In a world where moving to new lands often demands the erasure of identity for the sake of belonging, Nomso Nnadi is choosing a different path, one paved with purpose, resilience, and collective empowerment. A systems strategist by profession and a community builder at heart, Nomso is redefining what it means to rise as an immigrant woman in Canada, and to lift others while doing so. Through her work with the Femme Alliance Network, she has created a movement that is more than mentorship, it’s a call to action for equity, leadership, and radical inclusion.

In this exclusive conversation with My Afrika Magazine, Nico Abote (NA) speaks to Nomso about the power of identity, the intersection of technology and purpose, and how her journey of finding her place in a new country led her to build a platform where every woman belongs, thrives, and leads.

NA: “Lift As You Rise”. What personal experience or defining moment inspired you to build Femme Alliance Network and lead with such a community-driven mantra?

Nomso: I believe that no one should be left behind. When we moved to Canada in 2019, I arrived with years of experience, big dreams, and a solid skillset but still, I quickly learned that navigating this new land was not just about credentials. It was about connection and network. I met well-meaning people, many of them immigrants like me, whose own difficult experiences had dimmed their sense of possibility. Their words were sometimes laced with fear and limitation. And for a while, I listened. Then, I stopped.

I became intentional about seeking out new voices, people who had gone again and seen beyond survival, people who would remind me of what I was capable of. Mentorship shifted my perspective and I remembered who I was. The journey became clearer and I started to rise.

But I knew I could not rise alone. I needed to pay it forward. That is the heart behind Femme Alliance Network. I built it because I had walked that lonely path; skilled but unseen, strong but unheard, and I did not want any other woman to walk it alone. I wanted to create a space where women could hear the right voices from day one and it takes a community to reinforce that. Women need a strong tribe to be reminded, “You belong here, and you have what it takes to rise to great heights.”

For us- the Board and leaders at FAN “Lift As You Rise” is a call to action for the kind of Canada we want to build. One where every woman, no matter her accent, her past, or her passport, has the tools and the community to flourish in a supportive environment.

NA: FAN is dedicated to supporting immigrant women across different career stages. How do you identify and nurture leadership potential in women who are still navigating a new country and system?

Nomso: At FAN, we do not see immigrant women as “starting over” in their careers. We see the transition to a new country as a relaunch, a continuation of a story that was never meant to be paused. Our women arrived in Canada with lived experience, existing skills and untapped potential. All that is needed is the right environment to thrive.

Our community is made up of skilled professionals, post-secondary graduates, and emerging leaders. We know that leadership doesn’t begin with a title, it begins with identity. That is why we guide women to reconnect with who they are, beyond the labels, job gaps, or cultural transitions.

We achieve this through curated workshops led by identity and purpose coaches who generously volunteer their time. Through them, we help women do the inner work of self-discovery and vision-building. We bring in seasoned leaders and mentors who serve as guides, sponsors, and sounding boards, helping women move from awareness to taking action in their leadership Journey.

We also go deeper than resume and LinkedIn workshops. Through our monthly “Brew and Bloom” series, supported by the Calgary Foundation and facilitated by Alberta-licensed therapists, we create safe spaces for emotional clarity, healing, and wellness because a healthy Professional has greater clarity and is able to rise up as a sustainable leader.

At FAN, we do not manufacture leaders, we unearth them. We believe every woman carries top tier potential. Our work is to quiet the inner critic and amplify the voice of purpose. 

NA: You have spoken at global platforms like the Google Women Techmakers Conference. What message do you believe is most urgent for women in tech and leadership today, especially those from immigrant backgrounds?

Nomso: At the Google Women Techmakers Conference held in Alberta Canada, I spoke about the power of community, how shared experiences, especially among women in underrepresented fields, are not just comforting but critical to mental well-being and career advancement. Our stories are powerful. When you hear your story in someone else’s journey, it validates yours and gives you the boost to stay resilient in times when giving up is more appealing.

Today, as an immigrant woman in tech and in leadership, I believe the most urgent call is this: Your mindset must move faster than the current technology. Refuse to be limited, stay curious and adaptable because in tech, evolution favors the ready.

AI is no longer some futuristic concept. It is embedded in the way we live, work, play, hire, learn, and solve problems. It’s improving outcomes and displacing outdated systems all at once. The pace of change is intense, and we cannot afford to be passive.

At FAN, we are future-minded. Our mission includes ensuring that women, especially those navigating new countries and systems, are not caught off guard by disruption, they’re prepared to lead through it.

At our International Women’s Day event in March 2025, we took a bold leap into the future, exploring emerging technologies like quantum computing through the brilliant lens of renowned experimental quantum physicist, Dr. Katanya B. Kuntz. Technology is no longer a niche or a nice-to-have for women, our impact and greater presence is non-negotiable.

For women, especially those from immigrant and equity-deserving communities, being future-fluent is power. And in a world evolving at quantum speed, those who stop learning risk being left behind.

