Mila Wagner, a new Canadian citizen and engineering technologist in training has won the first-ever CEO Award from the Association of Science and Engineering Technology Professionals of Alberta (ASET).
The award celebrating her contribution to ASET was given to her on April 21 in Calgary.
“When I received the award at the Gala it was a really special event for me. Being recognized as a person who has been working so hard and putting all my effort towards assisting newcomers definitely was a proud moment.”
Through working at ASET Wagner has been able to help people coming into the country like she did back in 2016.
“It feels great to have an organization like that which recognizes your hard work and gives you an opportunity to prove your value to the world. It is an honour to serve my profession and my community and help give a leg up to people who have just arrived in Canada.”
READ MORE: From Western Ukraine to Western Canada
Having someone who will guide you when you first arrive in the country is so important.
“Providing information on where to start, where to go, documentation and other things is important especially during the first few months. It is very important for me to keep providing a safe haven for other Ukrainians who are escaping the war.”
This Canada Day Wagner celebrated her first Canada Day as a Canadian citizen after taking her oath last month.
During the ceremony there were tears in my eyes, Wagner said.
“I felt so blessed to become a Canadian Citizen and I was so happy to become part of this beautiful society and seeing my son become a Canadian citizen meant a lot to me.”
Currently, Wagner is also looking to potentially bring her parents to Canada after she recently helped bring over her niece and a friend and her son from the Ukraine.
“It is very difficult for me to deal with knowing that my parents are in constant danger and that everyday could be their last one. I try to be strong and to just be able to support them as much as I can. I call them almost every day and unfortunately, my parents are not in great health condition right now. I’m just praying everyday that my Dad and my Mom will be able to come here soon.”
Over the next few years Wagner is hoping on getting her professional designation permit as a certified engineering technologist with the ASET.
The ASET has around 18,000 members with some calling Sylvan Lake home.
@sarahbaker
sarah.baker@blackpress.ca
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