It is one of my proudest achievements,” he says. “The program has helped thousands of Afghan refugees to Canada. To date, more than $600,000 worth of donations has been delivered to them, most of whom arrived with nothing but the clothes on their back.”

For this and other volunteer work in the community and with marginalized youth, Popalzai received the Humanitarian Award from his alma mater Carleton University and Community Builder of the Year from the United Way. “I am forever grateful and will do my absolute best to give back to Canada.”

Ann Pornel

Rising comedian

If you like comedy and cooking shows, you have likely had a laugh thanks to Ann Pornel. The Philippines-born Torontonian is a comedian, actor and co-host of The Great Canadian Baking Show, for which she was nominated for a Canadian Screen Award for Best Host or Presenter in 2022 and 2023.

“One of the most important parts of my job is to talk to the bakers, get to know them, help them share their story with the greater audience, and most of all provide levity in stressful situations,” Pornel says.

An alumna of the Second City Toronto Main Stage, Pornel has also appeared and written on award-winning Canadian shows such as The Baroness Von Sketch Show, The Beaverton and This Hour Has 22 Minutes. She offers up unique perspectives on diversity, body image and inclusion in her comedy, which have garnered her comedy awards and spots at NBC’s Break Out Comedy Festival and JFL 42.

“Immigrating as a child, the first memory

I had was wanting to fit in by any means necessary,” Pornel says. As she grew older, she recognized how important and special it is to keep a connection to her culture and share that with others through her comedy.

“Every type of story is important to tell, but our media has a tendency to focus on stories of pain and suffering. It’s important to me to show the joy of being a fat Filipina woman, because I never saw that growing up on screens,” she says.

“I never thought I could have the career and life that I have now. I want to show people that you can achieve greatness, sometimes beyond your own imagination, even if it might not fit into the plans your hardworking immigrant families had for you.”

Next up, Pornel will star on her first American show, called Recipe for Disaster in August. “It’s another cooking competition show, but much sillier and much more chaotic,” she says. “The best part of being a comedian is sharing laughter and joy and showing common experiences.”

This year marks the 60th anniversary of Pizza Nova, founded by Italian-born Sam Primucci in 1963 in Toronto. It’s a proud milestone for 83-year-old Primucci, who is as entrepreneurial-minded as ever.

“In the pizza business, things keep on changing and we need to adapt to these changes. We can’t do things the same way as it was 60 years ago. We have to adapt to today’s age, which can become a challenge, but it’s exciting to learn new ways of doing things,” he says.

Primucci was just 12 years old when he and his family immigrated to Canada from the small town of Palazzo San Gervasio in the Basilicata region of Italy. By 14, Primucci started working at a children’s clothing manufacturer, where he worked his way up to manager of more than 150 sewers by age 23!

“This job taught me many of the skills that would lead me to opening my own company,” he says. “I went from receiver to manager of the sewing room in just seven short years. I truly learned a lot while working there.”

So, when his brother, Michael, who was delivering pizzas, asked Sam and their other brothers to jump on the new delivery trend and open their own takeout pizza restaurant, Primucci agreed.

The first Pizza Nova location opened on May 12, 1963 — 11 years to the day after Primucci and his family immigrated to Canada. One year later, Primucci married his dream girl Gemma. The family expanded the business, creating thousands of jobs and numerous franchise business opportunities, with more than 150 locations today.

After 71 years of being in Canada, Primucci is grateful for the opportunities this country has afforded him and others like him.

Over the years, Primucci and his team have fostered relationships with longstanding charitable partners such as Variety Ontario, Villa Charities and Student Nutrition of Ontario — raising millions for important causes in his adopted country.

“By giving back, it is a way of saying thank you to the country that gave us so much opportunity,” says Primucci.

Agunbiade Seun Richards Door to entrepreneurship

It’s only been five years since Nigerian-born Agunbiade Seun Richards immigrated to Canada, but, in that time, he has started a promising business, won multiple awards and has made a name for himself as a volunteer and mentor in his community of Saint John, New Brunswick. He launched Door2Door Pickup Couriers, providing free delivery services during the pandemic, as well as the first multi-purpose delivery mobile app in Atlantic Canada. The company, which has partnerships with Amazon and DHL, operates zero-emission delivery services.

