Board Member Highlight: Rizwan Somji
Written By Rizwan Somji
In 2021, World Refugee Day marks 70 years since the 1951 United Nations Convention Relating to the Status of Refugees and 60 since the 1961 United Nations Convention on the Reduction of Statelessness.
It’s been almost 30 years since my family moved to Canada. You could say our story had a happy ending, but I prefer to think of it as a beginning – the start of an adventure that set me on course to end up here, in the most beautiful city in the world, dad to three amazing kids and in a position to help others start new chapters. That’s why I volunteer with the Shaheen Football Club and it’s why I was honored to join the board of BC Newcomer Camp this year. I understand how important it is to nurture engagement and friendship early and often.
“This team is 100% committed to making a measurable – sometimes monumental – difference in the lives of children new to our province through community, teamwork, and the development of new skills that build confidence and networks. ”
Founders Dakota and Duncan inspire me with their vision and their passion. This team is 100 percent committed to making a measurable – sometimes monumental – difference in the lives of children new to our province through community, teamwork, and the development of new skills that build confidence and networks.
Playtime during BC Newcomer Camp’s Summer Camp
Did you know that 42% of forcibly displaced persons are children under the age of 18? (1)
I know what it’s like to move through the world, adapting to new cultures, and trying to fit in. Not surprisingly, it’s much easier when you’re welcomed and given the opportunity to learn and become part of something bigger, like an athletic team or an after-school group.
In Canada, there is a higher rate of completion across all higher learning categories, including doctorates and master’s degrees. It’s safe to assume that programs like BC Newcomer Camp contribute to those numbers by providing access to opportunity and technology. I can tell you from experience, coming to a new country is already tough; now imagine you don't know the language. Or have access to a computer? We’re lucky to live in a country that welcomed more than 30,000 refugees in 2019(2), and continues to lead the world in the resettlement of displaced persons.
Learning new English skills in BC Newcomer Camp’s Summer Camps
Refugees create jobs for both themselves and other Canadians. Including those who are self-employed and those who own companies, 14.4% of refugees who have been in Canada between 10 and 30 years are entrepreneurs, compared to 12.3% of people born in Canada.(3)
In my work life, I’m tasked with amplifying the story of a diverse group of incredible people. Our culture is the manifestation of our values; our brand is the experience they deliver in every connection with our clients and partners. AS CEO, I value the unique perspective every individual brings to those experiences – that's what fuels ingenuity and advancement.
As a dad, I champion the exploration of new experiences. It’s important to me that my kids – all kids – get to experiment and learn in a safe environment. When challenged with a new problem, it’s often those who have flexed those door-kicking, creative problem-solving muscles that succeed and lead. I nurture those instincts at home and at work, as a volunteer, an advisor, and as a proud Canadian.
The opportunity to help newcomers to Canada settle and succeed is available to everyone. The hard-working management team and group of volunteers needs our help to continue supporting new members of our community – I encourage you to participate in one of our amazing after-school programs or camps and help some amazing kids begin their own new adventures.
Participants of BC Newcomer Camp’s Summer Camp playing outdoors
Rizwan Somji
Rizwan Somji joined Cymax Group in 2015 as to lead the Technology Group and was appointed Chief Operating Officer in 2017, after co-founding ResponseTek, an enterprise Saas company in 2000. Since becoming CEO in 2019, his leadership has guided the company through a period of rapid growth and pivotal digital transformation and success across all brands, including Freight Club and Channel Gate. He is on the Board of Directors for Victory Square Technologies and a mentor in the UBC Tri-Mentoring Program. As a volunteer coach for the Shaheen Football Club for over 20 years, he believes that social responsibility is critical to both corporate and personal growth. In 2020, he was awarded the distinction of Business Person of the Year by the Burnaby Board of Trade. Rizwan is a resident of Vancouver and holds a Bachelor of Computer Science from the University of British Columbia.
Donate today to help provide newcomer refugee children with opportunities to succeed in Canada. With your help, we can provide the children with a safe environment to foster friendships and grow their confidence.
