Tisha Raj, Bachelor of Arts ’15, has always believed in improving the community around her. Since coming to Canada from Malaysia in 2008, the 2023 Emerging Leader Award recipient has tirelessly volunteered around Edmonton, focusing on supporting human rights and equity.

Raj now works in employer relations in the Career Centre at the University of Alberta. Here, she reflects on the educational and volunteering opportunities that got her there.

What brought you and your family to Canada?

My uncle, who had been living in Canada since the mid-’90s, was curious about the process of sponsoring extended family, because he saw a lot of other immigrant families coming in. Due to political and economic circumstances in Malaysia, my parents didn't really have a positive outlook for me being able to thrive in my home country so they jumped at the chance. They decided to uproot and come here to give me a brighter future.

What made you choose MacEwan to further your education?

I had my business degree from Australia when we came to Canada, and I decided to go back to school. I had applied to another post-secondary institution, and I was having a lot of challenges with the admissions program. They didn’t recognize my first degree, and even though I grew up speaking English predominantly at home and was taught it as a second language in school, the institution insisted I take an English proficiency test. They also told me that I needed to take some high school upgrading courses. My friend and her husband, who were both alumni, told me to check out MacEwan instead. Coincidentally, I remember when I first came to Edmonton, I took transit, and the first time I passed by the MacEwan clock tower, I was very fascinated by the grandeur towers. And I told myself I would love to be able to study in that building. So it all worked out.

You worked and volunteered at the Students’ Association of MacEwan University (SAMU). How did that help you to launch your career after MacEwan?

While I was the programs and services manager at the Students’ Association of MacEwan University (SAMU), I was also very heavily involved with the Student Refugee Program. When my SAMU contract ended,  I filled my time volunteering while job hunting. I started at the John Humphrey Centre because I’m very passionate about human rights issues. A few months in, the executive director offered me a paid position where I got to use a lot of my skills, from writing to event planning to coordination. I always suggest that people volunteer – you never know who you’re going to meet or what kind of doors will open.

How did watching your mother inspire you to begin volunteering?

My maternal grandmother had always been very generous, and passed that quality along to my mum and her siblings. My mum was proactive, and she decided she had the time and means to volunteer. Whenever they had an appreciation day for the folks that she volunteered with, we would all attend. We saw that impact that she had, and she felt connected to her community of volunteers. When we moved to Canada, I was a young adult. I think we take for granted that making friends is easier when you’re a kid. As a young adult, I saw volunteering as a way to help build my own friendships and community. 

Do you have a favourite memory of your time at MacEwan?

The friends that I met at SAMU are still my friends today. It's been more than 10 years since we met, we still keep in touch, we still go for dinners together, we still celebrate birthdays and weddings. We shared so much working at SAMU, and to see each others’ achievements and growth is really special. 

What did it mean to you to be named an Emerging Leader?

I'm just a regular person making my own small contributions here and there. For me, receiving the Emerging Leader Award shows that you don't always have to do grand things, you don't need to donate a million dollars – little things can make a difference too. It means a lot to be an ordinary person being recognized on a bigger scale.