Nourin

“My proudest accomplishment is representing racialized minorities voices and issues in rural and remote areas, where it is less often heard. [As well,] being the only Muslim and person of colour in many rooms and entire organizations, yet fearlessly voicing my opinion on rights and the importance of diversity and inclusion.”

Nourin is 23, a multiculturalism project officer, a volunteer member of the Youth Action Committee, and one of the earliest members of the Anti-Racist Coalition of Newfoundland where she assisted with planning the first Addressing Islamophobia Conference in the province. Although her favourite place on earth is downtown St. John’s (where this picture is taken), her work has lead her to many different places, currently Timmins in Northern Ontario. As a multiculturalism project officer, Nourin works on creating programming through community partnerships to attract and retain newcomers in Timmins. Working with the Youth Action Committee, Nourin works on policy advocacy for mental health. Her aim being to weave cultural sensitivity into the provincial mental health delivery standards and to make racialized youth voices heard on issues such as social isolation, acculturation, and racism. When I asked Nourin what she does for fun (when she has the time) she told me, “I tend to take on new hobbies as I move cities or countries. I enjoyed and did a lot of community volunteering in Egypt, I used to read about 3-4 books a week while in Saudi Arabia, I enjoyed the scenic hikes often in Newfoundland, and in North Ontario I’m picking up on winter sports such as figure skating and skiing.” When I asked Nourin what her biggest challenge has been she told me, “always being a foreigner or a stranger or some sort of minority everywhere I’ve lived. Even in my country Egypt being a Nubian Egyptian (minority group in south Egypt with unique language and culture) I get lots of “are you Egyptian?” But that’s not the worst part. The worst part is the racist comments regarding dark skin and hair texture.” She told me what inspires or motivates her the most is “any challenge may be an opportunity for you use your story to bring change.”

Q&A Feature:

What is your favourite quality about yourself?

“I am very adaptable.”

What is a fun fact about you that you haven’t told me yet?

“I make what I (and only I) think is the best cheesecake in the world.”