From Hesitation to Confidence: An Employer’s Perspective

When Mrs. Linda Dempsey-Nicholson, Regional Executive Director of Family and Early Childhood West Inc. was approached about providing a work placement opportunity to a newcomer, she did what many employers do: she reflected carefully. The resume was impressive: a master’s degree in psychology, strong international experience, but questions naturally arose around language, workplace fit, and expectations.

Then Huda Aldarwish walked through the door.
From the first meeting, it was clear Huda Aldarwish brought more than credentials. Her calm presence, sincerity, and kindness stood out immediately. As a Muslim woman and a mother of two young children, Huda also brought lived experience that deeply resonated with the agency’s clients, many of whom are newcomers themselves, often anxious, facing language barriers, and navigating unfamiliar systems.
 

What began as a short-term placement quickly became something much more.
Huda’s fluency in Arabic proved invaluable. She supported home visits, helped families understand informed consent and confidentiality, and reassured parents who were fearful of engaging with services they barely understood. Her presence built trust, something no form or policy can replace.
 

While her English was strong, she was still learning everyday, something that Linda understood and supported. Like every other employee, Huda benefited from thoughtful guidance, constructive feedback, and a supportive approach. Her work was reviewed not to judge, but to support quality. Questions were welcomed. Mistakes were reframed as part of growth. The director’s door remained open.

It soon became clear: hiring Huda was not a risk, it was an asset.
Beyond her administrative role as an Office Administrator, she became a cultural bridge within the organization. She delivered a staff presentation on Arabic culture, shared food from her country, and helped colleagues better understand and serve newcomer families. Staff began seeking her insight naturally, drawn by her collaborative and respectful approach.
 

 Huda also continued to invest in herself. She completed additional professional development and strengthened her technical skills. She worked with dedication and humility, so much so that the employer often had to remind her to head home to her family at the end of the work day. 
 

At the end of her placement, the decision was easy. Huda was offered a contract, competitive pay, and full benefits. For the first time since arriving in Canada, her family accessed dental care and greater stability. When she thanked her employer for “taking a chance,” the response was simple: “We didn’t take a chance. We knew exactly what we were getting.”

A Call to Employers
Don’t be afraid of accents, learning curves, or differences. Employers invest time and energy into all employees, newcomers are no different. When you offer opportunity, development, and trust, the return is loyalty, skill, and commitment. Newcomers do not need lowered standards, they need a fair chance to prove themselves. If you are hesitant remember this: “When employers lead with openness and kindness, everyone wins: the employee, the workplace, and the community.”, said Mrs. Linda Dempsey-Nicholson, Regional Executive Director of Family and Early Childhood West Inc.

Give a chance. Build potential. Strengthen your workforce.
Ready to open that door? Connect with Working NB and learn how employer supports and newcomer placements can make inclusive hiring simple, supported, and successful.