By Nadirah Sukhram
When Nadine Niba arrived in Calgary at 23, she had little more than a student visa and the determination to build a better future.
“I came full of hope, but like many international students, I had no idea how steep the climb would be,” she says.
What followed were long nights working at Walmart, stocking shelves to pay tuition. She slept on floors, skipped meals, and lived with the constant uncertainty of whether she could stay in the country post-graduation. “I was not just chasing a degree; I was fighting for a future,” she says.
Today, Niba is the Risk Advisory Services Leader at BDO Calgary and a mentor to thousands of immigrant professionals across North America. Her debut book, Quarterback: An Immigrant’s Guide to Corporate North America, is already making waves, offering a powerful mix of personal narrative, workplace strategy, and spiritual insight. Part memoir, part playbook, it’s a guidebook for immigrant professionals who are navigating the unspoken rules of corporate culture in their adopted home.
A voice for the silently striving
Niba’s story is familiar to many who come to Canada through international study or economic immigration pathways. The pressure to succeed is immense, yet few resources offer culturally nuanced advice or acknowledge the emotional toll of constantly trying to fit in.
“My stay in Canada was never guaranteed; it depended entirely on whether I could find a job after graduation,” she shares. “Eventually, by grace, grit and relentless effort, I found that job. That door opened others.”
As she advanced in her corporate career, with roles at PwC and KPMG along the way, Niba realized she wasn’t the only one quietly navigating invisible roadblocks. She began mentoring other newcomers and has since supported thousands through speaking engagements, coaching and now, her book.
“I saw myself in them: the fear, the confusion, the pressure to fit in, the overwhelming desire to succeed in a land where the rules are unspoken and the culture unfamiliar.”
Why “Quarterback”?
The title of the book draws from American football, where the quarterback is the central decision-maker and strategist. “I realized I couldn’t just be a good employee,” Niba says. “I had to lead like a quarterback. Read the field. Move strategically. Know when to pass, pivot, or run.”
That metaphor becomes the spine of the book, which is divided into themed chapters or “plays” — with advice ranging from how to build visibility at work to confronting imposter syndrome and avoiding burnout.
Each chapter ends with actionable steps, journal prompts and sometimes, Scripture, reflecting the role her Christian faith has played in anchoring her during the most difficult times. “When I had nothing else—no status, no clarity, no family here in Canada—I had God. That became my leadership foundation,” she writes.
Learning to be seen
One of the core lessons Niba drives home is the difference between being valuable and being visible.
“A lot of us are raised to just work hard and hope someone notices,” she says. “But in corporate, you need visibility. You have to show impact and advocate for yourself.”
She recalls a moment early in her career when, despite burning out from overwork, a manager told her she should be grateful just to have a job. “That’s when I knew I needed to speak up.”
She encourages immigrant professionals to track their wins and advocate clearly for their value, particularly in performance reviews and LinkedIn profiles. “Your work needs receipts,” she says.
A broader issue
According to a 2025 study from the University of Alberta, over 80 per cent of skilled immigrants in Canada spend most of their careers in roles that don’t match their education or experience. That stat hits home for Niba.
“So many brilliant, talented immigrants are being overlooked because they lack so-called ‘Canadian experience,’” she says. “But we bring global experience, cultural intelligence and resilience. Why is that not valued?”
She hopes Quarterback will shift not only mindsets but also systems.
Legacy and light
Niba’s goal is not just about individual success, but about creating a ripple effect. “The book isn’t about showcasing what I’ve achieved,” she says. “It’s about equipping others with the tools to lead and thrive.”
She adds: “We don’t need to dim our light to fit in. We just need the right playbook.”
Whether it’s leading major risk strategy projects or helping young professionals believe in their worth, Niba remains focused on her mission: shifting the narrative around immigrants in corporate Canada.
“The goal isn’t just to get a seat at the table,” she says. “It’s to lead the game.”
