Irida Zaimi

“I’ve been in the candidates’ path, so I can very much relate to what they’re going through from my own lived experience,” said Irida Zaimi.

Irida has been a volunteer with ACCESS since late 2022, offering her expertise as a workshop facilitator for both the Women’s Business Accelerator program and the Small Business Accelerator program. With multiple ventures under her belt in both Canada and the U.S. in the hospitality and real estate industry, Irida was eager to share her business experience and insights to help female entrepreneurs in their journey.

 “There is a human component for every story that I hear,” said Irida, “these entrepreneurs are coming from all walks of life, and no matter what their background or life circumstance has been… or through what responsibilities they are juggling, they are wanting to take on this challenge in an environment that is completely new to them and that is profoundly inspiring for me.”

The most rewarding element of volunteering with ACCESS for Irida is to be able to see the growth in the candidates that participate in the ACCESS workshops and connecting with like minded individuals no matter what stage they are in. In Irida’s perspective, ACCESS is all about being the hand that helps guide emerging entrepreneurs so they are ready to face any challenges that come their way.