International Women’s Month is a time to honour women whose courage and quiet leadership make our communities stronger. At ISSofBC, one of those women is Bushra, whose journey from a small town in Saudi Arabia to serving newcomers in Canada is rooted in resilience, compassion, and purpose.
Growing Up Between Two Worlds
Bushra grew up between a traditional town and a busy capital city, moving between worlds with very different expectations around culture, gender, and opportunity. Student leadership roles at university helped her claim her voice—confidence and initiative that were not always encouraged for women, but that she knew she needed to create her own path.
Immigrating to Canada in 2011 was a turning point. Bushra rebuilt her life while navigating culture shock, a new education system, and daily responsibilities without nearby family. An early encounter at a bus stop, when someone made a stereotypical joke about where she came from, stayed with her for days and reinforced her determination to represent her culture with confidence and dignity.
Turning Service Into a Calling
As she completed her master’s degree, Bushra naturally stepped into a support role—helping fellow students academically and emotionally and volunteering as an Arabic interpreter for Syrian families. That volunteer work grew into a full‑time role supporting Arabic‑speaking adults and families facing trauma, loss, and settlement barriers. For five years, she advocated fiercely so that people could access safety, stability, and hope. She later co‑authored Building Community: Connecting Refugees and Canadian Families with a team at the University of Victoria, ensuring those experiences informed broader conversations about welcome and belonging.
Serving From Inside the System
Bushra’s commitment to service continued in public service roles, including with the Ministry of Social Development and Poverty Reduction. Fluent in Arabic, she often took extra calls from clients who would otherwise face delays with interpretation. Those calls did not count toward her daily targets, but hearing relief in people’s voices mattered more. Moments when her accent was criticized or she was told to “speak English” could have discouraged her; instead, they became reminders of why her presence and perspective are needed.
Coming Home to Her Mission
Today, Bushra manages the LINC English program at ISSofBC’s Richmond branch, where she supports newcomers as they build confidence in English and in their new lives in Canada.
Through each chapter, Bushra has learned to turn challenges into purpose—and purpose into service. Returning to the non‑profit sector and to ISSofBC feels, to her, like coming home. Every day, she walks alongside newcomers facing their own uncertainties and new beginnings, offering the support she once needed herself.
This International Women’s Month, Bushra’s journey invites us to recognize the power of women who lead with empathy, persistence, and conviction. Her story reminds us that helping even one person feel seen and supported can change the course of a life—and, together, help build a more compassionate and inclusive Canada.
If Bushra’s story resonates with you, we invite you to share this post, uplift the women in your own life, and learn more about how ISSofBC supports women and newcomers across British Columbia through our programs and services.
