Newcomers to Trailblazers

Monisha Mothilal

At Newcomers to Trailblazers Podcast, we are more than just a podcast. We are a vibrant community that aims to inspire and support new immigrants in their pursuit of success. We understand that the journey of immigration can be daunting and filled with uncertainties. That's why we bring you these awe-inspiring stories every 15 days, so you can learn from the experiences of those who have walked the path before you. Through our podcast episodes, we delve deep into the lives of our guests, uncovering the fears they conquered, the strategies that propelled them forward, and the resilience that defined their journey. Each episode is carefully crafted to offer valuable insights and practical advice, empowering you to overcome obstacles and reach your full potential. Tune in, listen to the stories of these incredible individuals, and prepare to be inspired. Let their journeys ignite a fire within you, as you discover the courage to chase your dreams and embrace new opportunities.

  1. With Joanna Sanchez - Total Rewards, People and Culture Leader, Filipino Immigrant in Canada

    03/13/2025

    With Joanna Sanchez - Total Rewards, People and Culture Leader, Filipino Immigrant in Canada

    Hey everyone, Monisha here, your host on Newcomers to Trailblazers! Buckle up, because we've got another power-packed episode for you today. Before we dive in, a quick reminder! We release new episodes every other week, and you won't want to miss them. So do us a favor and hit that subscribe button on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, Spotify and Amazon music – whichever gets your podcast groove on! Joanna's story is one of bridging worlds. Born in the Philippines, she carried her rich cultural heritage with her when she immigrated to Canada at the age of 10. Growing up in a large, close-knit family, she learned the importance of community and connection, values she continues to uphold today. As a female immigrant leader, Joanna's commitment to inclusivity is evident in her daily actions. She's a passionate advocate for cultural understanding and uses her lived experiences to inspire and uplift others. This Women's History Month, join Monisha on LinkedIn to delve into Joanna's remarkable journey and discover how her global perspective shapes her powerful leadership in Canada. LinkedIn Host Link: Monisha - https://www.linkedin.com/in/monishamothilal/ LinkedIn Guest Link: Joanna - https://www.linkedin.com/in/sanchezjoanna24/ Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/newcomerstotrailblazers/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/newcomers-to-trailblazers-podcast/ Subscribe to us on Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/in/podcast/newcomers-to-trailblazers/id1721265004 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0wM4SjlSSgryndrEZI01A6?si=yUaxzYpfQtGlM_PZc6SEuQ Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.ca/podcasts/fabf789a-eef2-45c8-961e-1b61a3362788/newcomers-to-trailblazers YT Podcasts: @NewcomerstoTrailblazers ​

    52 min
  2. With Tasneem Damji- Academic and Career Coach, Canadian Immigrant, Global Citizen

    03/07/2025

    With Tasneem Damji- Academic and Career Coach, Canadian Immigrant, Global Citizen

    Hey everyone, Monisha here, your host on Newcomers to Trailblazers! Buckle up, because we've got another power-packed episode for you today. Before we dive in, a quick reminder! We release new episodes every other week, and you won't want to miss them. So do us a favor and hit that subscribe button on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, Spotify and Amazon music – whichever gets your podcast groove on! Tasneem was born in the UK to a South African Canadian Immigrant. SHe is a truly global citizen. And has visited, volunteered and lived in various parts of the world, Asia, Europe, North America. She shares about her life as an immigrant in different parts of the world, how her experiences have reformed her into the person she is today and her career choices. As part of Black History Month, we are learning about Kenyan culture, language, territories, and his experiences as an immigrant in Canada. As part of Women's History Month, we are learning about her experiences with Global Culture, and her experiences as an immigrant in Canada. LinkedIn Host Link: Monisha - https://linkedin.com/in/monishamothilal LinkedIn Guest Link: Tasneem - https://linkedin.com/in/tasneem-damji Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/newcomerstotrailblazers/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/newcomers-to-trailblazers-podcast/ Subscribe to us on Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/in/podcast/newcomers-to-trailblazers/id1721265004 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0wM4SjlSSgryndrEZI01A6?si=yUaxzYpfQtGlM_PZc6SEuQ&nd=1&dlsi=f7e10296c08e409e Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.ca/podcasts/fabf789a-eef2-45c8-961e-1b61a3362788/newcomers-to-trailblazers YT Podcasts: ‪https://www.youtube.com/@NewcomerstoTrailblazers

    52 min
  3. With Jonathan Cauri- Executive Director, UMOJA Operations, Kenyan Canadian, Community Leader, B.C

