When newcomers arrive in Canada, they bring with them not only their skills and experience, but also their hopes and ambition to contribute, belong, and build a better future for themselves and their communities.
At this year’s Education Bursary Awards, we were honoured to welcome several award recipients, donors, and Sunita Dhir, BC’s Parliamentary Secretary for International Credentials.
“This bursary…shows me that people believe in my dreams. One day, I hope I can support other students just as you have supported me.”
Rahila Rad, Roper Greyell LLP bursary recipient
The awardees each shared their personal stories of resilience and ambition, reminding us why supporting newcomer education is a valuable investment in the future of everyone in British Columbia.
For Rahila Rad, her bursary from Roper Greyell LLP represents both a lifeline and a vote of confidence. Originally from Tehran, Iran, she practiced law for nearly a decade before arriving in Canada. Like many professionals, she faced the challenge of rebuilding her career in a new country: “At first, life was tough – learning a new language, new culture, and new way of life. I had to work in general jobs outside of my profession,” she shared. But step by step, she found her way back to her passion for law.
Her story reflects the heart of the bursary program: removing barriers so newcomers can focus on education and contribute their talents to Canada.
Hyejin Gyeon, recipient of the Vancity Credit Union Bursary, immigrated to BC alone from South Korea at the age of 19. Her path to becoming a nurse has been a long and transformative one. After years of working during the day and studying at night to meet her prerequisites, she is now more than halfway through her nursing school program.
Her dream is to become a nurse practitioner serving immigrant patients who face barriers to healthcare. “As an immigrant, one of my biggest strengths is being able to relate to patients who speak English as a second language,” she explained. “It’s not just about providing care; it’s about building trust and connections across languages and cultures.”
The bursary, she says, encourages her not just to keep studying but to grow into a leader who can make a difference.
For newcomer and single mother Grace Alexis Nakyanzi from Uganda, the bursary helps her balance raising her young child while studying child and youth care at Douglas College. “This lifts a great weight off my shoulders,” she said. “I promise to keep working hard so I can give back to the community, just as I’ve been given this chance.”
These inspiring voices underscore the purpose of newcomer education bursaries: to open doors, recognize potential, and create a ripple effect of opportunity.
“These bursaries are more than just financial support. They are a recognition of your potential and a vote of confidence in your future. Your success strengthens us all.”
sUNITA dHIR, bc’S Parliamentary Secretary for International Credentials
Jonathan Oldman, ISSofBC’s CEO, highlighted the broader impact of these awards beyond individual achievement.
From future lawyers to nurses, youth workers, and beyond, bursary recipients are pursuing careers that strengthen communities, fill critical gaps in the workforce, and help make British Columbia a place where everyone belongs.
Each story is a testament to perseverance and hope and a reminder that when we invest in newcomers, we invest in the prosperity and inclusivity of British Columbia.
Congratulations to all the winners, and thank you to all the donors!
Thank you to all our donors whose support makes all this possible. Special thanks to Vancity Credit Union for helping us ensure all donations went directly to each award winner.
- Zahra Meysami – ISSofBC Staff Team Bursary
- Maria Sharifi – Wolfgang Strigel Bursary
- Bo Un Chung – Vancity Credit Union Bursary
- Marjan Safaverdy – Dr. She & Dr. Chan Bursary
- Grace Nakyanzi – Dr. She & Dr. Chan Bursary
- Leila Tajik – Vancity Credit Union Bursary
- Madhurima Borse – Homayoun Taheri Bursary
- Farshid Salehi – Credit Union Foundation of BC
- Parisa Saqib – Pietro & Italia Santacroce Bursary
- Hyejin Gyeon – Future Leaders Bursary
- Mohammad Tawab Zarang – Pietro Widmer & Renée Van Halm Bursary
- Catherine Atuhaire – Credit Union Foundation of BC
- Aryam Altahhan – Stocking & Cumming Bursary
- Mahboobeh Mohammadi – Waypoint Benefits & Financial Services Bursary
- Farnoosh Sharrifi – Thrive Refuge Bursary
- Vania Anaid Barber Villegas – Manning Elliott LLP Bursary
- Husnia Ibrahimi – MNP LLP Bursary
- Farnoosh Aryan – Jim Tallman Volunteer Bursary
- Raheleh Amiri Rad – Roper Greyell LLP Bursary
