From Intern to Leader: Ifrah-Sophia Zarowsky’s Journey with YES and the CREATE Program
Let us tell you about Ifrah-Sophia Zarowsky. When she came to us, she was hungry—hungry to learn, hungry to build a portfolio, hungry to find her place in the design world. But, like so many of us, she was also battling that ‘imposter syndrome’ voice in her head. She dove into the CREATE program, determined to soak up every bit of knowledge and prove what she was capable of. And prove it, she did! From those days of building her skills, to now, leading as Head of Project Management and Video Production, her journey is just… inspiring. It’s that moment when someone finds the perfect environment to truly shine. We couldn’t be prouder. Want to hear the whole, honest story? Her interview is below; you won’t want to miss it. Read below to discover about Ifrah-Sophia’s journey with YES.
Finding Her Footing: Confidence, Skills, and Support
YES: When did you start your employment journey and what were some of your goals when you started?
Ifrah-Sophia: I began my employment journey with YES in 2024 and my main goal at the time was to broaden my professional horizons. Back in 2023, I was let go from my position as a product copywriter at a digital marketing agency. Although I had been in my career for over five years, I realized I wasn’t progressing at the pace I wanted. I had big goals for myself, but applying for junior roles when I was clearly more experienced was disheartening. My lack of complete bilingualism in French also made advancing in Quebec’s job market more challenging, which further motivated me to seek new opportunities in 2024.
Through YES, I accessed a variety of job application tools—some familiar, some new—but the most valuable resource for me was the French lessons. My instructor, Louis, was incredibly patient and supportive, helping me navigate my language barrier. I first heard about the CREATE program from a good friend who had completed Youth on the Rise.
YES: What stage are you at now? What have been your greatest achievements?
Ifrah-Sophia: I’m pleased to say that I’ve established myself as the Head of Project Management and Video Production at Presentation Matters, a design agency. My journey began as an (CREATE) intern, where I had the opportunity to observe and understand the company’s operations. Recognizing a gap in project management, I stepped in to offer my expertise, and my contributions were quickly recognized. In just a few months, I transitioned into a leadership role, successfully managing a dynamic team and driving key projects forward.
YES: What were/are your biggest struggles?
Ifrah-Sophia: One of my biggest challenges has been not being fully bilingual, which I recognize as an area for improvement and something I am actively working on. However, this language barrier has repeatedly stood in the way of job opportunities, even when my skills and experience were a strong match.
A couple examples is the number of times I’ve had great interviews, only to be asked if I am fully bilingual. While I can understand French well and am committed to using it in the workplace, that hasn’t been enough. When asked to take a French test, I would explain that I was happy to do so but needed the company to consider my dyslexia, which makes writing in both French and English particularly challenging. Unfortunately, this disclosure often marked the end of the conversation, and I would never hear back.
The Power of Being Seen: How YES Made a Difference
YES: What was the problem you were experiencing before you came into YES?
Ifrah-Sophia: As mentioned, before connecting with YES, my main challenge was my lack of fluency in both languages, which I felt was limiting my opportunities in certain professional environments.
YES: What did you find because of using our services? What was the best thing about it?
Ifrah-Sophia: The most valuable result of using YES services was the opportunity to connect with individuals who were not only genuinely supportive but also eager to help me succeed. It was an incredibly uplifting experience, and people like Amina (CREATE program coordinator), played a key role in that support.
I specifically remember during my interview with Amina, she took the time to truly listen to my background, challenges, and concerns. When I asked if I would even be considered since I was nearing the age limit, she reassured me that I was very much eligible. That kind of encouragement gave me the confidence to move forward, knowing I was in the right place.
YES: How do you feel about the service you have received from YES?
Ifrah-Sophia: I felt that YES played a pivotal role in helping me find meaningful employment, and I’m incredibly grateful for the support they provided throughout the process.
YES: Do you have any other thoughts you would like to share?
Ifrah-Sophia: YES played a pivotal role in my journey by accepting me into the CREATE program, even though I was technically overqualified due to my years of experience and close to the age limit. Despite these factors, I was still considered and ultimately chosen, which reaffirmed that my career growth was valued. This kind of support gave me the opportunity to develop new skills, build my confidence, and secure meaningful employment.
To anyone considering seeking support from YES, my advice is simple—do it! You’ll be supported, heard, and put in a position to succeed. The team genuinely cares about helping individuals navigate their career paths, no matter what their challenges.
Why We Need More Stories Like This
Ifrah-Sophia: That’s why it’s so important that YES continues its work. Without the organization and the CREATE program, I might still be unemployed or stuck in a job that doesn’t align with my skills and ambitions. YES provides spaces and opportunities for people like me to thrive, and we need more programs like it!
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