    02/11/2025

    With Jonathan Cauri- Executive Director, UMOJA Operations, Kenyan Canadian, Community Leader, B.C

    Hey everyone, Monisha here, your host on Newcomers to Trailblazers! Buckle up, because we've got another power-packed episode for you today. Before we dive in, a quick reminder! We release new episodes every other week, and you won't want to miss them. So do us a favor and hit that subscribe button on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, Spotify and Amazon music – whichever gets your podcast groove on! Jonathan is a Black Canadian Immigrant from Kenya and moved to Canada almost 20 years ago. Over the years through the organization UMOJA, him and his team have served over 5000+ Immigrants Newcomers in Canada. Jonathan is a Black Canadian immigrant from Kenya who moved to Canada almost 20 years ago. Over the years, through the organization UMOJA, he and his team have served over 5,000 immigrants and newcomers in Canada. As part of Black History Month, we are learning about Kenyan culture, language, territories, and his experiences as an immigrant in Canada. As part of Black History Month, we are learning about Kenyan Culture, Kenyan Language, Kenyan Territories and his experiences as an immigrant in Canada. Joining me is the co-host Matilda Williams-Obiajunwa, who is the founder of Sisters In Canada Wellness Society, an organization dedicated to empowering newcomer immigrant women to thrive in Canada through interactive sessions, mentorship and support to rebuild their self-esteem, eliminate societal isolation and foster community collaboration. LinkedIn Link: Matilda - https://www.linkedin.com/in/matilda-williams-obiajunwa-340877251/ LinkedIn Link: Jonathan - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathancauriprofile/ Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/newcomersto... LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/newcomers-to-trailblazers-podcast Subscribe to us on Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/in/podcast... Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0wM4Sjl... Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.in/podcasts/fabf... YT Podcasts: ‪@NewcomerstoTrailblazers‬

    38 min
  4. Career Paths for Skilled Immigrants by Back In Motion Helping Find Their Dream Job in BC, Canada

    02/03/2025

    Career Paths for Skilled Immigrants by Back In Motion Helping Find Their Dream Job in BC, Canada

    Career Paths for Skilled Immigrants Program Back in Motion: Helping New Immigrants Find Their Dream Jobs in Canada Are you a skilled immigrant looking to start a new career in Canada? If so, you're not alone. Thousands of immigrants come to Canada each year, hoping to find fulfilling and well-paying jobs. But navigating the Canadian job market can be challenging, even for the most experienced professionals. That's where Back in Motion comes in. Career Paths for Skilled Immigrants Program has been helping new immigrants find jobs in Canada for over 20 years. They have a proven track record of success, and have helped tens of thousands of immigrants find meaningful careers in major cities like Surrey, Richmond, Burnaby, and other cities in British Columbia In this podcast, we'll talk to you about Back In Motion Career Paths program, their growth, their success rate, and their job strategies. We'll also share stories from some of Career Paths clients who have found success with Back in Motion in the future episode Topics we'll cover in this podcast: How to find job openings in Canada How to prepare for your job search How to network effectively How to interview successfully And much more! Program Owners: Director of Employment Services, Bernd Gruenhage: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bernd-gruenhage-903b46215/ Program Manager, Anna Price: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anna-price-96555924 Community Liaison, Badhri Narayanan: https://www.linkedin.com/in/badhri-narayanan Career Advisors: Feridon Salim, Duane Babb, Karen Wang, Miriam Mares, Soraya Canales, Raminder Kaur Bahl Job Search Advisors: Misha Sharma Program Assistants: Gurpreet Kaur, Sveytaa Sharma Program Coordinator: Carleen Ferguson Career Paths Program is committed to helping new immigrants achieve their career goals. If you're looking for a job in Canada, we encourage you to contact them today. Connect with Career Paths Program here: Website: https://careerpaths.ca/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/career-paths-for-skilled-immigrants-bim Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bim.careerpaths?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw== Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bimcareerpaths We hope you join us on this journey to find your dream job in Canada. Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/newcomersto... LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/newcomers-to-trailblazers-podcast Subscribe to us on Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/in/podcast... Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0wM4Sjl... Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.in/podcasts/fabf... YT Podcasts: ‪@NewcomerstoTrailblazers‬

    48 min
  5. Career Paths for Skilled Immigrants by Back In Motion Helping Find Their Dream Job in BC, Canada

    12/03/2024

    Career Paths for Skilled Immigrants by Back In Motion Helping Find Their Dream Job in BC, Canada