Currently pursuing a PhD in immigrant entrepreneurship at the University of New Brunswick, Richards says, “Upon arriving, I realized the significance of networking for entrepreneurial success, but lacked pre-existing connections and familiarity with the local business landscape. My biggest struggle was building a network and establishing connections within the business community,” he says. “When attending a networking event, I felt out of place, struggled to initiate conversations, and experienced cultural and language barriers.”

To overcome these obstacles, Richards actively joined industry-specific associations, attended newcomer workshops, sought out

Winston Sayson Kind justice

In everything Winston Sayson, KC, MGC, does, making Canada better has been an underlying theme. “An important attribute that helped me succeed was my desire and deliberate intention to help make Canada a better place,” he says.

However, when Sayson and his family first immigrated from the Philippines in the 1980s, he remembers being met with racist comments like “Go back to China.” “In my moments of self-doubt, I wondered what else I must do to be welcomed in my own chosen country.”

Believing that such racism was the exception in a country known for its generosity and diversity, Sayson stayed focused on doing good in his community of Richmond, B.C., at his church and in his successful career as a trial Crown Counsel with the British Columbia Prosecution Service, now retired.

“This was deeply meaningful work. It was an important responsibility to vigorously prosecute those charged with criminal offenses within the boundaries of the law and the Charter of Rights and Freedoms,” he says. “But the most valuable mentors and volunteered in the community. “Gradually, I built meaningful relationships, but it was challenging.”

Richards then started sharing what he learned with others, including as the cofounder of the Black Business Professional Networks in Atlantic Canada, co-founding member of UBUNTU Founders Network and a founding board member of the International Institute of Business Analysis New Brunswick chapter.

“Giving back and supporting others, especially fellow immigrants starting their own entrepreneurial journeys, is important to me. Witnessing the growth and success of the individuals I mentor brings me great joy and fulfillment,” he says.

Named one of the Most Inspiring Immigrants in Atlantic Canada for 2023 among many other accolades, Richards is currently working on expanding his business, while continuing to help others. “Working hard, giving back to my community and striving to make a positive impact in my new country are not only personal motivations, but also a way to express my gratitude and contribute to the broader success and prosperity of my new home.” part of my work was the opportunity to show kindness, empathy and support to those who had been victimized and brutalized by crimes.”

He developed expertise in prosecuting crimes committed against children and vulnerable people. “I found ways to make the courtroom a kinder and less frightening place for children,” says Sayson, including helping to introduce a program that allowed trained dogs to accompany children as they testified in court.

The darkness of dealing with cases like homicide, domestic violence and child abuse can take its toll, so Sayson also advocated for mental wellness in the legal profession. He even completed part-time studies to be a counsellor.

Today, Sayson continues to give back, as a volunteer emergency support services worker with the Canadian Red Cross, as an adviser for the Federation of Asian Canadian Lawyers BC and more. “My greatest joy is to mentor young and aspiring students, law students and lawyers,” says Sayson, who has received many awards for his contributions to Canada, including the 2022 British Columbia Medal of Good Citizenship.

Cindy Sinclair

Leading with compassion

Born in Guyana to parents who believed a woman’s role was in the home, Cindy Sinclair, PhD, defied the odds to become the esteemed leader she is today. Her journey to success began when she left for Canada in search of freedom and opportunities.

“I arrived in Canada as a teenager with no idea where I was going, where I would live or how I would survive,” she says. Thanks to the kindness of strangers, she was offered help and started school. Still, with no Canadian work experience after graduation, her job search was rocky.

“Once again, the Canadian people showed me kindness,” she says. “Doors opened and I received my first job offer as a typist at the University of Toronto (UofT) in 1973. “This welcoming introduction to Canada instilled in me a great sense of appreciation, respect and most of all compassion for others.”

Sinclair advanced into administrative roles in postgraduate medical education. There she saw the struggles international medical graduates (IMGs) experienced in continuing their careers in Canada. “It hurts me to see

Beili Wong

Being counted

Despite her long list of credentials and extensive experiences, rising to a top position like Comptroller General of Ontario didn’t come without its challenges for Beili Wong, FCPA, FCA, CIA, CISA, MBA, C. Dir.

“It is not easy to move to a different country, learn a new language, and adapt to new cultures and places,” Wong says. “Courage and resilience are two factors that have guided me to the success I have had since immigrating from China in 1998.”

Her greatest personal challenge? “Breaking through the glass ceiling as a visible minority woman who looks different and has an accent in her English,” she says. “We have to work extra hard to rise to leadership roles.”

