CARE Centre for Internationally Educated Nurses Congratulates Executive Director Zubeida Ramji, Chosen One of Canada’s Top 25 Immigrants of 2012
May 30, 2012 (Toronto, ON) – CARE Centre for Internationally Educated Nurses Executive Director Zubeida Ramji joins Member of Parliament Olivia Chow, Hip-hop artist K’naan, Olympic wrestling legend Daniel Igali and many other community leaders from across Canada as winners in the fourth annual Top 25 Canadian Immigrants Awards presented by Canadian Immigrant magazine and sponsored by RBC. This national people’s choice award celebrates the untold and inspiring stories and achievements of newcomers to Canada.
“It’s a tremendous honour to be included in this group of outstanding Canadians, especially with the recipients who also work in the health care field,” said Ramji. “Since I originally immigrated to British Columbia from Tanzania, and did my nursing education in Vancouver, it’s extra special to receive an award that’s national in scope. I’m thrilled that CARE Centre, its supporters, and our members can share in this recognition, since internationally educated nurses make such a huge contribution to Canada, caring for families and enhancing the nursing profession.”
More than 28,000 Canadians voted online for their top choices, the largest number since the awards program began in 2009. The award recipients are celebrated at ceremonies in Toronto and Vancouver and receive a commemorative certificate and a $500 donation towards a registered Canadian charity of their choice. Zubeida Ramji has donated the money to CARE Centre for IENs which is a registered charity.
“I had the pleasure of working with Zubeida over a decade ago when the original steering committee came together to found CARE Centre, and her community-based approach was a great benefit to the group,” said Amy Go, Chair of the CARE Centre board of directors. “As a registered nurse with so much experience in issues of social justice, poverty reduction, access to health care and women’s rights, Zubeida has been a consistent advocate for IENs and other immigrants in Ontario and across the country.”
Zubeida has worked with an extensive list of organizations serving women and immigrants, and advised many groups helping marginalized and vulnerable communities such as the homeless, people affected by AIDS/HIV and consumers of the mental health care system. She has given her time in governance roles at Focus Humanitarian Assistance Canada, Canadian Women’s Health Network, Toronto Social Planning Council and Riverdale Immigrant Women’s Centre. Much of Ramji’s recent volunteer work has been as a leader in the Ismaili community and aiding Afghan refugees, addressing issues of poverty, access to education, and integration to the Canadian economy.
More than 550 nominations were received for the fourth annual Top 25 Canadian Immigrants Awards from which 75 finalists were shortlisted by a panel of judges comprised of past winners. The awards program is also supported by the Toronto Star, Metro, Suhaag and Sing Tao. Winners are featured on www.canadianimmigrant.ca.
CARE Centre for Internationally Educated Nurses is a not-for-profit professional organization founded in 2001, with funding provided by the Ontario Government. Ontario receives support for some skills training programs from the Government of Canada. CARE Centre supports internationally educated nurses in updating their credentials and training to meet Ontario standards for Registered Nurses and Registered Practical Nurses, obtain employment, advance in their careers, and contribute to health care excellence in Ontario. CARE Centre achieves these goals through case management support, nursing-specific language training, exam preparation, mentoring and networking, and recognizing the unique skills, education and experience of internationally educated nurses. CARE Centre’s Charitable Number is 84420 5948 RR0001.
For all media inquiries please contact:
Tina Novotny (tnovotny@care4nurses.org)
Marketing and Communications Coordinator
CARE Centre for Internationally Educated Nurses
45 Sheppard Ave East, Suite 512
Toronto, Ontario M2N 5W9
416-226-2800 ext 240
