Amir Said
My name is Amir, and I’m a student, young professional, and settler-ally on Treaty 7 territory commonly known as Calgary, Alberta. I moved to Calgary earlier in 2023 after graduating from the University of Regina and Luther College with a Bachelor’s of Arts and Certificate in Nonprofit Sector Leadership & Innovation, respectively. I have been involved as an employee and volunteer with numerous nonprofit and charitable organizations across Canada, and the knowledge, training, and connections that I gained as an alum of Luther College’s Certificate in Nonprofit Sector Leadership & Innovation have been priceless to me and my community-focused work.
Born in Nazareth and raised near Jerusalem, I’m a dedicated global citizen: I’ve traveled the world, lived in several provinces throughout Canada, and seen firsthand the struggles faced by people both in Canada and worldwide. I specialize in communications and community outreach; my demonstrated skills as an award-winning writer coupled with my proven passion for multiculturalism have taken me from coast to coast as a delegate at numerous conferences on journalism, advocacy, and nonprofit leadership. As a youth advocate and leader, my work has spanned across Canada, from small nonprofits in Alberta and Saskatchewan to nationwide projects based in Montreal and Toronto. I look forward to breaking new ground through my work and continuing to do my part to promote a greater and more equitable Canada. My advocacy career as a young leader has spanned over eight years now and has taken place across Canada and overseas in the Middle East; currently, I have focused primarily on multiculturalism, housing advocacy, and environmentalism. I have been an outspoken advocate for a wide variety of issues affecting Canadians nationwide and marginalized communities overseas.
My work in social justice and advocacy has been recognized with awards such as the Saskatchewan Council for International Cooperation’s 2023 Global Citizen Award and OMNI Television’s 2022 Scholarship in Ethnic & Third-Language Journalism, along with nominations for the 2022 Global Citizen Award and the Multicultural Council of Saskatchewan’s 2022 Youth Leadership Award.
As an alum of the Nonprofit Sector Leadership Innovation & Leadership program, I’ve been able to take what I’ve learned and put it towards my community-focused work. My prior experience in the nonprofit sector was complemented very well with the education I received in the program, and getting to learn from accomplished nonprofit leaders and alongside fellow aspiring changemakers was an amazing opportunity. I received in-depth training in nonprofit essentials such as community-centred communications, strategic relationship building, fund development through fundraising and grant writing, and more. As a dedicated advocate and community worker, the knowledge I gained and connections I made through the program have been priceless. Even after moving to Calgary, the skills I gained from the certificate program have been immensely beneficial.
There will always be a demand for dedicated nonprofit staff; in these trying times, it’s folks working with nonprofits and registered charities that do the most meaningful and impactful work in our communities. Whether people are just starting their nonprofit career, are well-established in the sector, or are just considering getting involved with a local community organization, the Nonprofit Sector Leadership & Innovation program is a fantastic opportunity to learn invaluable information, make meaningful connections, and gain skills that are transferable in countless fields. The program has been a huge boost for my career and I strongly recommend it for any and all students looking to make a difference.
MZiyang Zeo Li
My name is Ziyang Zeo Li, and I am starting a new journey as a Community Connection Worker at the Regina Open Door Society. In this role, I’ll be establishing linkages with community organizations and cultural communities, fostering relationships, and connecting with members of culturally diverse populations. My commitment to community engagement and my passion for social justice advocacy have been key drivers in my career journey. I am also proud to serve as the Co-Founder of The Saskatchewan Chinese Youth Association (SCYA), a non-profit organization dedicated to empowering Chinese youth, promoting cultural continuity, and fostering leadership development. My previous experiences in student leadership and community development allow me to coordinate initiatives with a strong focus on community leadership, advocating for social justice, and addressing food security issues.
The NSLI Certificate Program has been a game-changer, shaping my perspective in the non-profit sector and equipping me with essential skill sets for my career. The program’s comprehensive curriculum and guidance from professional instructors deepened my understanding of the unique challenges and opportunities within and beyond the non-profit sector.
The program’s emphasis on leadership and innovation has provided me with valuable tools to continue to grow my community projects. The knowledge and skills acquired have supported me in building a non-profit organization with consistent growth in governance, volunteers & fund development and community engagement
For current students contemplating a journey into the non-profit sector, I encourage you to seize the opportunity that the NSLI program offers. It’s more than just a certificate – it’s a pathway to understanding this sector, building your career foundation, and acquiring the skills necessary for success.