The Most Reliable Way To Predict The Future...

Over a year ago, Newcomer Kitchen lost its funding and I lost my job. Like many people facing unexpected change, I wasn't entirely sure what came next.

So I did what I know how to do. I kept moving.

I travelled. I spent time with family and friends. I reflected on what mattered most. And alongside a small but mighty team at Newcomer Kitchen, I continued volunteering and contributing where I could, even when the future felt uncertain.

For months, we kept plugging away because we believed in the work and shared a vision that newcomer women deserve opportunities to build businesses, confidence, and belonging.

Over the years at Newcomer Kitchen

Then things started to happen.

Funding was secured.

Meanwhile, Toronto was having a moment- recognized on the global stage. FIFA World Cup 2026™ was around the corner. The Depanneur, where NK started, received accolades for their cookbook and earned international acclaim, winning a Gold Medal at the 2025 Taste Canada Awards and three Gourmand International 'Best in the World' Cookbook Awards. 

The Depanneur Cookbook

What began as a food-related proposal, unexpectedly evolved into something completely different. Because FIFA World Cup 2026™'s existing sponsors already occupied many food categories, we pivoted and ultimately got approved to became an Official FIFA World Cup 2026™ Licensee with a limited-edition cooling sports towel collection of three series- 6 towels instead.

Series 2- Towel D "We are the World in a City" is FIFA World Cup 2026™’s tag line

‘specially for the Six. Toronto is the most cosmopolitan city in the world and

we couldn't be prouder of our multicultural heritage.

What sounds simple on paper turned into a fascinating journey of applications, approvals, supplier sourcing, finding the right local production partner, compliance audits, licensing requirements, design reviews, shipment delays and countless hurdles along the way. Today, having our towels around our neck feels surreal. And being invited as a VIP licensee guest at Friday's FIFA World Cup 2026™ opening game was on another level.

At Canada vs. Qatar Game with Willowdale Councillor Lily Cheng

At the same time, another passion was quietly growing.

I embraced AI early, taking courses, attending workshops, following the rapid developments in the field, and exploring how it could be used thoughtfully to empower people rather than replace them.

Attending A Toronto Tech Week Event

Recently, I had the opportunity to incorporate AI into a food education program with a junior public school community. Together, we used technology, creativity, and storytelling to help families share recipes and experiences that ultimately became a community cookbook. Watching families see their stories and recipes come to life was incredibly rewarding.

With Lynnwood Principal Joy Reiter

Nutritious and Delicious Three-Protein Shakshouka

📢 I am so proud to announce, I've stepped into the role of Program Director and Program Development at Newcomer Kitchen Canada as we prepare for an exciting new chapter and national growth.

Farmer's Market during my early NK years as a trainer with my students

One of my priorities will be rebuilding and reimagining our food entrepreneurship training programs, combining the heart of community-building with the possibilities that AI can offer to support learning, creativity, and business development.

The future still feels uncertain. Perhaps it always will.

But I've learned that uncertainty isn't something to fear. It's an invitation to create.

To create with passion.

To create with joy.

To create with purpose.

And sometimes, when you keep showing up, believing, learning, and building, the future begins to meet you halfway 💖.