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Nazia Islam

Helps her audiences adjust to major life changes

Nazia Islam is a South Asian, Muslim woman born in Calgary, Alberta. When Nazia was 12 her parents decided to move back to Pakistan. Nazia looked forward to living in Pakistan because whenever she had visited she was spoiled rotten by her grandparents and aunts and uncles. Nazia was very excited about the change and didn't know that family friends were asking her parents as they prepared to leave, "How are you going to adjust to this major life change?" "The kids are going to give you a hard time." Change is fraught with many subtexts, but the future looked bright for Nazia and her younger brother.

Nazia says, "Living in Pakistan were the ten best years of my life." She learned about the importance of family, culture and traditions, but in 1994 Nazia's parents divorced. Nazia, her mom and brother, were on their way back to Canada. Another turning point, this time Nazia had adult issues to address. Like so many people, Nazia's Bachelor of Commerce Degree from a third world country was not recognized and Nazia had to upgrade her credentials. "I knew that without proper education I would get no where and my future would depend on day to day odd jobs." Compared to her luxurious life in Pakistan, Nazia at 21 was now attending classes and helping to support her mom and brother.

Today, Nazia shares her experiences with new immigrants who come to Canada with the same difficulties as she once had and helps them to establish healthy lifestyles. She also volunteers for a non-profit organization, IFSSA (Islamic Family and Social Services Association) and has developed and teaches basic computer courses for the youth and elders. "Speaking allows me to share with others, especially young children, that what they dream can certainly come true if it's what they truly want!"

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Keynote and Speaking Topics

 

 

 

Speaking Topics:
• Life Goes On
• Two Worlds: Two Lifestyles
• Celebrating Culture and Tradition

Life Goes On
"No matter how tough life gets you just need to get tougher" says Nazia and even though she lives and works in a Western Society Nazia finds that she can balance her western lifestyle with her Pakistani culture, traditions and Islamic beliefs. Like so many of us Nazia has had to learn how to find balance with the best of two entirely different worlds. With determination, patience and a lot of hard work everything and anything is possible.

Two Worlds: Two Lifestyles
Today Nazia with her third world background is the Communications Coordinator for VOXCOM Security. E-mail management, Intranet Development and Communications are a few of her expertise. Effective internal communications is a major step towards building a positive corporate culture and to enhance employee morale and productivity. The importance of a comprehensive internal communications program cannot be understated. How employees perceive the organization, its culture, traditions and beliefs is as crucial to its success as our personal journey adjustments.

Celebrating Culture and Tradition:
Living in Pakistan, Nazia came to know the importance of learning about ones roots. Culture and tradition holds great importance in Nazia's life and today she celebrates her cultural spirits with everyone who surrounds her. Nazia says "I love to learn about different cultures and traditions as well as tell people about my culture and traditions". Nazia's spiritual and mental strength come from learning about adversity and diversity in our society. Nazia likes to let people in on her secrets of how to become more intact with your mind and soul. "Contentment of the heart and developing a feeling of, I can do it all, is the first major step to success"
Today, Nazia shares her experiences with new immigrants who come to Canada with the same difficulties as she once had and helps them to establish healthy lifestyles "Speaking allows me to share with others, especially young children, that what they dream can certainly come true if it's what they truly want!"

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