A BRIEF HISTORY OF NAZ SOHNI UPPAL:

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In her own words:

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CAREER HIGHLIGHTS: OMNI Television (4 shows), CITY TV (1 show), 101.7 WORLD FM (total 14 years), and Sumayyah’s World. Other: Suhaag Wedding Magazine, Lok Awaaz Newspaper, and Chai Time E-Magazine. And I have performed in multiple platforms, creating content in print, radio, television, the web, and social media.

 

ME: I am a successful Radio and Television Personality and Producer who has worked on programs airing across Canada in both Alberta and Ontario, specializing in Culture, Community, the Arts, and Entertainment. I am a household name who started my radio career in 2006 and my television career in 2012. I am a familiar and trusted voice to Albertans.

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No stranger to interviewing, shooting, hosting, and editing, my beat covers BIPOC and cultural news and events, arts, community, and entertainment. I grew up seeing the news as a chance to give a voice to those who might not have it and to tell the stories of people who make up our communities. After almost two decades in storytelling, it still amazes me how people open up their lives and share their personal experiences.

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My literary/film project "Sumayyah’s World" gives an intimate look at eight friends navigating life, love, and school while balancing the cultural traditions and expectations of their traditional parents and families. Some of the storylines include: - wearing a hijab to school; - A secret admirer South Asian style; and - Being proud of who you are and where you come from. I enjoy delivering these stories with a few laughs. My target demographic is YA/13-19.

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My goal is to give the information people need and in doing so I hope to make a difference in the life and/or lives of others. I am a true reflection of Alberta’s creative community and I am a proud former member of St. Albert.

 

YEARS OF SERVICE TO THE COMMUNITY: I have been serving the St Albert and Edmonton community since 1988 (35 years)

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Naz Sohni Uppal is being recognized for: Arts, Music, and Culture: Outstanding Achievement in Culture. She uses Arts, Music, and Performance to demonstrate her commitment to Culture and to contribute to a sense of community pride.

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Other note worthy achievements:

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• Being a Community Builder

• Improving the quality of life for others through service and volunteering

• Recognizing and celebrating the achievements of others

• And her own artistic achievements in the literary arts, performing arts, and video arts

 

MY CONTRIBUTION, SPECIAL ACHIEVEMENTS, AND HOW I IMPACTED THE COMMUNITY:

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CULTURE:

“To some, I am a leader. To some, I am a public figure. To some, I am a role model. And to some, I am someone youth and young adults really look up to. I have mentored young adults (with intervivos), I have taught them many skills (providing volunteer and internship opportunities at the radio station), and I have supported them.”

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I am a community builder who is passionate about building and sharing compelling experiences that bring people together. I am passionate about listening to others and I enjoy reaching out to people. I am also passionate about helping support others on their own journeys.  (Through my storytelling with radio and television and interviews, I have accomplished this several times).

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I know how to nurture young adult creativity (using the same or similar methods I used to nurture my own creativity and successfully go the distance). I also know how to help them nurture a healthy cultural identity and a healthy spiritual identity (using the methods I was raised with to nurture my extremely healthy relationship with my culture and spiritual identity). I know how to nurture their sense of belonging (using my experiences of belonging and also not belonging).

 

With my radio work, I help young adults develop themselves into better human beings, contribute more positively to their community, and to flourish in that community. My media work helps young adults develop skills that nurture strong cultural identity and help them make meaningful social connections.

 

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The community that raised me: The community that raised me was the South Asian community of St Albert and Edmonton circa 1988 – now. I have lived in many other cities before this time. I have lived in Montreal, Winnipeg, St Albert (just outside of Edmonton), and Colorado Springs, before moving back here in Edmonton. The St Albert community is the one that had the most impact on me. The community that raised me was a group of young professional families who valued education, social work, volunteering, and getting together for the weekends. My parents were very involved in the community. We used to volunteer for multiple events and happenings. We contributed our time and energy to multiple non-profits. And we were active members of the city. The community that raised me was all about giving back. And that was a very important value that I hold true to my heart even today.

