Leila Naderi
“Without any exaggeration, this program can be life-changing, especially for newcomers who want to have a more productive life. ”
When did you come to Canada?
April 2018
Where did you come from?
Iran
Why were you interested in joining the S2S program?
Sometimes settling down as an immigrant can be a long and complicated process. Any immigrant needs a package of tools, strategies and skills to settle into a new society fully. The S2S program gave me those tools and strategies to help smooth my path.
What is the most significant thing you have learned about yourself since being a Sister?
I have a more realistic view of Canadian society, and more importantly, I feel that we (as a community) are healthier, happier and stronger when we are together.
Please finish these two sentences with one word that describes how you are feeling:
Before the program, I was nervous. After the program, I am assured.
What did you appreciate the most about the program?
That it pulled us out of our comfort zone into a realm of productivity and possibilities; for instance, I didn’t expect I would get the opportunity to help organize an event about gender-based violence. I also never expected that bringing all those diverse women together would be so straightforward. I learned a lot from this experience. It was a real confidence booster.
What is your favourite memory from the program?
I loved the Toastmaster sessions! Getting the opportunity to prepare a speech about the need for affordable housing was very rewarding. It’s a huge issue—it doesn’t just affect me.”
What did you learn about gender-based violence?
It was not a new subject for us, but the program provided us with new strategies, tools and resources to fight against it.
What does it mean to you to be a good leader? How has the Sister2Sister program helped you develop that skill or outlook?
Leadership is not about our position. It is more about who we are and our behaviour. A great leader is a person who can help other people to be leaders. S2S enabled us to have a clearer understanding of ourselves and what we are going to stand for. It inspired us to have more confidence in our abilities and potential. We learned that each of us had some strength and could be helpful in our community.
What is your one piece of advice to future Sister2Sister members?
Without any exaggeration, this program can be life-changing, especially for newcomers who want to have a more productive life.
Check out Leila’s PhotoVoice project. It’s a moving account of the role rug making played with the women in her life in Iran.