NA: As a systems strategist and tech entrepreneur, how do your professional skills inform the structure and impact of FAN’s mentorship camps and leadership programs?

Nomso: As a systems strategist and tech entrepreneur, my professional lens is deeply rooted in designing scalable frameworks that drive clarity, growth, and community impact. At Femme Alliance Network, I’ve applied that same systems-based thinking to reimagine mentorship and leadership development, not as isolated programs, but as integrated, transformational experiences.

At FAN, digital transformation is a people-centered shift that reimagines how we lead, connect, and deliver impact by embedding digital tools into our systems and culture, and empowering women to adapt, grow, and drive change in a rapidly evolving world. This mindset shapes every aspect of our mentorship camps and leadership initiatives.

Through our efficient matching systems, feedback loops and data-informed decision-making, our programs are built to be adaptive, accessible, and impact-driven. But more importantly, we prioritize change management and human capital development ensuring that women in our network are not just consuming information, but actively reshaping their identities, confidence, and leadership pathways. My role is to create the infrastructure for that transformation to happen consistently and sustainably.

NA: You are also an author of a children’s book about identity and belonging. How do storytelling and advocacy intersect in your work to empower women and build inclusive communities?

Nomso: Storytelling is one of the most powerful ways to meet people where they are; emotionally, culturally, and spiritually. My children’s book, The Album That Found His Way, was born out of a desire to help young people stay rooted in their identity in an ever-changing world. We have the influence of technology, cultural shifts, and  personal transitions challenging their sense of belonging. This is deeply tied to the immigrant experience. Many arrive in new countries full of promise, bright-eyed, hopeful, and eager to contribute, only to encounter systems and narratives that challenge their core identity and self-worth. Suddenly, the world offers new definitions of excellence. As an advocate for equity, diversity, and inclusion, I do not want the next generation to spend years rediscovering themselves. If we can help them remain grounded from the start, we fast-track their journey toward purpose.

At FAN, we celebrate Canada’s multicultural mosaic not as a melting pot where identities disappear, but as a bouquet of unique strengths and stories. We do not aim for uniformity, we aim for harmony. Storytelling is how we humanize advocacy and build inclusive communities that honour every thread in the tapestry.

NA: With the world shifting toward digital transformation, what role do you see immigrant women playing in shaping Canada’s future workforce, and how is FAN preparing them for it?

Nomso: We believe immigrant women are not just adapting to Canada’s digital future, we are actively shaping it. We bring global insights, cultural fluency, and a resilient, solution-oriented mindset that is essential in a workforce driven by transformation and innovation.

At Femme Alliance Network, we define digital transformation as reimagining how people, systems, and processes deliver value in a rapidly evolving world. It is not just about adopting new technology, it is about shifting how we think, work, play and lead. That is why we are intentional about preparing our community with the mindset and tools to thrive in this new era and demystify areas such as Artificial intelligence and Quantum computing.

Our mentorship program includes women in tech who mentor others across career stages, from newcomers exploring entry roles to professionals transitioning into leadership. We are also rolling out a series of digital change readiness and tech upskilling workshops this year to help our community stay ahead of the curve, not play catch-up. We welcome institutions, employers, and policymakers to build this future with us.

We are excited about what is coming, and we are building capacity, not just for individual success, but for collective advancement. Watch this space.

NA: You also host events to network and share ideas with women from various backgrounds, I had the privilege to witness one in action. What are some of the highlights from these events, and for those upcoming, what can attendees look out for?

Nomso: We go beyond gatherings at our events, we are intentional about creating transformational spaces where women connect. Our panel discussions and skill-building workshop focus on key themes that matter: job readiness, personal branding, inclusive leadership, entrepreneurship, mental wellness, and identity reclamation.

We tackle mindset shifts, too, like overcoming imposter syndrome, embracing vulnerability, and defining success on your own terms. These are not just soft skills; they are strategic competencies in today’s professional landscape.

Our networking events are intentionally curated to bridge the gap in what many call the “invisible job market” where roles are filled through relationships before they are ever posted. We create warm, affirming spaces where women can share their stories, pitch their skills, and connect with professionals across industries. We believe that “good people know good people,” and every connection at FAN is a seed for future opportunity.

Upcoming events will continue to be an avenue to bring women together who will form powerful partnerships, mentorship and sponsorship opportunities. FAN is rising to become Calgary’s female top community and every woman is welcome! You belong here.

For more about FAN, and Nomso’s work, visit https://www.femmealliancenetwork.com/

Nico Abote is a media professional, creative strategist, lead consultant at Abote Media and co-founder of 263 Africa Media home to Play Afrika TV, and My Afrika Magazine. With over 20 years of experience spanning Africa and North America, he specializes in digital storytelling, content strategy, and film production.
Nico currently serves on several boards including LOUD Art Society (Canada), TEF (Nigeria), Chengeto Africa (Southern Africa), Blackster Int. Film Festival (Ghana), Zimbabwe Fashion Week, and Hunhu Council of Fashion (Zim), advocating for positive & uplifting narratives through media and the arts.