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What was challenging: The most challenging time I had with my community was while we were living in St Albert, just outside of Edmonton. This was a small town, mostly white, and very affluent. Because we did not live in a predominantly South Asian area, we did have challenges relating to others who were part of that world. For example, St Albert had its own way of life, its own ideas of what was considered acceptable or non-acceptable, and its own culture. A young person growing up in this environment would be allowed to go out with friends late night, hang out at pool parties, own and drive a car to school, basically be allotted a lot more freedoms than the South Asian young person who grew up in the heart of Edmonton. It wasn’t that we were bad or anything like that. We weren’t doing anything wrong. We just grew up in a small town, with the small town belief that your kids are always safe as long as they didn’t leave St Albert. The people I grew up with in the South Asian community in Edmonton, really didn’t have those freedoms, so they couldn’t understand why we were allowed those freedoms. So we always felt a little left out of that group because we were so different. In St Albert we were safe and free to flourish. But in some parts of Edmonton we were not so safe. When I moved into the dorms at university, I became the topic of gossip again, how dare a Muslim South Asian girl live on her own, but again, it was safe, I was in a dorm on a university campus. I was not technically living on my own.

 

What was inspiring: I am a Muslim and South Asian woman who grew up in a predominantly white neighbourhood but on the weekends, I was part of a very active and predominantly South Asian community. My experiences with both communities developed me into who I am now. I am so much more tolerant of people who are different. Even with my on-air work, I am openly inclusive and openly welcoming to all people of all faiths and backgrounds. Our family is also mixed race. And I have worked in multicultural media (television, radio, and print) for my entire adult life. I am an amazing human being and it’s because of my life experience. Actually, I am an incredible human being. In my work life and my personal life, I celebrate people, their uniqueness, their original stories, them being them. I connect people from the same or various communities. I connect people from the same or various cultures. And I connect people from the same or various faiths. I enjoy connecting people from various walks of life together. Furthermore, I know and understand the hopes of young Muslims in Canada and young South Asians in Canada. And I know and understand their challenges and I am someone they can look to for help and guidance.

 

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How do I celebrate and support my traditions and values: My traditions have always been very important to me. It has always been a way to connect to my heritage and my people. At home, my family and I celebrate and support our traditions with much fervor and pride as we all gather together to celebrate numerous cultural events, holidays, and activities. That’s probably where my stories about culture and community came from, my experiences celebrating. As a proud member of the media world, I have been able to share all my life experiences, all the good, all the bad, all the exciting, all the crazy moments, with my audiences, live, on-air, in front of thousands and thousands of people, since I first began in 2006. This is a very rare, once in a lifetime opportunity and way to share my beliefs and traditions with others. And I am proud to be the one chosen to do it! For example, with my work on CityTV, OMNI TV, and World FM, I have become the go-to-source for information on multicultural events and happenings. I introduced my cultural practices, traditions, and ways of life to so many people. From the smallest story like what do you eat on Eid, to the latest Hindi and Punjabi movies in theatres, to the largest stories like how Hajj is performed.

 

How I connect with Muslim youth: I connect with Muslim youth in very unique ways that I don’t think many other adults in our city have been able to do. I have done so, so much for our youth and families.

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1. I talk to them through the radio and television and share with them my experiences growing up. I share with them ways that you can be proud of who you are and where you come from.

2. I created a Bollywood dance recital in West Edmonton Mall for youth who take dance lessons and to promote South Asian performing arts.

3. I have created a drama club for Muslim teens. A small group of participants from this drama club are now producing their first project in experimental animation.

4. I have invited youth on my shows multiple times to share their stories. For example, I have invited youth (grades 4-6) to speak about Ramadan and Hajj on my shows.

5. I represent them as a role model both on air and off air.

 

Also, my work in media has amplified my access to those who have hard times. Because of my access to others, I have met that woman who fled abuse. I met that man who sought mental health help. I met that youth who needs guidance. I met that refugee family, who have faced hardship and now are beginning all over again. I have directly witnessed hard times through the people I meet. And I am not afraid to speak to all these people and help them elevate their stories, without judgment and with compassion both on-air and off-air and in my own time.

