The Canadian Zalmi Society, which I co-founded, is committed to empowering individuals through education by providing free digital and financial literacy courses. These courses equip participants with essential computer skills, knowledge about credit, loans, and budgeting, and critical employment-seeking skills such as resume writing and online job search strategies. Upon course completion, participants receive a free desktop or laptop, enabling them to further their education or pursue career opportunities. All the computers provided to the participants are refurbished, representing a much more sustainable option. This program runs every other month. In terms of international work, we recently supported a school in Bahawalnagar, located in Pakistan, by providing them with desktops to establish their first computer lab. Supporting a school that empowers girls in education was a very gratifying experience, and we aim to continue our efforts and expand our support to other rural areas and continue to empower them through education.

Additionally, through collaborations with local businesses and corporations, we’ve developed a program that repurposes viable food and household items that would otherwise go to waste. By assembling these items into hampers, we reduce the environmental impact and provide nutritious food to families. This program operates weekly, supporting an average of 33 families.

My inspiration originates from my parents’ immigration experience and the diverse city I reside in. Hearing about my parents’ struggles as they built a new life in Canada ignited a passion within me to utilize my skills for the improvement of our community. Growing up, hearing about the support my parents received during their settlement in Calgary motivated me to pay it forward and create a tangible difference in the lives of others, just as others did for my family.