Nancy Awwad Biography

Nancy Awwad has built a remarkable career that spans various industries and roles. Her achievements range from co-founding the fashion jewelry brand Penelope Made This in Ottawa, Ontario, and Dubai, UAE, to founding Awwad and Associates International Immigration Services Inc., based in Ottawa, Ontario and becoming a Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant , a member in good standing with the College of Immigration Consultants of Canada since 2014. She has also excelled as an elected board member, an adjunct instructor, a Canadian tax consultant, a financial advisor, and an adept operations management professional. Nancy Awwad's diverse career showcases her expertise and adaptability across multiple fields.

Prior to her ventures in the fashion and immigration industries, Nancy worked as a financial advisor and operations management professional. Her experience in these areas has honed her skills in financial analysis, strategic planning, and project management.

Throughout her career, Nancy has established herself as a dedicated and passionate professional. Her ability to adapt to different roles and industries showcases her versatility and willingness to take on new challenges. She is committed to providing excellent service to her clients and customers, ensuring their satisfaction and success.

In addition to her professional accomplishments, Nancy's personal journey with breast cancer has influenced her outlook on life and fuelled her determination to make a positive impact. Her experience with the illness inspired her to focus on creativity and entrepreneurship, supporting her daughter in launching her own business.

She holds a master's degree in arts from the Lebanese University in Beirut, Lebanon. A Graduate Diploma in Canadian Immigration Consultancy from Herzing College in Ottawa, Canada. Her educational background has equipped her with a strong foundation in both arts and business, allowing her to approach her various professional roles with a well-rounded perspective.

She was an elected board member at The ICCRC in Burlington, Ontario in 2018 and 2019, and at LCSPA in Ottawa, Ontario in 2011 and 2012, an English teacher with the comity, and a volunteer at the school outreach comity until 2016.

 In 2008, When she immigrated to Canada Nancy wanted to get involved in her community of Ottawa Center and found out that newcomers are being assisted and guided throughout their settlement in Canada. She registered with most of the organizations and became an avid member, a volunteer, a mentee and last a mentor herself to newcomers to Canada. Nancy have worked closely with settlement agencies such as World Skills, Ottawa Community Immigrant Services organization (OCISO) and the Ottawa Chinese Community Service Center in Ottawa (OCCSC) – In-Tac

 In 2013, Nancy decided to become an immigration consultant, joined Herzing College, completed her internship at the Canadian Bureau for International Education (CBIE) were she was commended for her professionalism, and graduated the Immigration Diploma Program with Honours in March 2014.

In July 2014, Nancy passed the qualification certification exam offered to become a regulated immigration consultant to Canada and became since than a member in good standing with ICCRC at the time and who’s name have changed most recently to CICC. She founded Awwad and Associates International Immigration Services Inc., based in Ottawa, Ontario. As an RCIC, she has assisted individuals and families with their immigration needs, providing guidance and expertise in navigating the Canadian immigration system.

As a Canadian Tax Advisor who have received training and work experience at H and R Block Canada since 2013. she has provided expert advice and assistance in tax-related matters. This involved helping individuals or businesses navigate the complexities of the Canadian tax system, ensuring compliance, and optimizing tax strategies.

In 2020, during the Pandemic, Nancy remained virtually active and volunteered as an english instructor at a not-for-profit organization located in AbuDhabi- UAE, Basmat Amal a project funded by the United Nations assisting less fortunate or with no status families to regain access to the UAE public education by perfecting their english and Arabic language studies. Nancy either offered the class in english or assisted in english/ Arabic translation to children and parents on weekly basis via an online platform.

In 2021, Nancy Co-founded Penelope Made This Inc. a Lifestyle and Fashion Jewelry Brand, based in Ottawa ON and Dubai UAE. As a co-founder, she has been involved in various aspects of the business, including product development, marketing, and operations.

In August 2022, Nancy successfully  finished her 18 weeks Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada - Specialization program offered by the College of Immigration Consultants of Canada and will be writing her certification exam as soon as she feels ready.

Overall, Nancy Awwad is a multifaceted individual with a diverse skill set and a drive for success. Her background in immigration consulting, fashion entrepreneurship, finance, and operations management has shaped her into a well-rounded professional capable of delivering value and achieving customer satisfaction.

Nancy is fully bilingual and speaks Arabic.

In 2008, When she immigrated to Canada Nancy wanted to get involved in her community of Ottawa Center and found out that newcomers are being assisted and guided throughout their settlement in Canada. She registered with most of the organizations and became an avid member, a volunteer, a mentee and last a mentor herself to newcomers to Canada.

Nancy has extensively collaborated with settlement agencies and non-profit organizations, dedicating her efforts to assisting newcomers and refugees in Canada in their journey towards employment readiness and job placement.

1- Ottawa, Canada: World Skills              2012-2014

2- Ottawa, Canada: Ottawa Community Immigrant Services organization (OCISO) 2012-2013

3-Ottawa, Canada: Ottawa Chinese Community Service Center in Ottawa (OCCSC) – In-Tac  2012-2014

During her presence in the UAE, Nancy actively engaged in volunteer work as an english support teacher, providing invaluable assistance to internally displaced individuals and refugees (who lacked legal status in the UAE). Her primary focus was on helping these children acquire a second language and facilitating their integration into the UAE's education system.

4-Abudhabi, UAE: Basmat Amal 2020-2022