Sadia Rizvi moved to Canada in November 2023 and quickly began building connections within the newcomer community in Calgary. After learning about Immigrant Services Calgary (ISC) through the Calgary Language Assessment and Referral Centre (CLARC), she was inspired to get involved and support others on their settlement journey.

Sadia now volunteers with ISC, supporting transcription, Interpretation and Translation Centre (ITC)'s reception desk. Her role allows her to assist newcomers in meaningful ways while helping create a welcoming and supportive environment.

“Volunteering gives me a strong sense of purpose and connection to the community,” says Sadia. “It allows me to support others while continuing to grow personally and professionally.”

Originally from India, Sadia speaks English and Urdu, enabling her to connect with newcomers from diverse backgrounds. What motivates her to volunteer is her desire to give back and support others through the challenges of settling in a new country.

She especially enjoys interacting with people, listening to their stories, and offering support. Whether it is providing information or simply creating a welcoming space, Sadia finds it rewarding to make a positive difference in someone’s day.

Before coming to Canada, Sadia earned a Master’s degree in Business Administration and a Bachelor of Arts in English and Economics. She worked as an Administrative Assistant in Kuwait, where she developed strong organizational, communication, and multitasking skills in a fast-paced professional environment.

Sadia plans to continue volunteering, as it allows her to stay connected to the community, build meaningful relationships, and contribute to a stronger and more inclusive environment for newcomers.

“Sadia's contributions to our research process have been invaluable. She brings a high level of care and precision to reviewing and editing transcripts, and she is incredibly reliable, thorough, and professional in her work. She also brings a warm, relational presence to our team and consistently shows genuine care for each team member.” Megan Gill, Newcomer Knowledge Hub Intern.