Meet Valerie, CIWA’s Administration Coordinator: The Face of CIWA for the month of November
“Valerie is the face and heart of so much at CIWA. She knows everyone by first name, what floor they work on, and what their role is. Valerie shows up to work every day with grace and a willingness to respond to whatever building or admin issue that comes up, and for that, I am SO grateful!” – CIWA Staff
Landing in Canada and Finding CIWA
Valerie’s journey to Canada from India was filled with challenges and new experiences. “When I first arrived, everything felt so different,” she recalls. “From the way people interacted to the everyday things I wasn’t used to. One of the biggest challenges I faced was finding a job. I didn’t know where to start or how to navigate the Canadian job market.”
That’s when Valerie discovered CIWA. She signed up for a program designed to help immigrant women find employment, and it made a world of difference. Valerie’s journey at CIWA began as a client. “I feel incredibly lucky that I was later given the opportunity to complete my practicum placement with CIWA. Not long after that, I was offered a job, and here I am today, three years later, reflecting on how far I have come.”
“It’s been an amazing experience, and I’m so grateful for the opportunities CIWA has provided me. Looking back, I’m so grateful for the support that CIWA provided during that challenging time. With persistence and the right resources, I was able to overcome those hurdles and start building a new life here.” – Valerie Rebello
A Journey of Growth and Resilience
One experience that has made a lasting impact on Valerie was during her practicum placement. “I had the opportunity to work closely with clients and volunteers. Watching them find strength, resilience, and hope through the support of CIWA’s services was truly eye-opening. That experience not only shaped my professional growth but also deepened my personal commitment to helping others.”
To all the immigrant women, girls, and families out there, Valerie has a heartfelt message: “Coming to a new place and building a life from scratch is no easy feat, but it’s also a powerful journey of resilience and growth. My message to you is to never forget your worth. Don’t hesitate to reach out for support when needed, because you are deserving of help, care, and respect. Your voices matter, and together, we can create a brighter future.”
“What I appreciate most about working at CIWA is empowering immigrant women. Every day, I see the strength and resilience of these women as they navigate challenges while building new lives in Canada.” – Valerie Rebello
Valerie and The Outdoors
Valerie loves hiking and spending time in nature. “There’s something incredibly peaceful about disconnecting from the hustle of everyday life and immersing myself in the outdoors,” she says. She also has a passion for creating handmade flowers and candles. “I love the process of turning simple materials into something beautiful and meaningful. Crafting these items allows me to channel my creativity and create pieces that can brighten someone’s day or add a personal touch to any space.”
Valerie’s story is a testament to the power of resilience, community support, and the impact of CIWA’s mission to empower immigrant women.