With a combination of courage, resilience and hard work, Wong was appointed as chief internal auditor in 2019 and promoted to comptroller general in 2021 for the Province of Ontario, the first racialized immigrant to do so. “Being a trailblazer is a great honour yet also a heavy responsibility. It is encouraging to be able people struggling,” she says.

Vowing to find answers and make a difference, she sought education as a tool. Juggling a fulltime job, three young children and academic studies at UofT, she earned a bachelor’s (2005), master’s (2009) and PhD degree (2017). Her dissertation focused on the life experiences of IMGs with a social justice and equity lens.

Today, Sinclair is an academic faculty at UofT. She serves in governance, advisory and mentorship capacities where she advocates for equity in education for all. In this role and as founder of Sinclair Consulting Services, she mentors, coaches and helps newcomer healthcare professionals find success through higher education and workplace integration. She co-founded the IMD Forum to introduce re-imagining alternative careers and established the Immigrant Women Medical Doctors of Colour Circle to support networking and a safe sharing space for immigrant women doctors.

“What I love about being an educator, mentor and consultant, is the simple fact that I can make a difference in people’s lives.” to inspire others in their career journey.”

As the comptroller general, Wong is responsible for building strong financial management and accountability measures, implementing an enterprise risk management framework and overseeing the internal audit function for the province. “We manage the second largest financial statements in all of Canada,” she says. “I love the opportunity to make an impact across the organization, and a positive difference in supporting the effectiveness of programs and services delivered to Ontarians.”

Wong also gives back to her profession, including serving on the Canadian Auditing and Assurance Standards Oversight Council and as the senior vice chairman for the Institute of Internal Auditors’ North American Board.

“As an immigrant, a racialized woman and a leader, I feel it is my calling to give back,” Wong says. “I am standing on the shoulders of those who came before me and those who invested in me, so it is my duty to inspire a new generation of immigrants to say, ‘I can do that, too!’”

Leslie Woo Building communities

An architect, urban planner and community builder for more than 25 years, Leslie Woo relies on all these experiences as CEO of CivicAction in Toronto. CivicAction brings leaders from all sectors, backgrounds and experiences together to accelerate solutions to complex urban challenges.

“I have the privilege of leading a team of dedicated professionals focused on boosting civic engagement to build more inclusive cities,” says Woo, calling it her personal mission to help transform Canadian cities and towns into places of beauty, fairness and harmony.

“I love that this role is the convergence of my expertise as an architect, urban planner and community animator with my lived experiences as a racialized immigrant and a champion for young women in leadership roles,” she adds.

Raised in St. Augustine, Trinidad, Woo, who is of Chinese heritage, came to Canada as a university student, where she immediately felt out of place. “No one I met in my first two weeks at university residence could understand what I was saying because of my heavy Trini accent.

For the 15th anniversary of the Top 25 Canadian Immigrant Awards, we have launched a new award, in partnership with Windmill Microlending. The Windmill Empowerment Award honours a Canadian working above and beyond to empower and support the successful journeys of immigrants and refugees to Canada.

The inaugural recipient is Syed Najam Hassan, founder and president of Love with Humanity Association in Calgary, Alberta.

Having experienced firsthand what it takes to settle into a new country, Pakistaniborn Hassan set out on a mission to help other newcomers in his new country — from his front yard.

“I observed new immigrants and refugee families in my community having to face issues like isolation,” says Hassan, a general account manager by profession. “So, I came up with the idea of providing books for them in their own language and designated my front lawn as a place to sit, read and socialize with others.”

It caused me many tears and made for a lonely start to my journey in Canada,” she says.

Fast forward to today, Woo is a sought-after expert, speaker and lecturer. “I have made up from this rough start, and today I am more confident than ever that I have a voice and one that is both influential and listened to.”

Woo uses her platform to amplify and celebrate other women city builders, cofounding the Women’s Leadership Initiative at Urban Land Institute Toronto. When she was the chief planning and development officer at regional transportation public agency Metrolinx, she founded the Metrolinx Women’s Network. Woo was also awarded a leadership fellowship from the International Women’s Forum, inspiring her to create shebuildscities.org.

Woo, a member on several boards, including the Yee Hong Centre for Geriatric Care and Waterfront Toronto, says, “I search out ways to be a valued contributor. At the same time, I am learning from others who share my own values for a more harmonious and inclusive future.”