BY J.M. LEE
On Mother’s Day, we celebrate the women who shape us and the values they pass down that become the roots of our strength. Romia believes that leadership begins long before a title is earned. It starts with the values we’re taught and the examples we’re shown. Romia was born and raised in Winnipeg in a loving and supportive family. Her parents instilled in her the values of education, independence, and resilience. These principles became the foundation of her journey, shaping the leader she is today. She is the Clinical Director of Neurologik Clinic, an instructor in the Electroneurophysiology Program at BCIT, and an accreditation consultant with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of BC.
As she advanced in her career, Romia struggled with feelings of impostor syndrome. “I kept questioning whether I truly deserved the opportunities that came my way. For a long time, I thought any success I had was a series of fortunate events. It wasn’t until I returned to school to earn my Master’s degree over the past few years that I realized something powerful—every step I had taken and achieved was because of my hard work, perseverance, and capability. I belonged in these spaces like other women working towards leadership roles.”
“I kept questioning whether I truly deserved the opportunities that came my way. For a long time, I thought any success I had was a series of fortunate events. It wasn’t until I returned to school to earn my Master’s degree over the past few years that I realized something powerful—every step I had taken and achieved was because of my hard work, perseverance, and capability. I belonged in these spaces like other women working towards leadership roles.”
One of the most defining moments of her life was making the difficult decision to leave a domestically abusive marriage and become a single mother to two boys. Without having her immediate family living in the same city, it was and continues to be one of the most challenging choices of her life. Still, it also became one of her most significant sources of strength—her experience, education, and resilience. Unfortunately, her experience showed her boys what a marriage is not supposed to be, but more importantly, she hopes to show them what a strong role model is. She hopes to have them learn skills they take to their future relationships and families.
“I am fortunate to be surrounded by strong women, many of whom are in leadership roles. I also work with a team primarily made up of women, and I take every opportunity to encourage and uplift them. Leadership is not just about achieving personal success—it’s about creating opportunities for others and ensuring the next generation of women feel empowered to take their rightful place in leadership roles. To the young women who aspire to grow in their careers, I offer this advice:
- Own Your Achievements: Do not let doubt convince you that you don’t belong in the spaces you have worked hard to be in.
- Build Your Support System: Surround yourself with mentors, peers, and colleagues who inspire and uplift you.
- Embrace Challenges: Some of your most difficult decisions will shape you into the strongest version of yourself.
- Lead with Kindness and Confidence: True leadership is about lifting others, not just reaching the top alone.
I often ask how I balance my hectic work life with raising two busy boys. I usually joke that I’m a master juggler, but the truth is, I love what I do, and a little extra planning and leaning on good friends can go a long way. And yes, that sometimes means a few extra unplanned takeout meals at arenas or in the car.”
“I am fortunate to be surrounded by strong women, many of whom are in leadership roles. I also work with a team primarily made up of women, and I take every opportunity to encourage and uplift them. Leadership is not just about achieving personal success—it’s about creating opportunities for others and ensuring the next generation of women feel empowered to take their rightful place in leadership roles.”
Romia’s mother comes to mind when she thinks about the women who have influenced and shaped her most. She sees more and more of her mother in herself since becoming a parent herself than ever before. She knows while growing up, behind her strong smile was her own worry and excitement of who her kids would become. She continuously shows me how to be both a confident and graceful mother. “My mom is the most loving and supportive woman, not only for me but also for my boys. Nani will use any excuse to jump on a flight and come visit even if it’s just a cold or flu. When I decided to move across the country for school, she supported me without hesitation (even though she still hopes I’ll move back home one day). Thank you, Mom. Your strength, resilience, and unconditional love inspire me. Thanks to you, I’m the woman and mother I am today.”
To Romia, being a mom is amazing. Whether it’s late-night movies or lively discussions about NHL draft prospects—where she fully admits she had no clue what she’s talking about—she loves every second of it. The fun isn’t about knowing the details but sharing those moments with her boys.
“My advice to all the mothers and mothers-to-be is simple: Be kind to yourself and give yourself grace as you navigate the day-to-day with your little ones. They see your strength, dedication, and love—even when you don’t see it in yourself. And trust that they are more proud of you than you know.”
