“Play for Peace is more than a program; it is a spirit that will stay with me wherever I go.” - Imroz Shaw
In July 2000, Imroz Shaw joined Play for Peace as a youth facilitator. And 17 years later, on July 1, 2017, she will leave her role as the Global Operations Manager to pursue a Juris Doctorate degree in Immigration Law and International Human Rights.
While we are very sad to see Imroz go from this position, we are incredibly thrilled to see what she will accomplish in the future. Imroz has been an integral part of Play for Peace's growth and expansion and we are so humbled to have worked with her for so many years.
We caught up with Imroz to gather some of her thoughts and wisdom as she transitions to the next part of your life's journey. Here's what she had to say:
Her Favorite PFP Memory:
"A lesson that I learned in Andaman and Nicobar Islands: Laughter can heal anything. In 2006, I was training a group of youth who survived the Tsunami and living in relief camps in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. The youth were emotionally exhausted and mentally traumatized by the disaster and the loss.
I began the training with games and finished the day with a quick reflection. During this intense reflection session, a 14-year-old boy came to me, held my hands and said he had lost his family, friends, and house in the tsunami and that he didn’t even feel like talking to anybody at the camp. But today, the Play for Peace session had changed his life. His tears of pain became tears of joy as he laughed so hard. That day, he let go of himself and his sadness.
I was so touched by his comment, and I felt honored that I had a gift that could change somebody’s life. I will never forget his face and this experience."
Her Accomplishments:
"There are many professional and personal accomplishments that I achieved since I joined Play for Peace. The two that has changed my life were taking up a leadership role and completing my education.
I was not aware of my leadership qualities until I joined Play for Peace and got the opportunity to be a leader. I started my journey with Play for Peace as a youth facilitator, moved up to Certified Trainer, then became a Program Coordinator, and am now retiring as the Global Manager. Each of these roles has challenged me, taught responsibilities, and given me an opportunity to use my qualities and strengths. Leadership shaped my identity.
Academically, my vision has improved toward higher education since I associated with Play for Peace and traveled around to work with communities in conflict, schools, and organizations. When I joined Play for Peace, I didn't see the point in education; there was lot of corporal punishment in school and I saw no point getting beyond high school.
My Play for Peace experience encouraged me to get into higher education and learn about issues that were foreign to me. While working with Play for Peace, I completed my Bachelor's Degree in Sociology, Master's Degree in International Peace and Humanitarian Law, an academic research with the University of Washington, and now, am going back to school for a Juris Doctoral degree. The more I learn, the more empowered I feel."
Amanda Cook to join as Global Learning Community Coordinator
Imroz will transition her role over to Amanda Cook. Amanda has worked with Play for Peace since the fall of 2015 as an intern, and then served as a volunteer resource for several ongoing projects, including the Compassion Games initiative.
Amanda studied Social Work at Red Deer College, Alberta and currently, working at the Central Alberta Woman's Emergency Shelter (CAWES) as a Crisis Worker. Also, she facilitates groups for individuals recovering from addictive behaviors. Amanda will be coordinating our Play for Peace Global Learning Community projects. She will closely work with our community including: certified trainers, mentors, clubs, and volunteers. Please reach out to Amanda with any questions, material requests, GLC membership inquires, program and events details.
A Word from Director Sarah Gough
"Working with Imroz on a daily basis has been one the joys of my work. Not only have I learned so much from her, but she has become like my sister-in-action, my right and left hand in making Play for Peace what it is today. Play for Peace would not be the same without her experience, knowledge and passion for the movement she has brought with her!
I am grateful that this is not a truly a "goodbye" as Imroz will remain an important part of our community as a trainer and adviser. I wish her all the love and support for this next step in her life that she has given us for some many years."
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