Shows
The Cybersec MigrantThe CSM Ep 30: 🚀 Breaking Barriers - Immigrants Thriving in Tech with Tech2StepWhat does it really take to break into tech as an immigrant? In this episode, we sit down with Monisha Mothilal, host of the Newcomers to Trailblazers podcast, and one of the brilliant minds behind Tech2Step, an initiative changing the game for newcomers in the industry.We’re diving into:✅ The biggest challenges immigrants face in tech✅ The power of networking & community (hint: those networking walks are game-changers!)✅ Busting myths about immigrants in cybersecurity✅ Leadership insights for stepping up & taking chargeThis episode is packed with real talk, actionable advice, and inspiring stories you don’t want...
2025-04-0447 min
Newcomers to TrailblazersWith Joanna Sanchez - Total Rewards, People and Culture Leader, Filipino Immigrant in CanadaHey 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 fa...
2025-03-1351 min
Newcomers to TrailblazersWith Tasneem Damji- Academic and Career Coach, Canadian Immigrant, Global CitizenHey 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. Sh...
2025-03-0752 min
Newcomers to TrailblazersWith Jonathan Cauri- Executive Director, UMOJA Operations, Kenyan Canadian, Community Leader, B.CHey 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...
2025-02-1138 min
Newcomers to TrailblazersCareer Paths for Skilled Immigrants by Back In Motion Helping Find Their Dream Job in BC, CanadaCareer 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...
2025-02-0348 min
Newcomers to TrailblazersCareer Paths for Skilled Immigrants by Back In Motion Helping Find Their Dream Job in BC, CanadaCareer 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...
2024-12-031h 02
Newcomers to TrailblazersWith Matilda Obiajunwa- Entrepreneur, Canadian Immigrant, Community Leader, Sisters in CanadaHey 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 so...
2024-11-2135 min
Newcomers to TrailblazersVishad Deeplaul - Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, City of Burnaby, Burnaby Promise, BC Medal of Citizenship, Leadership, Community Building, Volunteering, South African ImmigrantIn 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 di...
2024-10-2348 min
Newcomers to TrailblazersIrshad Abdulla, PhD- South African Canadian Immigrant, Technology Architect, Leadership, BC HydroWelcome 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...
2024-08-2032 min
Newcomers to TrailblazersVishad & Irshad: Husbands Dads South African Immigrants OverachieversGet ready for a double dose of amazing! Today, we're welcoming a power couple who are basically superheroes with hearts of gold – Vishad Deeplaul and Irshad Abdullah!
Let's unpack this incredible duo. Vishad and Irshad are both husbands, dads, and come from a super supportive family back in South Africa . Together, they launched a legal battle that shook the entire South African constitution – talk about power couples!
Host Li: https://www.linkedin.com/in/monishamothilal/
Vishad Li: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vishad-deeplaul-m-g-c-56403513a/
Irshad Li: https://www.linkedin.com/in/irshad-abdulla-phd-vancouver/
Listen/ Watch here-
Youtube: / @newcomerstotrailblazers
Apple: https://podcasts.appl...
2024-07-3050 min
Newcomers to TrailblazersWith Sobhana Jaya Madhavan- Indigenous, Leadership, Culture, BelongingWe have the amazing Shobna Jaya Madhavan with us today. Shobna calls herself an "unapologetic optimist" who believes in the strength of humanity. She's a first-generation immigrant who came to Canada in 1995, and for almost 20 years she's been leading teams and connecting with people across different organizations.
This powerhouse of a woman has been nominated for the BC Medal of Good Citizenship Award, and her work spans community engagement, public relations, child welfare, government relations, and more! She's passionate about collaboration and making a positive impact, and that's exactly what she's been doing – from 2017 to 2024, she was the AVP of Ex...
2024-07-1757 min
Newcomers to TrailblazersWith Hannah Flostrand - Career Educator - Networking SuperstarHey everyone, Monisha here, your host on Newcomers to Trailblazers! Buckle up, because we've got another power-packed episode for you today.
Alright, let's get this party started! Today, I'm thrilled to have Hannah Flostrand joining us.
Hannah hails from Montreal and has a thing for standing out from the crowd.
She spent most of her younger years in Quebec, where she juggled 4 languages – English, French, Tagalog& Spanish
She's a current career educator navigating a career shift – a wife, a mom, and now she's transitioning into a whole new career as an immigration consultant. But one thing remains constant: Hannah loves conn...
2024-07-0255 min
Newcomers to TrailblazersWith the CHRO of City of Burnaby, BC, Canada, Anita Bhandari - Part 2Anita is the first woman of colour to lead the City of Burnaby's People and Culture/HR Department, making her the city's CHRO.
In this second part, she will discuss her role as CHRO of the City of Burnaby and the city's new initiatives and developments for its people. We will also explore how they are increasing inclusiveness in their day-to-day lives. So, get ready to dive into the City of Burnaby's journey through Anita's eyes and learn how she's making a difference in the world through her leadership, embracing her unique self one powerful step at a time.
