Firdawsa Dirie - NEW's Intake Coordinator

INTRODUCING OUR THIRD NEW STAFF SPOTLIGHT

Meet the Positive and Passionate Firdawsa Dirie, NEW’s Intake Coordinator. As a Black Muslim Woman, she shares her reflections on the profound significance of Black History Month and the milestones that define her personal and professional journey.

Firdawsa's story is one of empowerment, entrepreneurship, and a commitment to making a positive impact within her community and the broader world. Join us as we celebrate Firdawsa's journey, recognizing her as a dedicated professional and a beacon of empowerment.

What Black History Month Means To Me

As a Black Muslim Woman, the significance of Black History Month lies in celebrating achievements, contributions, and resilience within the Black community. Recognizing the intersectionality of identities and embracing diverse narratives is crucial. It serves as a reminder to reflect on the progress and ongoing work needed to achieve equality and justice.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS: A SYMPHONY OF PROFESSIONAL AND PERSONAL MILESTONES

My proudest personal accomplishment has been launching my photo booth business. Combining a passion for photography and event planning, I have created a business that captures moments of joy. As a woman-owned venture, I have received a tremendous amount of positive support; reinforcing the importance of filling unmet needs in the market.

Professionally, working at NEW has been my proudest accomplishment. I love that I assist newcomers with their transition into Canadian society through referrals, job fairs, and pre-employment skills workshops. As a child of immigrants, I know integrating into a new society can be hard, so working here definitely allows me to do fulfilling work.

COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT AND PASSIONS

In addition to my job at NEW, I also volunteer at "Somali Together," a Toronto-based non-profit organization focused on enhancing the lives of Somali Youth through education, sports, and culture. Growing up in both Jane/Finch and Rexdale, I noticed the absence of programming targeted to youth in my community, to support their development in education, arts and sports. By addressing this gap, we've engaged youth by facilitating workshops on entrepreneurship, photography, and film making. We've also coordinated activities such as camping, snowboarding at Blue Mountain and Tennis Canada. From entrepreneurship workshops to outdoor activities, we strive to inspire, educate and engage the youth.

BLACK LEADER(S) YOU ADMIRE

A Black leader I admire greatly is Nelson Mandela. He was a true leader that fought against apartheid in South Africa and for the liberation of oppressed groups globally. He is a prime example of someone who does not remain neutral in situations of injustice.

Advice and Reflections to Aspiring Black Professionals

I advise aspiring professionals to find a mentor in your line of work, who is already progressing in their field. Ask questions! Attend networking events, and conferences to connect with like-minded individuals, and invest in continuous learning to enhance your skills. Furthermore, I would suggest clearly defining your short-term and long-term career goals and regularly assessing your progress.

Firdawsa’s story is a testament to her strong commitment to fostering community leadership. Her journey so far serves as a powerful reminder to start locally. We admire and celebrate her remarkable transformative actions towards #BlackExcellence, inspiring us all to serve and empower our local communities.