Dear Fellow Transconian,
There is no doubt that these are indeed challenging times for everyone. My journey has been dedicated to advocating for the marginalized and vulnerable in our society. Advocating requires bringing new ideas and perspectives, building partnerships, mobilizing the community, acting and getting into the trenches and remaining there till the problems are solved. Transconians require solution-seekers and problem-solvers who turn adversity into opportunities for positive change and that is who I am.
My life’s journey serves as a testament to the effectiveness of advocacy. Arriving as a newcomer over three decades ago, I was disheartened to learn that my educational qualifications and work experience as a trained teacher were not recognized. This situation was all too common for internationally educated newcomers. Together with the African Communities of Manitoba Inc. (ACOMI), I engaged with the Manitoba Government in 2008 to address this issue. This led to the establishment of the Office of the Fairness Commissioner (now Fair Registration Practices Office), a milestone for credential recognition that paved the way for bridging programs, enabling newcomers to contribute their expertise and strengthen our province’s growth. Witnessing newcomers flourish in their chosen fields fills me with immense pride.
Transconians require a resolute voice, a dedicated advocate, a skilled negotiator, and a unifying figure who delivers results. These attributes are what I bring to the table, as I seek to represent fellow Transconians in the Manitoba Legislative Assembly.
Together we can make Transcona greater!
Titi Tijani
So if you feel called to serve humanity, I encourage you to explore the many ways you can make a positive impact in your community and beyond.