Yemi Timson has lived in Canada for over ten years. In this interview, she discusses her experience settling in and her career progression. She also offers words of encouragement for other first-generation immigrant women.
I came to Canada about ten years ago from Nigeria, and my transition has been smooth for the most part. I’ve made friends, joined local community groups, studied and been intentional about my career path. I have worked in the public and private sectors, spanning industries covering consumer retail, non-profit organizations, finance, and health. Overall, I can say that I am comfortable with every significant career decision I have made and thankful for the people who have paved the way for me to progress – either directly or indirectly.
Reflecting on my experience, I have some advice for first-generation immigrant women planning to leave home or have recently arrived in Canada.
I encourage women to be more deliberate about their education and careers. Those who have come into school will need to focus and prove their worth, and career or businesswomen will need to have a vision and be driven. Remember that you have earned your place. There will be places, spaces, and metaphorical meeting rooms where you will stand out – your skin, hair, and style – and these attributes will make you stand out distinctly. Rather than shy into the corner of the room, you might as well embrace it and glow. Embrace the uniqueness of your experience and the expertise you bring to the room. Remember your worth, the work you have put in, and the people who are rooting for you from near and far.
There will also be times when your expertise is questioned, not because of what you have failed to accomplish but because of the stereotypical thinking, bias or experiences of others. These assumptions are not attributable to you but result from the perceptions of others. So do not shy away. Lean in and do your thing.
There will be times when you doubt your abilities. When this happens, remind yourself of the work you have put in, intentionally surround yourself with a supportive community, seek career mentorship, and celebrate your wins. You are just as deserving of success as the next person.
As visible minorities, our interactions often leave an impression about people from our home country. So, we must be deliberate in our engagement and interactions with others. We should be courteous and refined in our interactions with people and showcase virtues of honesty, integrity, and hard work. We should remember those coming after us, and though this may seem surreal, the truth is that we represent every visible minority, especially women of African descent who will potentially access these same opportunities later. Our actions have the potential to either be a bridge or a barrier for others in the future.
Another critical piece of advice is to dress warm. The intense cold in Canada can adversely affect your health. So, please believe the hype about the Canadian cold and dress warm.
My advice to visible minorities and women of African descent moving to Canada is to be strong, kind, purposeful, and intentional. Remember the women who carved a path for you and those coming after you. Walk with your head held high and your eyes firmly focused on the goals and aspirations that propelled your move to the country you have chosen to call home.
Yemi Timson tells her story from New Brunswick, Canada.
