Donya Salari

Since moving to Fort McMurray in 2022, Donya Salari has quickly become a vital part of the community, making a meaningful impact through her work with seniors and her dedication to inclusion and accessibility. Originally from Tehran, Iran, and raised in Port Coquitlam, British Columbia, Donya took a leap of faith when she decided to move north, reigniting her passion for social services. Now, as a Seniors Outreach Worker with St. Aidan’s Society, she’s making a difference in the lives of older adults, helping them access services and age with dignity in their homes.

The decision to move to Fort McMurray was deeply personal and professional for Donya. “I was at a point where I contemplated stepping away from the social services sector,” she explains. But with the support of her partner and family, she chose to make the move. “Within the week, I learned about a job opportunity at St. Aidan’s Society. I knew immediately this was where I wanted to be,” she recalls. That decision has proven to be one of the best she’s made, allowing her to combine her passion for helping others with her skills in community engagement.

The most rewarding part of Donya’s job is the relationships she builds with older adults in the region. “It’s a privilege to walk alongside them as they navigate their age-related needs and services,” she shares. “Seeing positive change, no matter how small, is deeply rewarding.” Her work is rooted in the belief that every person deserves to age with respect and access the resources they need to live comfortably in their community.

In addition to her professional role, Donya has become actively involved in community advocacy. In December 2022, she was appointed to the Regional Advisory Committee on Inclusion, Diversity, and Equity (RACIDE). “It was thrilling to receive that news,” she says. For Donya, being part of a team that strives to create safe, inclusive spaces is a powerful way to give back to the community. She uses her personal experiences and professional knowledge to help bridge gaps and raise awareness on critical issues related to diversity and inclusion.

Inspired by the values instilled by her mother, Donya has always understood the importance of community. Her mother’s philosophy, that “every person we interact with is the family member of someone else,” has guided her in her approach to helping others, with no expectation of recognition. Whether it’s packing home-cooked meals or checking in on those who may need extra support, Donya’s mother taught her the power of small, meaningful gestures, which continue to influence her today.

Though new to Fort McMurray, Donya has already found spaces where she feels welcomed and encouraged to grow. The Fort McMurray Pottery Guild has become a creative outlet and a way for her to make new friends while embracing the art of pottery. “The Pottery Guild has been a positive space for me to learn new skills and feel connected,” she explains. For Donya, finding community through shared passions has been essential in making Fort McMurray feel like home.

Looking ahead, Donya has personal and professional goals that reflect her dedication to growth and community impact. On a personal level, she is excited to take the next steps in her relationship, supported by a partner who encourages her ambitions. Professionally, she aims to deepen her understanding of Fort McMurray and its needs, with hopes of creating long-lasting, positive change. “I want to make a difference, but first I want to learn more about how I can contribute,” she says, preferring to quietly work toward her goals until the time is right to share them more publicly.

One of the most significant challenges Donya sees facing the community is the accessibility of healthcare, particularly for those who need to travel long distances for medical services. “Not everyone can travel south to access the care they need,” she notes. While there’s no simple solution, she believes that advocating for more accessible medical services in Fort McMurray is a critical step toward improving the quality of life for all residents.

As she continues to build her life in Fort McMurray, Donya’s commitment to creating an inclusive and accessible community remains central to her work. “We should all have the right to live in a community without barriers,” she says. Through her advocacy, outreach work, and volunteer efforts, Donya is helping to ensure that Fort McMurray becomes a place where everyone—regardless of age, disability, or background—can thrive.

Her guiding belief? “She believed in herself, so she made it happen.” It’s a mantra that has carried Donya through her journey so far and will undoubtedly continue to inspire her as she shapes the future of Fort McMurray, one positive connection at a time.

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