    Career Paths for Skilled Immigrants Program Back in Motion: Helping New Immigrants Find Their Dream Jobs in Canada Are you a skilled immigrant looking to start a new career in Canada? If so, you're not alone. Thousands of immigrants come to Canada each year, hoping to find fulfilling and well-paying jobs. But navigating the Canadian job market can be challenging, even for the most experienced professionals. That's where Back in Motion comes in. Career Paths for Skilled Immigrants Program has been helping new immigrants find jobs in Canada for over 20 years. They have a proven track record of success, and have helped tens of thousands of immigrants find meaningful careers in major cities like Surrey, Richmond, Burnaby, and other cities in British Columbia In this podcast, we'll talk to you about Back In Motion Career Paths program, their growth, their success rate, and their job strategies. We'll also share stories from some of Career Paths clients who have found success with Back in Motion in the future episode Topics we'll cover in this podcast: How to find job openings in Canada How to prepare for your job search How to network effectively How to interview successfully And much more! Guests: Director of Employment Services,Bernd Gruenhage: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bernd-gruenhage-903b46215/ Program Manager, Anna Price: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anna-price-96555924/ Community Liaison, Badhri Narayanan: https://www.linkedin.com/in/badhri-narayanan/ Career Advisors: Feridon Salim, Duane Babb, Karen Wang, Miriam Mares, Soraya Canales, Raminder Kaur Bahl Job Search Advisors: Misha Sharma Program Assistants: Gurpreet Kaur, Sveytaa Sharma Program Coordinator: Carleen Ferguson Career Paths Program is committed to helping new immigrants achieve their career goals. If you're looking for a job in Canada, we encourage you to contact them today. Connect with Career Paths Program here: Website: https://careerpaths.ca/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/career-paths-for-skilled-immigrants-bim/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bim.careerpaths/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bimcareerpaths/ We hope you join us on this journey to find your dream job in Canada. Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/newcomerstotrailblazers?igsh=cjZsd3Q3bDltYmh1&utm_source=qr LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/newcomers-to-trailblazers-podcast/ Subscribe to us on Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/in/podcast/newcomers-to-trailblazers/id1721265004 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0wM4SjlSSgryndrEZI01A6?si=1737299708864ded Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.in/podcasts/fabf789a-eef2-45c8-961e-1b61a3362788/newcomers-to-trailblazers YT Podcasts: @NewcomerstoTrailblazers

    1h 3m
  6. With Matilda Obiajunwa- Entrepreneur, Canadian Immigrant, Community Leader, Sisters in Canada

    11/21/2024

    With Matilda Obiajunwa- Entrepreneur, Canadian Immigrant, Community Leader, Sisters in Canada

    Hey everyone, Monisha here, your host on Newcomers to Trailblazers! Buckle up, because we've got another power-packed episode for you today. Before we dive in, a quick reminder! We release new episodes every other week, and you won't want to miss them. So do us a favor and hit that subscribe button on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, Spotify and Amazon music – whichever gets your podcast groove on! Matilda Williams-Obiajunwa is the founder of Sisters In Canada Wellness Society, an organization dedicated to empowering newcomer immigrant women to thrive in Canada through interactive sessions, mentorship and support to rebuild their self-esteem, eliminate societal isolation and foster community collaboration. With a degree in Creative Arts and a postgraduate diploma in Educational Administration from the University of Lagos, Nigeria, Matilda has extensive experience in advocacy, event planning, and stakeholder engagement. She previously served as the Communications Lead for the Canadian Cancer Society CIBC Run For The Cure, Surrey Committee for four years; she is also a director on the UNITI Board, contributing her expertise in fundraising and diversity initiatives. She was recently selected as a member of the IRCC Inaugural Newcomers Council, where she and other Council members will advise the Deputy Minister of Immigration, on ideas and policies that will support newcomers in Canada. Host LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/monishamothilal/ Guest LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matilda-williams-obiajunwa-340877251/ Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/newcomerstotrailblazers?igsh=cjZsd3Q3bDltYmh1&utm_source=qr LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/newcomers-to-trailblazers-podcast/ Subscribe to us on Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/in/podcast/newcomers-to-trailblazers/id1721265004 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0wM4SjlSSgryndrEZI01A6?si=1737299708864ded Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.in/podcasts/fabf789a-eef2-45c8-961e-1b61a3362788/newcomers-to-trailblazers

    35 min
  7. Vishad Deeplaul - Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, City of Burnaby, Burnaby Promise, BC Medal of Citizenship, Leadership, Community Building, Volunteering, South African Immigrant

