My name is Celina Mohamad and I was born in Beirut, Lebanon. My family immigrated to Canada when I was a baby. My experiences on life, struggles, and immigration were based on the experiences of my immediate family. My immigration to Canada represented the focal point that changed my perception of life, equity, and equality. This was complemented by my work, education, training, and life experiences that have exposed me to the brutality and harshness of the real world.
Currently, I am completing my undergraduate degree at the University of Toronto with a major in Criminology and a double minor in Sociology and Environmental Studies. After graduating, I plan to pursue my law degree. I plan to use my JD to be the voice of minorities and of the underrepresented, especially being a woman of Arab-Muslim descent. Our legal system needs to be more representative of how our society looks like and I’m excited be a part of this process.
In some regards, I feel as though I am coming from a place of privilege but because of my experiences, I know that I can either choose to enjoy my privilege in life or use it to the benefit of others who are marginalized and vulnerable. I have chosen the latter because this is who I am–someone who does not shy away from a challenge, especially when this challenge will have such an immense impact on humanity at large. At this junction, the world is in a situation of a mass migration for wars, environmental and humanitarian crises, and political unrest. As a human, I feel the need to extend a hand and be a lifeline to those in need.
Our Foundation understands that we cannot help the world. But, we know that by helping at least one person, we plant a seed through which others are supported, creating branches of “lifelines”. Canada has an amazing, inclusive, and diverse immigration system and being a proud Canadian myself, I believe we are at a competitive edge to fulfill the Foundation’s mission. Life-Line Foundation is a community-based organization that relies on community support and volunteers in all aspects. Our commitment is that 100% of funding received will go towards the cause–that being supporting the financial, emotional, psychological, educational, societal, integration and resettlement needs of the sponsored individual(s).
We acknowledge that our mission is not for the faint of heart; it is beyond life. But, we are committed and we intend to use all the mechanisms possible to achieve our objectives.
Email: celina@life-line.ca