Fundraising and Resource Development alumna empowering immigrant and refugee women
Jan. 7, 2025
For Zein Dhanidina, an alumna of Georgian’s Fundraising and Resource Development program (class of 2006), the experience of immigrant and refugee women coming to Canada is something she holds close to her heart.
When she arrived with her parents from Tanzania in 1975, she saw firsthand how her mother’s English-language skills afforded her opportunities to support their family as they settled into their new home. She also recognized that these same opportunities were out of reach for many others – and that need is what drove Zein’s lifetime commitment to helping people.
Zein Dhanidina speaks at the 2024 Premier’s Awards ceremony.
Creating a thriving non-profit that supports others
In 2016, Zein founded the Refugee Women’s Network (RWN) with a vision for empowering refugee and new immigrant women with tools and resources to enhance and develop their skills and successfully integrate into Canadian society while maintaining their cultural values.
But her journey required more than just a passion for the cause – she needed fundraising skills to help it grow and reach donors who could ensure its success.
How her college education helped build foundational skills
Before RWN was even an idea, Zein’s early experience volunteering with causes like the World Partnership Walk and the Aga Khan Foundation nurtured her innate desire to make a positive difference.
But when she was interviewing for full-time roles, Markie quickly realized she would need foundational fundraising skills if she hoped to have a sustainable and successful career – and that’s where the Fundraising and Resource Development program came in.
Though I had finally found my passion, I realized I didn’t know enough about fundraising and needed to learn more, so Georgian was a blessing that found me just at the right time. Their online program gave me the skills and knowledge I needed to excel in my chosen field, and with two children at home, it allowed me to learn from a distance and at my own pace, reducing the strain on my family. I’m so appreciative of everything Georgian has given me, for both me in my career and for the women RWN is able to help.
Making a long-term impact
Today, Zein’s impact through RWN is significant, supporting more than 545 women across the GTA.
Under her leadership, it has also expanded its programs, offering multi-lingual sessions on women’s and children’s health, tenant rights, domestic violence and Canadian citizenship.
RWN has also provided laptops to women without existing access, amplifying its reach to a national level. Georgian’s impact on Zein’s career can also be felt as she continues to connect with her professors and incorporate their advice into her ongoing work.
Though a career in fundraising may not have been her initial goal, Zein’s passion for helping marginalized communities has made her a powerful force for change – and thanks to Georgian, she had everything needed to transform that passion into real impact for women like her and her mother.
Zein was a 2024 Premier’s Awards nominee in the community services category.
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Published Tuesday, Jan. 7, 2025