    10/23/2024

    Vishad Deeplaul - Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, City of Burnaby, Burnaby Promise, BC Medal of Citizenship, Leadership, Community Building, Volunteering, South African Immigrant

    In the previous episode, we featured the remarkable power couple Vishad Deeplaul and Irshad Abdullah. Now, Vishad is back for round two, and we're going to delve deeper into his incredible achievements. In our last episode, we discussed their inspiring journey as a couple, from their South African roots to making an impact in Canada. However, Vishad is a powerhouse in his own right, and there's just too much to cover in one episode. So, get ready to be amazed! We're bringing back Vishad Deeplaul – a super achiever extraordinaire! We'll be uncovering even more of his awe-inspiring accomplishments. We'll be discussing his values on volunteering, community building, his British Columbia Medal of Citizenship Award, and his work with the City of Burnaby as the Senior Manager for Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion with the Burnaby Promise. We'll also explore his work with City Leadership, CHRO - Anita Bhandari, and CAO- Leon Gous. If you're interested in learning about how a city strategically creates spaces for its community members, this episode is a must-listen. Vishad's work with the City of Burnaby has been incredible in a short span of time, and he continues to excel in bringing new initiatives, inclusion, and a sense of belonging among its residents. Vishad Li: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vishad-deeplaul-m-g-c-56403513a Anita Li: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anita-bhandari-cphr/ Monisha Li: https://www.linkedin.com/in/monishamothilal/ YT Podcasts: https://tr.ee/CAV0GySHKE Apple Podcasts: https://tr.ee/EC1LUVjDeY Spotify: https://tr.ee/nGJZf8tge4 LinkedIn: https://tr.ee/AWK0oo7osX Insta: https://tr.ee/Lzf3JoaVWw Tiktok: https://tr.ee/jqldPKmg_h Subscribe to our podcast and follow us on socials. Feel free to leave a comment if you have a question for us. Thanks!

    48 min
  8. Irshad Abdulla, PhD- South African Canadian Immigrant, Technology Architect, Leadership, BC Hydro

    08/20/2024

    Irshad Abdulla, PhD- South African Canadian Immigrant, Technology Architect, Leadership, BC Hydro

    Welcome back, podcast fam! Remember that amazing couple we featured, Vishad Deeplaul and Irshad Abdullah? We today have Irshad back for round two! This time, we're diving deep into Irshad's incredible story. We'll explore his achievements, the challenges he faced as an immigrant (even with a killer education!), and how he's now giving back to help others. In our last episode, we followed their inspiring journey as a couple, from their South African roots to conquering Canada. Now, we're getting personal with Irshad's education. We'll hear about the hurdles he faced as a newcomer, despite his impressive academic background and experience. You won't believe how much he's grown and how his perspective has transformed over the years. So, buckle up and get ready to be amazed by the one and only, Irshad Abdullah – the super achiever himself! We're about to uncover even more of his awe-inspiring accomplishments. Let's get down to business! Host Li: https://www.linkedin.com/in/monishamothilal/ Guest Li: https://www.linkedin.com/in/irshad-abdulla-phd-vancouver Follow us here Insta: https://www.instagram.com/newcomerstotrailblazers/ Li: https://www.linkedin.com/company/97468529/admin/dashboard/ Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@newcomerstotrailblazers?_t=8kyvM8dLTmf&_r=1 Subscribe here YT: https://youtube.com/@newcomerstotrailblazers?feature=shared Apple Podcasts: ​​https://podcasts.apple.com/in/podcast/newcomers-to-trailblazers/id1721265004 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0wM4SjlSSgryndrEZI01A6?si=DKWvReR8RT2JXDHa1WDaVQ

    32 min

About

At Newcomers to Trailblazers Podcast, we are more than just a podcast. We are a vibrant community that aims to inspire and support new immigrants in their pursuit of success. We understand that the journey of immigration can be daunting and filled with uncertainties. That's why we bring you these awe-inspiring stories every 15 days, so you can learn from the experiences of those who have walked the path before you. Through our podcast episodes, we delve deep into the lives of our guests, uncovering the fears they conquered, the strategies that propelled them forward, and the resilience that defined their journey. Each episode is carefully crafted to offer valuable insights and practical advice, empowering you to overcome obstacles and reach your full potential. Tune in, listen to the stories of these incredible individuals, and prepare to be inspired. Let their journeys ignite a fire within you, as you discover the courage to chase your dreams and embrace new opportunities.