At home in Hamilton after Egypt and the U.S.

Mony Shohayeb and her family are at home in Hamilton after moving from Egypt

This is the first profile in a series highlighting some of the Hamilton area’s successful immigrants.

Name: Omneya (Mony) Shohayeb

Country of origin: Egypt

Came to Canada: 2007

Occupation: Author/Writer

Describe your working life: I am a writer and have published a book called Life Jackets. I also work as content developer for a pharmaceutical company. I also write a business communications blog, The Digital Typewriter, and a fiction blog called Life Jackets. I’ve started my own consulting business, HYVE Marketing & Communication.

What brought you to Hamilton?

When my brother enrolled in McMaster University to study Mechanical Engineering, my family moved to Hamilton in 2007 so we could all be together.

What skills, experience, business knowledge, and global connections did you bring?

My passion for writing. I have an MBA and a masters in communication management from the University of Southern California.

What has helped you settle here?

My family. For me having my family around is the most important thing. It makes a tremendous difference having family around to support you.

Do you belong to any professional or other networks or organizations?

I am the co-ordinator for the Hamilton Twig of Canadian Authors Association.

The moment when you felt successful:

When I received the news that my book Life Jackets had been selected for the English Language instruction curriculum at Mohawk College.

Favourite place in Hamilton?

Princess Point. It is my favourite place for writing inspiration.

Biggest challenge about living here?

The cold weather.

One thing you really like about Hamilton:

The diversity. I find that people in Hamilton are ready to accept cultural differences and explore our similarities.

What advice do you have for newcomers?

I would say to explore the city. There are so many interesting places in Hamilton that are not well known.

*  This article was originally published in The Hamilton Spectator and has been republished with permission.

** This series is a joint initiative of the Hamilton Immigration Partnership Council, Workforce Planning Hamilton and the City of Hamilton’s Immigrant Attraction Action Plan.