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COMMUNITY:

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I am from St. Albert. I was raised there.

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Let me start off by saying I am from St. Albert. I lived there from 1988-1997. I was there from grades 7 to 12 and then the first two years of my university life. In 1997, my parents were leaving Canada for a job in the United States, so I moved to an on-campus apartment at the University of Alberta, in Edmonton. Five years later, my parents returned to Edmonton and we have lived there ever since. My heart has always been in St. Albert. I have such happy memories of growing up here. I am so lucky that I am only 30 minutes away and take advantage to visit home, in St. Albert, whenever I can.

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I contribute to the sense of community pride.

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I have pride in my community and I know that my community has pride in me. It shows when people recognize me and remember me from the television or remember my voice from the radio. They greet me with a big smile and that’s how I know I am helping others with my content. I am so proud to be where I am from. Not only proud to be from St Albert, where I grew up, but proud to be from Pakistan, where my heritage is. How proud? Among some of the many community events I have taken part in: I am the first one ready to buy local at the St Albert Farmer’s Market and the first to host a Bollywood Film Event at the now demolished Grandin Movie Theatre. I have organized an exhibit at St. Albert’s local library that profiled Pakistani and Indian culture and artifacts during Independence week celebrations held in August. I have sponsored many multicultural events through our radio station, 101.7 World FM, a multicultural radio station. I have worked at the welcome booth many times at many events, where I provide information to listeners and viewers. I have given away Canadian flags at Canada Day events. I donated multilingual music CDs to distribute at many local events like Heritage Festival. And I have worked on several community service projects, like participating in Boche Ball tournaments, Gingerbread house making competitions, and several other events where local media participate to raise funds for non-profits. And I have volunteered and served on the board for the Canadian Authors Association and on the board of SAFFE, Edmonton’s South Asian Film Festival. I really enjoy bringing people together to support community spirit.

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ACHIEVEMENTS:

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A little secret, I recognize and celebrate my own outstanding achievements. Celebrating yourself and giving yourself flowers for a job well done, provides you with a great self-esteem boost and reinforces your motivation. Everyone should do it – just take a moment to celebrate small wins (and big ones). Always celebrate accomplishments.

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“The more you praise and celebrate your life, the more there is in life to celebrate.” – Oprah Winfrey

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It’s so important to acknowledge your achievements and self-reflect on all the hard work you put into accomplishing your goals. You should be your biggest fan. Therefore, you need to be the first to praise yourself in your successes. I try to celebrate my own wins by: showing my appreciation to viewers and listeners, including everyone in my success, and spreading positivity and motivation throughout the community. When you acknowledge what you are good at, you become more confident about yourself, and you can help build a better world.

 

ARTS, MUSIC, AND CULTURE:

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My achievement in the area of Culture:

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Culture refers to the customs, practices, languages, values and world views that define social groups such as those based on ethnicity, region, or common interests like people's sense of self and how they relate to others. Your cultural identity is the feeling that you belong to a group of people like yourself. Art, music, and food also shape your cultural identity. Many of these are passed on from one generation to another, which ensures continuity of traditions within that group. I am a cultural figure and leader who contributes to the promotion, understanding, and appreciation of South Asian culture, not only in Alberta, but nationally as well. I honour, respect, and celebrate cultural identity and cultural values through my storytelling. I share what I know and understand about my own culture through my art. I can do all that effectively with my platform, and I have had a huge platform – as on-air media in radio and television.

 

Arts, Music, and Culture: OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENT IN CULTURE*

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Media is a crowded and competitive space, but my unique perspective offers quality stories that reflect our multicultural landscape. I am not just a producer, I’m a change-maker.

 

1. I am the first person in Canada to speak about and present Bollywood and South Asian entertainment on traditional (not only ethnic) mainstream Canadian television.

