Sri Lankan born lawyer Meleni David delivered the keynote speech at York University in Toronto last Thursday to 40 students from the graduating class of the university’s Bridging Program for International Education Professionals (IEPs).
Funded by the provincial and federal governments, the program at York U has assisted IEPs from more than 35 countries to break the barriers to employment in Ontario and land positions that best match their foreign education, credentials and work experience.
Meleni David says she had ‘pure determination’. (Pictures by Mahesh Abeyewardene)
Ms. David, also an internationally trained professional who is a successful lawyer and alumna of York’s Osgoode Hall Law School was selected to deliver this year’s keynote.
“Meleni David was asked to speak at our celebration as she is a wonderful example of a successful immigrant who worked hard to achieve her professional goals,” Nora Priestly
Program Manager told lankareporter.com.
Graduating students come from around the world, including Bangladesh, Brazil, China, Hungary, India, Iran, Pakistan, Philippines, Russia and Venezuela.
“Her accomplishments are further heightened by the efforts she has put into the community around her with philanthropic contributions, her time and providing an inspirational example to many. Meleni isn’t just a role model for new Canadians, she is a role model for all of us.”
Ms. David says her greatest inspiration is her father Raj Nicolas.
Pure Determination
In her speech Ms. David says she rose up to the challenge of being a new immigrant with a young family to realize her dreams of becoming a lawyer in Canada.
Micheal Chan Ontario Minister of Citizenship, Immigration and International Trade was the guest of honour at the event.