Monisha...
2024-06-1941 min
Newcomers to TrailblazersWith the CHRO of City of Burnaby, BC, Canada Anita Bhandari - Part 1Anita is the first woman of colour to lead the City of Burnaby's People and Culture/HR Department, making her the city's CHRO.
Before you picture Anita as some sunshine-fleeing, stereotype-conforming robot, let me assure you that she's embraced her authentic self and encourages everyone to do the same. She's overcome challenges, including a difficult year in 2021, and emerged stronger than ever.
So, get ready to dive into Anita's incredible journey and learn how she's making a difference in the world through her leadership and embracing her unique self, one powerful step at a time.
Monisha: https://www.linkedin.com...
2024-06-1236 min
Newcomers to TrailblazersWith Harjeet - Investment Expert - Breaking Immigrant StereotypesPlease put your hands together for Harjeet!
Growing up in a small town with hard-working parents, Harjeet is now a proud dad himself, raising a third-generation trailblazer with roots in Punjab.
Harjeet shared intimate details about his childhood in the then-small town of Kelowna, BC, and what it meant to be part of an immigrant family. He didn't shy away from discussing the racism he encountered in the 80s and also opened up about how he's raising his kids to honor their Punjabi heritage and Canadian upbringing. Plus, he offered some valuable advice for new immigrants arriving in Canada every...
2024-05-2846 min
Newcomers to TrailblazersAdeleke - Human, Labour & Industrial Relations Leader in BC, CanadaBuckle up, trailblazers, because today's guest is a legal eagle with an HR superpower! Welcome back to Newcomers to Trailblazers, your one-stop shop for immigrant success stories in Canada.
Joining us is Adeleke Adesuyi, a man who's seen it all in the workplace jungle – from navigating company cultures to building rockstar teams! He's even faced discrimination firsthand, but guess what? Leke's not letting that stop him from making workplaces more equitable for everyone.
Not only is he an employer relations guru, but this multifaceted maestro also teaches at KPU!
Guest - Leke: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adesuyiadelekellbgphrchrp/
Host - Mo...
2024-05-1439 min
Newcomers to TrailblazersVaishali Rampurkar -BIPOC EIT - Electrical Engineer to P.ENg in CanadaVaishali is not just a bookworm. She holds a Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering and faced the challenge of getting her qualifications recognized in Canada. It was no easy task, but she proved that she could conquer circuits and new cities by moving from Edmonton to Vancouver.
As a woman of color (POC, WOC) in STEM in Canada, she has shared her experience of facing underestimation, requiring extra efforts due to her gender and ethnicity. To learn how she tackled everything, you can listen to the episode.
Our Guest, Vaishali Rampurkar: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vrampurkar
The Host, Monisha...
2024-04-3031 min
Newcomers to TrailblazersWith Femi - Breaking into Cyber Security as an Canadian ImmigrantToday, joining me on this first-class flight to immigrant success is someone who matches my energy – a rare find, let me tell you. He's basically a human emoji that came to life, and trust me, that's a good thing!
Give it up for Femi, the Information Security Consultant whose tech skills would put James Bond to shame! This guy's resume is longer than the queue on Canada Day.
Femi's led the charge in security for public, private, and non-profit sec
Femi Ogunji - https://www.linkedin.com/in/femiogunji
Femi's Podcast - TheCyberSecMigrant
Find Femi's Podcast on Spotify - https://sp...
2024-04-1738 min
Newcomers to TrailblazersWith Farid AndishFarid, a Dentist by Profession but a social worker by passion, has devoted his life to educating and empowering the youth and women of Afghanistan. In the face of constant challenges and skepticism, he fearlessly championed the causes of politics, social activism, Human rights, and democracy in Kabul and beyond.
Through his unwavering determination and numerous projects, Farid earned the trust and respect of the youth, proving that change is possible even in the most adverse circumstances. However, the path he chose was not without its sacrifices. He faced multiple death threats and tragically lost a friend to one such...
2024-04-0226 min
Newcomers to TrailblazersWith Rasika NimkarFrom being a diligent daughter, sister, and student, she ventured into the world of chemical engineering in India and then took a bold leap to pursue her masters in the USA in her early 20s. Since then, her primary identity has been that of an immigrant, and her journey has been extraordinary.
Rasika's move to North America wasn't a walk in the park. With student loans looming over her head, she had to conjure up unique strategies to navigate the challenges of the early 2000s. Her job-hunting experience in the US was a rollercoaster ride, but she persevered and gained...
2024-03-2023 min
Newcomers to TrailblazersWith Khristine CariñoHey Trailblazers! Ready for another dose of inspiration? Today, we're meeting someone who literally changed my life in Canada.
Okay, maybe she has not literally changed it, but her impact has been monumental.
Khristine arrived in Canada in 2005 as a postdoctoral fellow at the prestigious University of British Columbia. But life, as it does, threw some curveballs, and her career took a fascinating turn into the world of non-profit development.
