Winning advice for 2025 from Top 25 Canadian Immigrant Award recipients

Credit to Author: Canadian Immigrant| Date: Tue, 04 Feb 2025 22:28:58 +0000

A few of our Top 25 Canadian Immigrants from 2024 share their thoughts, wisdom and some inspirational advice with you as we take on 2025!

Farahnaz Rezaei
Policy, research and evaluation analyst, Office of Immigration, Prince Edward Island

Be proud of the culture and values you bring to Canada’s vibrant mosaic. Success comes from embracing opportunities, building connections through collaboration and fostering unity in diversity. By focusing on service and uplifting others, we create more compassionate communities. Stay true to your passions, remain open to learning and let resilience and compassion guide your journey. Together, we can inspire change and build a brighter, more inclusive future for all.

City: Stratford, Prince Edward Island | Country of Origin: Iran

 

Noel Cunningham
Chef, cookbook author and culinary expert

For 2025, you want to assess importance and urgency. It’s wonderful that we are all eager to fulfill our aspirations and ambitions every year. However, being practical and setting priorities with intention are the only ways to accomplish those goals. Most of all, remember life is about progress, not perfection. Set your goals, track your progress, celebrate small wins, and stay open to new ideas, pivoting when necessary.

City: Toronto, Ontario | Country of origin: Jamaica

 

 

Shaheen Nanji
Executive director, SFU International

We are living in unprecedented times, where global events transcend borders and affect us all. As immigrants, our fluency in multiple cultures and systems uniquely positions us to bridge divides, foster understanding, and navigate complexities with nuance and adaptability. Be courageous, stay true to
yourself while embracing your new home and prioritize well-being above all. Take time to connect with yourself and create moments of joy.

City: Port Moody, BC | Country of origin: Kenya

 

 

 

J Torres
Writer

Community engagement is important whether it’s through government programs, social groups, or even your local library. For starters, help is out there for new immigrants, whether it’s to improve communication skills, connect with people, or learn what services and resources are available. Then, once you have your footing, you can give back to the community by welcoming others, sharing those resources and helping them adapt to the Canadian way of life just as you have.

City: Whitby, Ontario | Country of origin: Philippines

 

Delasi Essien
Global nurse consultant and nurse educator

Over the years, I have kept a journal of things I would like to accomplish in my lifetime. This year, I plan to take inspired actions towards my goals and I encourage everyone to do the same. Setting goals allows you to identify pathways and opportunities to realize them. Next, set timelines for achieving those goals. Doing this will always keep your eye on the prize, even in the face of disappointments and detours. And finally, action those goals. Take on a growth mindset and surround yourself with people who will champion your success.

City: Regina, Saskatchewan | Country of origin: Ghana

 

Sevtap Savas
Patient advocate and professor

I wish that you are making 2025 and every year after that “Your best year ever”. Let’s reflect on and celebrate the sacrifice, determination and resilience we have demonstrated in this beautiful country that was once foreign to us, and how uniquely we have been contributing to the Canadian communities, economy, arts, education, science, technology, business and more with our skills and labour as an immigrant or refugee. I am very proud of what we have achieved in Canada. Enjoy your best year ever.

City: St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador | Country of origin: Türkiye

 

 

Nisreen Baker
Director and screenwriter

With the start of 2025, and the talk about the famous — or infamous — New Year resolutions, there is
something I read a while ago that has stayed with me: “We are the sum of our daily habits”. Those daily habits
therefore determine how we live and accordingly, our success. While adopting new habits might not be easy, I
believe if we manage to turn it into a fun challenge, there is a great chance those habits will stick.

City: Edmonton, Alberta | Country of origin: Egypt

 

Sahib Singh Rana
Entrepreneur and Co-founder, Lazeez Shawarma

As we step into the new year, let’s embrace growth and resilience. This year, I’m focusing on turning
challenges into opportunities and staying true to my values while pursuing success. For Canadian immigrants, remember that every step you take builds your story. Dream big, work hard and never forget the strength that brought you here. Together, we can create a legacy that inspires generations to come.

City: Toronto, Ontario | Country of origin: India

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