Journey Maps

Finding Strength in Change: Mandana Attar Zadeh’s Journey of Resilience and Community

In this episode, we speak with Mandana Attar Zadeh, whose journey from Iran to Canada in 2006 was marked by uncertainty, adaptation, and resilience. Facing emotional and professional challenges, Mandana navigated a new life, rediscovered her purpose, and built a career in community engagement. She is currently working as Manager of  Community Development at North Community House. 
From overcoming personal hardships to advocating for mental health and social inclusion, Mandana shares how volunteering, storytelling, and connection shaped her journey. Her story highlights the importance of balancing cultural identity, embracing change, and finding belonging in a new home. 
🎧 Join us as we explore how resilience, community, and civic engagement transform lives. 
Host: Rustam Zadran Journey Maps is brought to you by Journeys to Active Citizenship, a unique collaborative project that co-designs curriculum and tools for civic engagement programs for —and with— immigrants and refugees. Learn more at journeystoactivecitizenship.ca This 5-year project (2020-2025) was a Ontario Council of Agencies Serving Immigrants and North York Community House and is funded by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada. 
Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!): https://uppbeat.io/t/swoop/blue-sea
License code: TZAWOJFVT5YPZ3ZU
 

From War Survivor to Changemaker: Hanen Nanaa’s Journey of Social Innovation

In this episode, we sit down with Hanen Nanaa, a war survivor, refugee, and one of Canada’s youngest social entrepreneurs. Arriving in Toronto in 2016, Hanen turned her lived experiences into action, founding the Books Art Music (BAM) Collective, a powerful platform empowering youth and equity-deserving communities through art, policy, and innovation. 
From influencing national policy to bridging gender gaps and advocating for refugee and Indigenous communities, Hanen’s impact extends far beyond Toronto. She has been recognized with numerous prestigious awards, including the Top 25 Canadian Immigrants Award,  and the Pam McConnell Award for Young Women in Leadership.  
Join us as we dive into Hanen’s extraordinary journey—her experiences as a refugee, her passion for social change, and how she’s reshaping civic engagement in Canada. 
Host: Rustam Zadran