When my husband and I immigrated to Canada in the mid-2000s, we came with hope, academic dreams, our shared vision for a better future, and the excitement of raising our children in a land full of opportunity. We loved Canada, the people, the possibilities, but, like many first-generation immigrants, we soon realized that building a life here came with challenges we hadn’t fully anticipated.
In 2014, everything changed. Our eldest son faced an experience in school that shook me to my core. It wasn’t just a misunderstanding—it was a stark encounter with the systemic barriers that so many immigrant families quietly endure. From racial bias to double standards, we saw firsthand how these invisible forces could chip away at a child’s confidence, sense of belonging, and potential. And we were not alone. Conversations with other parents revealed a painful pattern story of exclusion, lowered expectations, and the feeling that no matter how hard we worked, our children would always have to prove themselves twice over.
I couldn’t stand by and watch. That moment turned into a mission.
I founded No Limits Generational Excellence Corp. because our children deserve better. They deserve to see themselves reflected in their education, to have advocates who believe in their brilliance, and to grow up knowing that they belong. No Limits is more than an organization it’s a movement. A space where immigrant families come together to build power, share their stories, and demand equitable education that is inclusive and fair our children need.
This work also led me back to the classroom not as a student’s mother, but mission driven learner. I pursued a Master of Education in Sustainability, Creativity, and Innovation, determined to equip myself with the tools to reshape the system from within. Today, alongside a passionate team, I remain committed to reimagining education as a space where every child regardless of background can thrive.
Because when we remove barriers, when we believe in all children, and when we come together as a community there truly are no limits.
Hiwot Utalo, M.Ed. (SCI) Candidate, B.A, LPN
President, No Limits Generational Excellence Corp