2. I grew up seeing news as a chance to give a voice to those who might not have it and to keep the public informed about what's going on in our communities. It didn’t take me long to find my niche, sharing stories from the people in the communities where I grew up.

3. I strive to break through barriers to be a journalist that empowers BIPOC Canadians every single day. I have a deep love and appreciation for South Asian and BIPOC cultures. I credit this passion for diverse storytelling as playing a pivotal role in my success.

4. Described as a trailblazer, a person who sees that change is needed and figures out how to bring progress, I have built my career around showing stories of people from communities that are finding a space and place for their culture and identity in Canada.

5. Culture Avenue Alberta and Culture Avenue Ontario: I was invited to a particular holiday or celebration, religious or cultural, to present a story that teaches fellow Albertans and Ontario residents about the holiday or celebration, about the community that celebrates it, and why it is celebrated. I touched on every international holiday and celebration you could imagine. Some of the stories were about: Eid ul Adha; the Hindu Society of Alberta; International Week celebrations; the Toronto Brothers musical act; the Shree Sai Baba Society; the Phillipine Students Association; the Kokopelli Choir; and the Sikh Students Society.

6. V-Mix: I presented stories about musicians and artists who were either immigrant Canadians or first -generation Canadians or defined themselves as ethnic artists. Some stories were about: fusion dancer Aasttha Khajuria; singer Josh Sahunta, musician Erica Viegas, singer Dahlia Wakefield, singer Jasmine Singh, tabla player Ojas Joshi, and artist Nuela Charles.

7. City TV: I would share stories about what's it's like growing up as a daughter of immigrants and as a South Asian in Canada. I talked about, a Bollywood theme park that opened up in Dubai; learning cultural dance moves on air; international films to watch on Father's Day; partition and what it did to India and Pakistan; cultural significance and stamp left by musician Mohammed Rafi; the ancient city of Mohenjo Daro; the history of the Kohinoor diamond; an introduction to wedding songs from the latest international films; Pakistan's version of Sesame Street, Sim Sim Hamara; and International Superheroes abroad. I also spent a lot of time presenting South Asian topics like: is Hollywood changing Bollywood; the Times of India Film Awards held in Toronto, Ontario; and the concept of item girls and the purpose of songs placed in Bollywood films.

8. World FM: With my job as radio host and producer, I have spoken on everything you can think of during my 14 years there. Some categories include: culture, people, communities, babies, beauty, entertainment, fashion, finance, health, lifestyle, food, relationships, weddings, celebrities, music, film, art, multicultural events, celebrations, and practices. I have presented over 6000 news stories for radio so far. All of it to an audience of people who speak or understand the languages of Urdu, Hindi, Punjabi, and English and are just settling into Canada or have settled for one or two generations. This is a population that still seeks daily international news and topics from their ancestral land. I was able to bring them all that in their home in Canada each and every day. I am very proud of my ability to translate Hindi, Urdu, and Punjabi to English in a professional business setting. 

9. My most proud projects so far are my award-winning radio features, “Ramadan Moments (30 episodes)” and “Hajj Moments (2 episodes).” Both these projects won journalism awards. 

10. Ramadan Moments explored how Eid is celebrated; the rules of fasting; why Ramadan is the most holy month for Muslims; is fasting safe on your body; what the community spirit is like; the lunar calendar and why it is used; and historic Islamic events during the month of fast.

11. Hajj Moments was an in-depth look into the Hajj pilgrimage from the eyes of both Muslims born in the faith and reverts to Islam.

12. I have also taken time to mentor and educate young people interested in a radio and television career. My willingness to create opportunities for future generations speaks to my character.

13. As an ambassador and public member of the community, I volunteer my time to support various charities and causes, as well as emcee events throughout the year.

14. The best part about being on-air is meeting new people and being able to share their stories. I am a proud member of my city.

