Racha | CEO of Ammatis3G | PhD researcher on Women and Climate Change | I love exploring new countries, getting to know new cultures and belly dancing in my free time | Ottawa, Canada
Instagram: @ammatis3G and @shei_dash
Website: www.ammatis3g.ca
1) THE BEST THING THAT HAPPENED TO YOU IN THE PAST 12 MONTHS?
The best thing that happened to me was moving to Ottawa, Canada last January 2019, to start a new life in search of better opportunities for my future. I moved here by myself and without ever having visited the country before. At the beginning, I felt very sad and lonely. However, after a few months of living here (and getting used to the weather), I began to appreciate the culture so much. The people are friendly and welcoming and I have begun to create a new life for myself. Canada offers so much opportunity for philanthropy. The greatest thing I have gained from this experience is it allowed me to prove to myself that I am resilient and independent. It gives me the strength and confidence to go out in the world and attempt to accomplish all of my goals. I have had the opportunity to start my own non-profit and go into the next phase of my life. I can’t wait to see where this journey will lead me!
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2) THE WORST THING THAT HAPPENED TO YOU IN THE PAST 12 MONTHS?
The worst thing for me was leaving Madrid, Spain, where I lived during my formative years. Although, I was born in Rabat, Morocco, went to elementary school in Italy, lived in Chile during my United Nations internship, and vacationed in numerous other countries, Spain will always be home to me. Spain is where I found myself, and my passion for philanthropy. It is where I was able to create and maintain friendships that are everlasting. It was extremely heartbreaking to leave the life I had created.
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3) YOUR BIGGEST WISH FOR THE NEAR FUTURE?
Overcoming the barriers and challenges of being an immigrant woman in every country I have lived since I moved from Morocco as a child. I don’t feel accepted in most societies because of the cultural differences and general racism. I am constantly targeted as “the other”. That’s one of the driving forces for why I created my non-profit. It is dedicated to helping and empowering other women from the Global South who may be facing the same struggles as me.
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4) YOUR BIGGEST WORRY FOR THE NEAR FUTURE?
Not being able to fulfill my expectations. I tend to be very hard on myself. Helping other people is my passion and motivation. I hope I can really create an impact for the future girls and women of tomorrow through my work because that’s my story too.
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5) A CONTEMPORARY WOMAN YOU CURRENTLY ADMIRE?
There are so many strong women I look up to, but the first one that came to mind when reading this question is Malala Yuzfai. Despite her extremely oppressive environment and roadblocks at every stop, she is very courageous for sharing her story. Her willingness to help many other girls is truly amazing and inspiring.
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6) A ONE-SENTENCE MESSAGE TO OTHER WOMEN?
Stop following what society dictates as “normal” and follow your goals and passion.