Mayra was invited to speak in front of 200 newcomer women at Archway’s International Women’s Day celebration
Mayra’s journey to Canada has been one of resilience, learning, and community building. From working on oil rigs in Mexico to studying in France and ultimately settling in Abbotsford, she has embraced each phase of her life with determination and an open heart. From volunteer administrative assistant at Archway to now staff, she continues making a meaningful impact on the lives of others.
A Life of Exploration and Determination
Before coming to Canada, Mayra worked for seven years in an American drilling company, traveling to an offshore oil rig by helicopter or boat. The work was demanding, requiring both physical endurance and mental strength. Before that, she had an opportunity to study in Montpellier, France, after winning a national competition in Mexico. Though she enjoyed the experience, she felt a deeper calling to return to Mexico, where she taught private French lessons before taking on the oil rig job.
In 2022, Mayra moved to Abbotsford where her husband lived, and together with her daughter, they embraced their new life in Canada. They love to explore the beauty of the region by cycling through Stanley Park, Spanish Banks, and the Discovery Trail.
While she enjoyed the welcoming atmosphere of Canada, she also faced challenges, including language barriers, cultural differences, and missing her extended family. However, she was determined to adapt and become an active part of the community.
Mayra working on an oil rig in the Gulf of Mexico. (The jackup oil rigs are seen in the background as an example of the site she worked on)
Discovering Archway
Mayra first learned about Archway through a flyer given to her by a teacher at a StrongStart program that her daughter attended. Intrigued by the services Archway offered, she researched the organization and realized it was a place where she could grow. She initially connected with a settlement worker at Archway, who provided guidance and support as she navigated her new life in Canada.
Wanting to get involved, Mayra applied for a volunteer role at Archway and began volunteering at the reception desk. Her dedication and passion did not go unnoticed, and soon, she transitioned into a staff role as an administrative assistant.
“When the opportunity came to add Mayra to our team as staff, I was thrilled! She is a friendly and caring individual with a natural ability to connect with people. Her ability to communicate with clients in Spanish and French has removed barriers and made clients feel more comfortable accessing our services,” said Jessica Chernecki, Archway’s Central Support supervisor.
Mayra at Archway
Building Community Through Leadership
Mayra’s caring nature and leadership skills extend beyond her work at Archway. She has created a Latina women’s group in Abbotsford, providing a space for connection, mutual support, and empowerment.
“All women need encouragement sometimes, and mental health is one of the top priorities nowadays,” she explained. “For Latina immigrant women, I see that it can be an issue when they are not involved in a supportive community. That’s why it’s so important to keep an eye on each other and listen without judgment.”
The group started with just two women attending the first meeting, and now the group has grown to over 70 members. The women meet at a local park where they can connect while their children play in the playground.
Seeing how Archway could benefit the women in her group, Mayra connected with Lata from the Archway Community Connections program – a program that supports newcomers to Canada through educational classes, social activities, and events. The Latina women’s group has been invited to attend various series, workshops, and events with the program.
“Even though she is a new immigrant herself, she identified that there was a platform needed to connect with other women that shared a common cultural background. She recognized it was not only important to maintain and celebrate where they came from but also to promote their overall wellbeing and mental health,” said Lata Aggarwal, Community Connections community engagement coordinator.
Mayra was invited by Lata to speak at Ladies Night, Archway’s annual International Women’s Day celebration that welcomes over 200 newcomer women for an evening of performances and motivational speeches.
“I invited Mayra to speak because her story serves as an inspiration to other immigrant women. She reminds us that we all have the potential to be leaders and to support each other,” said Lata.
Mayra shared her inspiring story of creating the Latina women’s group, encouraging others to embrace community and support each other.
“I was interested to present because some women who move to Canada from another country can face a lot of challenges. I wanted to inspire women to believe in themselves and to help each other especially if they are going through difficult times,” said Mayra.
“When the opportunity came to add Mayra to our team as staff, I was thrilled! She is a friendly and caring individual with a natural ability to connect with people. Her ability to communicate with clients in Spanish and French has removed barriers and made clients feel more comfortable accessing our services.”
A Passion for Learning and Future Aspirations
Mayra’s love for learning continues to shape her future. She is currently enrolled in the Advanced English for Health Care & Early Childhood Education course through Archway, a university preparation program that helps students meet the English language requirements for various programs at the University of the Fraser Valley (UFV).
Through Archway’s Career Paths for Skilled Immigrants program, she’s also working towards validating her study credentials from Mexico, so they meet the standards of the Canadian education system. With dreams of furthering her education, she plans to pursue a career in either the paralegal or social services programs at UFV.
Mayra’s story is a testament to the power of community and the importance of embracing new opportunities. From a newcomer seeking support to a leader uplifting others, Mayra serves as an inspiration to the community.
“Even though she is a new immigrant herself, she identified that there was a platform needed to connect with other women that shared a common cultural background. She recognized it was not only important to maintain and celebrate where they came from but also to promote their overall wellbeing and mental health.”