15. I am also a diversity and inclusion activist and I fight for anti-racism daily in my work, my community, and in my personal life. Working in radio, television, and print as the ethnic face, I have direct experiences in being excluded. As a media personality, I have seen racism and indifference at a different and unique angle and perspective. Growing up in a small town as a South Asian person of colour and part of a family who owned a convenience store in that small town, I have lived experience. Using my storytelling skills, I have implemented and developed my own anti-racist practices by creating projects and stories on BIPOC communities. I can offer great insights and recommendations on how to combat racism and work towards a more inclusive society.

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My commitment to the community also includes:

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Arts, Music, and Culture: Literary Arts

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1. I am the founder and author of a world of fiction for teens about the sometimes funny and serious events in growing up South Asian Canadian in Edmonton from a 14 year old’s perspective (known as Sumayyah’s World Children’s Stories Series). The stories are written, presented, and shared in classrooms, in elementary and junior high schools, once a month, and has reached thousands of Canadian students. I am now working towards directing the first story in the series (production to be completed August 2023).

2. I have been a multi-story contributor to a South Asian Canadian wedding magazine known as Suhaag Wedding Magazine. I grew up reading this magazine when I was a teen, so it is a big one in the South Asian Canadian world. It’s even available at Chapters locations. And, I have had the privilege to also write for them on multiple occasions.

3. I have written multiple stories for a local Edmonton South Asian newspaper known as Lok Awaaz (the people’s voice). This newspaper was run by another local radio celebrity, Basota, and has had a long run in this city up until it was cancelled due to Covid restrictions in 2020.

4. I had my own community newsletter/blog that I created for the city of Edmonton's immigrant student population. It was a monthly e-magazine all about the latest news in Edmonton and the latest gossip in Bollywood. It also had several international stories, for example: a Nepalese woman who climbed Mount Everest nine times; a mosque in Jurra that's over 100 years old; the popularity of truck art in Pakistan; the artistry behind magnificent mehndi; and Dolce & Gabbana debuting a line of high-end hijabs and abayas.

5. As a very active member of the community, I am passionate about giving back and have volunteered: as Writer in Residence Liaison, Program Co-Chair Board Member (Canadian Authors Association); by speaking at author conferences; by speaking at Career Days; as a writer in schools; and by performing storytelling.

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Arts, Music, and Culture: Visual Arts

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1. I am directing/animating my first story in the Sumayyah’s World series

2. I am working on a visual art project where I am illustrating a portrait of ethnic faces

3. I am helping my nephew create his start-up t-shirt business this summer

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Arts, Music, and Culture: Performing Arts

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1. 300+ news stories for television and 1200+ shows for radio (= 6000+ news stories for radio)

2. I’ve been able to experience things people can only dream of and performing 5-6 days a week has been incredible. Radio and Television is a performance art. We put on a genuine and honest show for audiences as best we know how in hopes they’ll listen, engage, and tell a friend to do the same. With every show we put it all on the line to help bring a smile to your face, to make you laugh, think, engage, cheer, fist pump, and roll your eyes in dismay. I love what we do every day. From interviewing musicians and movie stars to chatting with people about real life stuff every day and having a laugh, I couldn’t name a better gig. We get to bring the fun your way every day if you invite us in.

3. I worked on 4 television programs with OMNI Television. OMNI Television is a multicultural/multilingual channel based in Canada. I present news stories for television shows Culture Avenue Alberta, Culture Avenue Ontario, V-Mix Ontario, and Focus Punjabi Alberta.

4. Culture Avenue Alberta and Culture Avenue Ontario were programs where I would be invited to a particular holiday or celebration, religious or cultural, and present a story that teaches fellow Albertans and Ontario residents about the holiday or celebration, about the community that celebrates it, and why it is celebrated.

5. With V-Mix and Culture Avenue, I presented stories about musicians and artists who were either immigrant Canadians or first -generation Canadians or defined themselves as ethnic artists. I would search out these amazing artists, the team records them playing live, and then I would interview them on their journey and experiences growing up in Canada and becoming musicians and it would air all across Canada. 

