Marieann Thottungal, is a part-time administrative assistant with IWSO.  She also devotes her time as a volunteer helping newcomer women study and prepare for their citizenship exams.  Marieann shares her story about why she was drawn to IWSO and the satisfaction she receives helping the immigrant and racialized women we serve.

I found out about IWSO through research about organizations that helped newcomers and refugees. I was interested in exploring different non profit fields and I was particularly drawn to immigration from my own parents’ difficulty maneuvering the Canadian system when they first moved here from India in 2001.

I love teaching and given my background in sociology, this opportunity with IWSO seemed very fitting for me and would allow me to further explore how to support immigrant communities in Ottawa.

Recently, I had 2 clients who had upcoming citizenship tests scheduled and together we did a few learning sessions over Zoom, covering lectures and practice tests. Then, after their tests, they both sent me messages to let me know that they both passed! I am so happy to have contributed to this part of their journey in Canada.

Volunteering with IWSO has been incredibly rewarding! The staff have been very supportive and the clients are extremely friendly and patient. I have had an amazing time volunteering and helping these women study and prepare for their exams and as a result, continue to do so alongside my work as an administrative assistant at IWSO.

I would encourage women in our community who are looking for an opportunity to give back and make a difference in the lives of immigrant and racialized women to contact IWSO with your skill set as they are always looking for volunteers to make the lives of the women they serve a little easier.