Now, Khristine's journey wasn't always smooth sailing. As a woman of colour in North America, she faced her share of racism, discrimination, and underestimation of her skills. But Khristine is...
2024-03-1234 min
Newcomers to TrailblazersWith Rasie BamigbadeRasie is a leadership coach, book coach, speaker, and author of Amazon Bestsellers “Lead In Your Truth” & “Heal On Your Terms.” She helps corporate leaders lead their teams more effectively through self-leadership and supports authors' book construction process from idea to publishing. She is giving back to our world through her Youth Mentorship Program, empowering and helping our youth take control of their lives by providing mentorship resources and access to reliable mentors. Closing the opportunity gap in leadership is at the core of Rasie's work. She does this through her successful coaching programs and youth mentorship programs.
2024-03-0531 min
Newcomers to TrailblazersWith Austin ObiajunwaIn today's episode, we have a very special guest - Austin.
Austin's story is nothing short of inspiring. Imagine leaving behind everything you know and love and moving to a foreign country with your spouse and four children, all in search of a better life. That's exactly what Austin did when he and his family relocated from Nigeria to Canada.
As an English major and transportation professional, Austin had to navigate a completely unfamiliar world - from the culture and behaviour to the housing market and education system. But instead of allowing these obstacles to hinder him, he rose above...
2024-02-2721 min
Newcomers to TrailblazersWith Ingrid BroussillonI'm thrilled to have a special guest with us today who's nothing short of a force of nature.
Today, we have the incredible Ingrid, a cool, hardworking, and kind-hearted entrepreneur who's on a mission to help both kids and adults find their voice and confidence through the magical world of improv. đźŽ
Ingrid's journey is nothing short of awe-inspiring. She's fearlessly transitioned between careers, relocated countries not once, but twice, and courageously hit the reset button on her life – all with unwavering determination. Today, she proudly calls Vancouver home, a testament to her resilience and adaptability.
2024-02-1334 min
Newcomers to TrailblazersWith Tanya PonnanToday, we have an extraordinary guest joining us, someone who truly embodies the concept of a global citizen.
Imagine growing up in Manitoba, Canada, surrounded by a tapestry of indigenous cultures.
Our guest, a fourth culture kid, has South Asian and Chinese ancestry, and this unique blend of influences has shaped her perspective in remarkable ways.
Her journey has been one of constant discovery, fostering a deep appreciation for cultural diversity.
Now, our guest has taken her experiences and expertise to new heights.
She is a trusted consultant and coach in the Inclusion, Diversity, and Equity space, helping organizations navigate...
2024-01-3033 min
Newcomers to TrailblazersNewcomers to Trailblazers with Karan JoharGet ready for a wild ride on "Newcomers to Trailblazers"! Our guest, the unstoppable Karan Johar, is about to blow your socks off. Hailing from the exotic lands of Jammu and Kashmir, and with a childhood spent navigating the twists and turns of North India, Karan knows a thing or two about adventure.
She channeled her inner superhero and started a non-profit organization to save the day. Now she's here to spill the beans on her mind-blowing transformation and culture shock.
Get ready to laugh your socks off with this one-of-a-kind guest!
2024-01-1642 min
Newcomers to TrailblazersNewcomers to Trailblazers - With Zhila PirmoradiWelcome, fellow listeners, to the exciting first-ever episode of Newcomers to Trailblazers, where we celebrate the incredible stories of individuals who have dared to dream big and conquer new frontiers. Today, we have a truly inspiring guest with us - Zhila, an immigrant woman in science who has defied all odds and emerged as a true trailblazer.
2024-01-0145 min
Newcomers to TrailblazersNewcomers to Trailblazers Trailer- We are coming soon!Welcome to "Newcomers to Trailblazers," the podcast that shares the inspiring stories of first-generation immigrants in Canada.
We stand out in a world where courage, resilience, and determination pave the path to success.
Join us as we delve into the captivating lives of these remarkable individuals, their struggles, and their triumphs.
Each episode will take you on a journey of hope, resilience, and the pursuit of dreams.
Coming soon to your favorite podcast platform!
2023-12-1402 min
The Guiding VoiceFFLR: FINANCIALLY FEMALE LED RELATIONSHIPS ARE INCREASING | MONISHA MOTHILAL| #TGV315 (FULL)FFLR: FINANCIALLY FEMALE LED RELATIONSHIPS ARE INCREASING | MONISHA MOTHILAL| #TGV315 (FULL)“There is no limit to what we, as women, can accomplish"~Leah HallTune into #TGV315 to get clarity on the above topic. Here are the timestamp-based pointers from Monisha's conversation with Naveen Samala on The Guiding Voice0:00:00 INTRODUCTION AND CONTEXT SETTING 0:02:45 Monisha’s PROFESSIONAL JOURNEY AND THE TOP 3 THINGS THAT HELPED IN Her SUCCESS0:05:45 How she dealt with workplace biases?0:08:50 FFLR is all about?0:13:00 HOW M...
2023-03-1426 min