6. At Focus Punjabi, we would discuss world issues in the language of Punjabi. 

7. At City TV, I was presented as part of the package known as "Entertainment City." I brought a fresh new perspective and each day, I would share stories about what's it's like growing up as a daughter of immigrants and as a South Asian in Canada. My stories also talked about other ethnic communities around the world, describing the people and how they live, what's important to them, how they view society, important events and practices, and of course, their culture.

8. I am a successful Radio and Television Personality and Producer who has worked on programs airing across Canada in both Alberta and Ontario, specializing in Culture, Community, the Arts, and Entertainment.

9. In my teens, I received a very special opportunity be an exclusive VIP backstage at every single Bollywood concert that travelled through Canada from other parts of the world. This opportunity was on a whole ever level where I met some of the most famous stars in the world. Through this, I have had the privilege of meeting many of the most famous Bollywood and Punjabi celebrities and artists.

10. I am the key founder of a drama club for South Asian teens in which students workshop my stories.

 

Arts, Music, and Culture: Radio and Television

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1. I’ve worked on many multicultural and multi-lingual stories that aired on television and radio

2. I was driven towards a career in journalism because of my innate curiousity and interest in telling the stories of people who make up our communities. Now, I have created a unique space for South Asian cultural contributions across genres of media by spotlighting South Asian music, movies, and culture and I’m doing it with heart and soul.

3. I was a host and co-executive producer on 101.7 World FM (local, national, and international news; international entertainment news), co-host on OMNITV (local and national news) with work in Alberta and Ontario, and guest co-host on numerous episodes on Dinner Television (a night time morning show – a show at night with full morning show format) on CityTV (local and international news; international entertainment news). On radio, I love waking you (the audience) up every weekend morning, putting you to sleep every week night, and helping you relax in your day. On television, I love spending those after dinner moments with you.

4. My reporting wins the hearts of St. Albertans, Edmontonians and Canadians all over. With more than 16 years of tremendous on-the-job experience, I bring knowledge, perspective, context, and heart to my accurate and award winning stories. I’ve often been a part of big stories affecting South Asian Canadians and their diasphora and have written on multiple issues with a current focus on culture, community, and entertainment. I am drawn to stories about society, equality, diversity and inclusion, family matters, and health and wellness.

5. I have years of television and radio experience working on-air, working in news production, and working behind the scenes. And I am no stranger to interviewing, shooting and editing my own broadcast stories.

6. I am avid member of the Edmonton film scene. I attend several film and video networking events each year and I hope my project Sumayyah’s World becomes a big part of the film scene as well, very soon.

 

Arts, Music, Culture: Music

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Talented DJs bring the audience the latest and greatest tracks, help them discover new music, and blend different sounds to create unique mixes. They are drawn to music, they love music, they are passionate about music, they express themselves with music, and they are creative with music. Their whole world is music. I, as a multifaceted DJ, have a good ear for rhythm, high energy, and I love to discover music that is new and old. I play what represents me. Each radio show is a journey that I bring the listeners on. If I were in the crowd and I were listening to a DJ playing a particular type of song, what type of song would I want to follow it? I am not afraid to adapt and diversify, I am not afraid to invent and reinvent my style. I put myself in the position of the listener, reading the crowd and changing up the playlist to help change the mood. I constantly keep the audience engaged.

 

Arts, Music, Culture: Arts

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Art has brought revolution to many generations. My work has also brought revolution to South Asian Canadian culture, here in Canada. I am doing what I am doing as the first Pakistani-Canadian to do it. And I do it with my heart, because I want to stimulate thought and reason, and bring about change in how people see South Asians in this city, province, and country, through media and through entertainment.

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OTHER ACHIEVEMENTS:

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PROFESSIONAL ACHIEVEMENT:

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Of course, I am amazing and a high over-achiever in my professional work, but my enthusiasm does not stop there. My main achievements at a professional level include: going above and beyond what was expected of me; becoming an influence in the community; working for one company for over a decade; and being able to use my language skills in my work. The results that I bring to my media role are not simply the responsibilities that came under my job description. I have always gone above and beyond what was asked of me. My accomplishments have positively influenced the company, the community, and the city in which I live. I was promoted from position to position within the same company because of my skills and achievements. The languages I was learning at home (Hindi, Urdu, and Punjabi), I now use at the professional level fluently.

