Host Kortney Wilson welcomes Maryam Monsef to the studio in Toronto for a conversation about coming to Canada as an Afghan refugee and becoming a Canadian politician. From being born in Iran to becoming the first and only Afghan woman in Canadian Parliament (for now, April 17th, 2025), Maryam shares her journey. She discusses her family's struggles, including her father's death and her mother's resilience. Maryam recounts her political career, including her first mayoral campaign and her election to Parliament. She highlights her efforts during the pandemic to support women and children, despite facing backlash. Post-election, she founded Onward, a company that helps leaders navigate challenges, especially emphasizing the importance of women's voices.

More About Maryam Monsef:

Maryam Monsef, Founder and CEO of ONWARD, is a sought-after international speaker, facilitator, and strategic advisor. She has dedicated her life to women’s empowerment and equity. She is a dynamic speaker who designs her keynotes and workshops to uplift women and provide them with a toolkit to thrive in their personal and professional lives. Balancing her role as a dedicated mother with her professional commitments, Maryam draws daily inspiration from working moms everywhere. She held various social and economic development files in government. She was President of the Queen’s Privy Council and helped establish and lead Canada’s first full Department focused on Women and Gender Equality. In 2018 and 2019, she was named one of the Top 20 global influencers on gender equality, alongside notable figures such as Ruth Bader Ginsburg, Michelle Obama, and Malala Yousafzai. Through her business and volunteer work, she strives to foster a world where women and their families are thriving.

https://www.instagram.com/maryammonsef

https://www.maryammonsef.com/

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