Real stories from newcomers who built a new life

In this first episode of I’m More Than the Immigrant You Had in Mind, we meet Alejandra Lara, a woman whose journey from Mexico City to Canada has been one of perseverance, growth, and transformation. Born and raised in Mexico, Alejandra moved to Canada in 2009 and faced the dual challenge of pursuing education in…

In this episode of I’m More Than the Immigrant You Had in Mind, we meet Baset Zaher, a passionate human rights activist and experienced professional from the west of Afghanistan. With over 15 years of work in Afghanistan’s public government and international organizations, Baset has always been committed to supporting his community and advocating for…

On I’m More Than the Immigrant You Had in Mind, Célestin Shema shares his story of migration, resilience, and the deep connection he has to his family. Originally born in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Célestin’s family returned to Rwanda in 1994, and he now calls Canada home. After two years in Canada, he opens…

Claudia García’s journey from Mexico to Canada has been one of persistence and resilience. Arriving in Canada ten years ago, she faced the challenge of breaking into the Canadian workforce. Despite many setbacks, she remained determined and eventually achieved her dream of working in human resources after earning her CPHR designation. In this episode, Claudia…

Dani Cárdenas, originally from Colombia, shares her two-year journey in Canada, filled with challenges, growth, and discovery. As a temporary foreign worker, Dani faced the duality of immigration—caught between what she came to do and the struggle for belonging. In this episode, Dani invites us to reflect on the power of inclusion and the value…

Edrissa Gassama, from The Gambia in West Africa, shares his story of adapting to life in Canada after arriving in 2016. The stark contrast between his warm homeland and the cold Canadian winter was one of his first challenges, but it was just the beginning of his transformative journey. Edrissa’s resilience and determination to overcome…

Faeze Naderi shares her journey from Afghanistan to Canada, where she is now studying civil engineering at the University of Victoria. Having faced challenges in her early years due to a lack of support in Afghanistan and the difficulties of adjusting to new environments, Faeze reflects on her journey of self-discovery and growth. From making…

Issa Mijares shares her journey of rebuilding her identity after moving from Manila, Philippines, to Canada in the middle of the pandemic. Facing the challenge of reestablishing both her personal and professional identity in a new country, Issa found strength in perseverance, adaptability, and her Filipino heritage. In this episode, Issa reflects on the difficulties…

Liz Li, originally from Beijing, China, moved to Canada in 2017 with her family to escape pollution and provide her daughter with better educational opportunities. Despite language barriers and the challenges of adapting to a new culture, Liz reflects on how her perseverance and confidence helped her navigate life in Canada. In this episode, Liz…

Marilynn Quigley, known as Meyen to her family and friends, has lived in Canada for 17 years. As an immigrant from the Philippines, her greatest challenge has been adjusting to different parenting styles, the loss of language, and cultural shifts in her family. In this episode, Meyen reflects on the complexities of raising children in a…

Şansal Güngör Gümüşpala is originally from Turkey. As a master’s student in sociology and an upcoming PhD candidate, Şansal reflects on the challenges of being away from family and friends. In this episode, Şansal shares their journey of creating meaningful art through the exploration of LGBTQ and women’s rights issues. By using historical scrapbooks, they…

Siavash Madani, originally from Iran, has spent the past few years navigating life in Canada. After moving frequently throughout his childhood, he shares his unique perspective on the excitement of exploring new places and the challenges of integrating into a new society. In this episode, Siavash reflects on his journey of personal and professional growth…

Yasmeen Barakat, a Palestinian origin scholar, recently arrived in Canada, marking the beginning of a transformative journey as a racialized settler on Lekwungen, Songhees, and Esquimalt territories. Born and raised in Jordan, Yasmeen’s identity as both a Palestinian and a genderfluid lesbian has shaped her experiences, challenging stereotypes and preconceived notions about what it means…

In this episode, host Yannick Oho Bambe and co-host Parker engage in a deep conversation about identity and belonging. Yannick shares his journey across continents, exploring the concept of cultural hybridity and the importance of legacy. Parker offers a unique perspective on race, belonging, and the ongoing search for his roots, illuminating the complexities of…