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Furthermore, I am able to communicate easily; I’m very outgoing; and I’m very savvy with technical equipment. I know how to research, think critically, and creatively problem solve. I have strong writing and presenting skills. I also have great timing skills and I am very well organized. I have always worked in environments where you don’t know what happens next, where every day is new and every experience is a new experience. I can plan and deliver programs that are not only incredible, but meaningful and engaging as well.

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Some contributions I made in a professional capacity include: making a conscious effort to get to know my team members and co-workers; offering help to others; being complimented for my work by my supervisor and co-workers; seeing projects through to completion; showing up at company events; working on special projects; and receiving awards.

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CITIZENSHIP:

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I am an active citizen who tries to make the community a better place for everyone. I have so much compassion and empathy for others. I pay attention to social issues; I engage in meaningful conversations with my audience; I care about what is happening in the world; I learn the facts of history, both good and bad; I welcome new Canadians and neighbours into the community; I participate in local cultural and community events; and I vote and participate in Canada’s democracy.

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My service to the community has included the following: random acts of kindness; volunteering and donating my time; participating in fundraisers and charity events; attending community events; volunteering to help the senior community; volunteering in schools; shopping local and socially conscious and encouraging others to do so; walking for causes; donating clothes, food, money, and household items; checking on neighbours and family members; welcoming new citizens to the community; helping a refugee family in need; helping families and individuals in need; being a mentor; and always smiling.

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I am motivated by the support and guidance I received throughout my life from my mom and dad and by the sacrifices my parents made by immigrating to Canada to raise a family and the opportunities this has given me. I use the radio and television access I have to share knowledge; share resources; and make other newcomers aware of opportunities out there. I keep people informed of opportunities of: social belonging; security and safety; meaningful work; education; physical, mental, and spiritual help; life satisfaction; and happiness.

 

Bravery allows us to overcome fears and gives us the ability to do something great. My work in radio and television exemplifies my bravery. It allowed me to do what I know to be right; act on behalf of a larger purpose; and stand for what I believe in. My shows are brave: allowing me to attempt things that no one has tried before; allowing me to be myself and own it; and allowing me to push myself outside of my comfort zone. I am brave because I had the courage to put me and my work out there for all to see. That courage creates action. Action creates confidence. Confidence creates a voice. Nothing great was ever accomplished without the bravery to do so.

 

The more transactional part of volunteering is: it helps charities; saves lives; shows I care for others; and lets those in need know they are valued. I have volunteered in many capacities and every volunteer activity has provided me with fulfillment and joy in one way or another. Volunteerism meets unmet needs for everyone involved. It’s fulfilling and brings fun into my life, and it has improved other people’s lives. The more fun part: it helps me meet new friends; teaches me skills; helps me feel part of a community; allows me to share my talents; allows me to grow; and allows me to have a more positive view of life.

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SPORTS:

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Although not a sport achievement per say, I was chosen to be the one responsible for airing the radio feed for, Hockey Night in Canada Punjabi Edition and FC Edmonton Soccer, and I was responsible for hosting their pre-game, mid-game, and post-game music parties on the radio at 101.7 World FM. Although the only sport I played on a team was rugby in my high school years, I somehow managed to successfully talk about sports (both hockey and soccer) in my career on the radio.

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DISTINGUISHED ACHIEVEMENT:

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As you can see from my portfolio of work, I have had many very successful projects, have been awarded many awards and achievements, and have had significant leadership positions. I have also mentored others along the way.

 

A well-educated community can provide its people with a safe living environment. A community equipped with knowledge can overcome challenges and thrive. I provide knowledge (or education) to my listeners and viewers because knowledge is the best investment and best contribution I can make to my people. Knowledge improves livelihoods for my people, is a powerful agent of change, and provides hope for the future. It helps children and youth overcome the challenges of being different. And together, with knowledge, we can build strong and more resilient communities.

