Ratna OmidvarJ.P. MOCZULSKI
With increasing numbers of immigrants arriving every year from Asia, the Caribbean and other parts of the world, Canada's urban demographic makeup is undergoing a profound shift. Marina Jimenez talks with seven emerging leaders from this new demographic, and their thoughts on immigration, philanthropy, success and influence.
Ratna Omidvar, 60, is the president of Maytree, a private foundation that promotes equity and prosperity through leadership-building. She has changed the way Canada treats immigrants, persuading the powerful that the country is losing billions every year because its immigrants are underemployed, and helping to persuade influential business leaders Gordon Nixon, CEO of Royal Bank of Canada, and Dominic D'Alessandro, CEO of Manulife Financial.
Why and when did you move to Canada?
My husband and I moved to Canada in 1981. We fled from Iran.
What was your biggest challenge?
Figuring out the rules of engagement: what to say, what not to say, should we emphasize our qualifications, or de-emphasize them. Getting a job was the biggest challenge. We had to reinvent ourselves.
What personal experience captures the definition of being a Canadian?
In my very early years in Canada, my daughter was a member of a volunteer-run rhythmic gymnastics club and we did everything, from governance to making sandwiches. The group was made up of people from every corner of the world, and the interest of our children in this sport created a wonderful bond. This was my first settlement experience and I wonder why we don't use sport more as a "bridging" opportunity.
Who has been a key influence in your life?
Alan Broadbent, chairman of Maytree, is my mentor because he helps me understand Canada as it was and as it can be, and helps me situate my aspirations in this continuum of past and present.
What is your advice for other newcomers?
I speak to at least five or more immigrants every week. First, I tell them to keep their names. But I also tell them that we must live up to our end, work hard, learn the ropes and the language, take comfort from our community ties but also reach out, and make new friends. Invite more people to dinner, go bowling with them. Obey the law of the land, even when these collide with personal values. Be open to new ideas, and not live in bubbles that hold us hostage to old ways of thinking. Become members of associations, political parties, movements, book clubs, sports clubs. Standing on the sidelines is not an option for anyone, and definitely not an option for immigrants.
Marina Jimenez