Thank you so much Mona for sharing your career and life story.

During our conversation we learned of Mona’s journey to Ottawa and the challenges of being a child of new immigrants who were doing their best to navigate a new life in an entirely new country.

She spoke of the teachers who supported her and the one who questioned her ability to succeed.

Mona shared with us how transitioned from high school to playing house, and how she eventually became a single parent of three kids.

She spoke of her academic training which took some time and how she created her life as a director of the Y Employment Services.

She shared the difficulty and realities of having numerous side hustles and the ultimate exhaustion her body felt.

She told us about the sacrifices she made along the way – like selling her home which actually offered her the freedom to pursue her dream of helping people reach their entrepreneurial and life goals.

Her motivational quote is by Rumi – What you seek is seeking you.” It has inspired Mona to go after her dream and create the Chnge Mker Innovation Hub - the ultimate resource hub for all Black entrepreneurs in Ottawa.

I have heard such amazing things about Mona over the years, and getting to have a chat with her on the playground is just the beginning. Thanks so much for being part of it!!

Please remember to follow me on Instagram at puddlejumpcoaching001 – and get ready for next week’s chat on the playground. I think I am the luckiest woman in the world to be surrounded by such an amazing community. Please join me on the playground next week for another fabulous career chat with an awesome mystery guest!

Wishing you a week filled with freedom, authenticity and grace. Until next week, when we will jump into the future together.

Resources we talked about:

Mona Abow on LInkedIn

Chnge Mker Hub | We Support Local Black Entrepreneurs

Employment | The Ottawa YMCA