 

I HAVE ENHANCED THE QUALITY OF LIFE IN THE COMMUNITY BY: educating my listeners and viewers; providing them with information and opportunities; enhancing access and reducing barriers; helping them gain independence; and allowing them to feel like they are accepted and belong in Canada.

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I HAVE ENHANCED THE IMAGE OF THE COMMUNITY BY: getting involved.

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I AM A COMMUNITY BUILDER:

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Excellence comes when someone is willing to put in the extra effort and hard work. I work harder than anyone I know. I pay attention to the details and I am focused on the audience’s happiness. I think like the audience to deliver what they want. I have often worked for free on projects that had very small budgets, just to make sure they were out there. I make time for people, I keep my promises, and I “show up.” I am committed to media, and I have dedicated myself to my work.

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I have demonstrated a long-term commitment to my community. I do small acts of service for others; I get involved in community events; and I work to create unique, valuable connections between groups of people.

 

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AWARDS AND OTHER RECOGNITION I HAVE RECEIVED:

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1. Canadian Ethnic Media Award for Journalistic Excellence in Radio: The Canadian Ethnic Media Association Awards of Journalistic Excellence honours writers and journalists who are devoted to serving and reflecting diverse audiences of this country. This award clearly shows that the recipient is well suited at representing and serving her audiences in a positive way. - I won this award for my contributions in radio. The project I won this award for is "Ramadan Moments."

2. Canadian Ethnic Media Award for Journalistic Excellence in Print: I won this award for my contributions in print. The project I won this award for is "We Are In Love Right Now But How Do We Raise The Kids? - Parenting In Interfaith Relationships."

3. Canadian Ethnic Media Award for Journalistic Excellence in Television: I won this award for my contributions in television. The project I won this award for is "Bollywood News."

4. Top 40 Under 40 Award, Edify Magazine/Avenue Magazine: Edify Magazine/Avenue Magazine recognizes Edmonton's most exceptional young community leaders and honors individuals under the age of 40 who are excelling in their careers, giving back to the community, and raising the profile of Edmonton and area. I won this award for my contributions to the media industry and for my contributions out in the greater community.

5. CTV Heritage Hero Award, CTV and Edmonton Heritage Festival: Heritage Hero Award is presented to a person who has demonstrated a long-term commitment to promoting awareness, understanding and appreciation for cultural diversity. Individuals are honored, because of the important contribution these citizens make to our region’s overall well-being. I won this award for my contributions to the media industry and for my contributions out in the greater community.

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OTHER RECOGNITIONS:

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1. Creator of “The Drama Club”: creative mentor to Pakistani Canadian youth in Edmonton who were enrolled for free in my drama program.

2. Producer, Director, Editor of “Ramadan Moments”: an award-winning radio series about Ramadan from the perspective of grades 4-6 students. Premiered across all platforms on World FM in 2014; continuously ran every year for 4 years.

3. Book Author of “Sumayyah’s Difficult Predicament”: performed all aspects of publishing from layout, editing, book design, and distribution to retail channels with multiple book signings in Chapters. Original release date: June 2009.

4. Independent Filmmaker at “Opulence Media”: writer, director, and producer of “Sumayyah’s World Series.”

5. Founding Editor and Creator of “Chai Time” Newsletter: an e-newsletter dedicated to all things of interest to South Asian Canadians. Newsletter discontinued due to budget cuts.

6. Creator of the Bollywood Dance Recital stage performance which was held at West Edmonton Mall.

7. One of the original founders and on the board of a film festival, SAFFE (South Asian Film Festival Edmonton).

8. Honoured when asked to share my experiences as a South Asian woman and attends various speaking engagements to share my story.

9. Other: speaks at author conferences; is a writer in schools; performs storytelling; created The Bollywood Craze - stage show; created Heritage Festival stage scripts in the past