BACKGROUND
I'm an immigrant, from a Muslim family. I was 1 when my family moved from Pakistan to Ottawa, ON, and grew up in the not-so-mean-streets in the east end of Ottawa. Honestly, they aren't mean at all. I've bounced around the country a bit, but Newfoundland and Labrador is the place I proudly call home.
Most of my career was in the telecommunications industry; from call centers to managing field operations in the cable industry.
But in 2016, I was moving from Saskatchewan back to Newfoundland & Labrador, and found myself absolutely, positively, 100% unemployed and with few prospects of staying in the industry I knew.
Out of work in a province where the economy was Not Doing So Well and existing as a Person Who Has An Unusual Name, gainful employment seemed to be elusive.
In the midst of job hunting, I began to volunteer here and there and everywhere, and slowly my network grew. I met one person, then 2, then 4, then I blinked and I had met every single person, living or dead, who has ever or ever will exist in Newfoundland and Labrador. Or at least, that's what it feels like.
I did some things along the way:
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I created the MerB'ys calendar which has, to date, raised over $600K for local charities. Bearded fellows, dressed like mermen, talking about feelings and overall having a grand old time. It eventually led to a CBC short documentary!
I improved Elf on a Shelf by transforming into the Dark Elf on the Shelf, raising money for local food banks.
I managed to bury my absolute terror of public speaking long enough to do a Ted talk in 2018. I managed to bury it so deep that I've never found it again. Whoa, I'm a public speaker now!
Check out my Work page for links to some of the projects I've been involved in.
I have a passion for Anti-Racism education. I am listening, learning, and using my (very loud) voice to inspire people to take action to stand up for people in marginalized communities.
Now, I work with an EdTech company called Clockwork Fox. I volunteer doing talks with K-12 classrooms on anti-racism, diversity/inclusion, and other related topics I'm passionate about.
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Contact me at hasan@hasanhai.com .