What viewers may not be as familiar with is Issa’s long list of accomplishments. Fluent in five languages, she holds a degree in economics and English literature from the University of Alberta. She previously served as a board member for l’Association canadienne-française de l’Alberta, becoming the first Black woman and the first person under 30 to be elected to represent French speakers in Alberta.

In 2019, she was nominated for a YWCA Women of Distinction Award and was also awarded the Francophone African Distinction in Saskatchewan by la Communauté des Africains francophones de la Saskatchewan.

An avid public speaker, Issa was named one of the Top 100 Black Women to Watch in Canada in 2019 by Canadian International Black Women Event (CIBWE).

She is also known for hosting many events in Saskatoon, including OUTSaskatoon’s annual Glitter Gala in November 2019. The Glitter Gala features entertainment and a three-course menu, and recognizes the strengths and contributions of Saskatoon’s 2SLGBTQ community through the OUTShine Awards.

Women of Saskatoon magazine was fortunate to connect with Issa and ask her questions about her life, her work, her fashion sense and her favourite places in Saskatoon. Here, in her own words, are her responses.

Women of Saskatoon: You were born in Morocco and raised in Niger, and you moved to Saskatoon in 2003. What was the experience of moving to Canada like for you?

Issa: Moving to Canada changed my life. In many ways, it was a cultural shock. It was also an incredible adventure. All of a sudden, I was living in a country with different cultures, foods and weather than what I knew growing up. I had to find ways to adapt very quickly.

WOS: Many people have commented that Saskatoon is a rapidly changing and growing city. What changes have you noticed since you came to Saskatoon?

Issa: Over the past few years, I have seen Saskatoon become more diverse. People from different parts of the world are choosing to live here, start businesses, build lives, raise families and contribute to our city. It adds a new dimension and texture to the place. We live in a time of reconciliation with Indigenous people and I see more people having an awareness of our responsibilities towards making our city a better place. I have also been fascinated by all the initiatives young people are driving in our city of bridges. It is inspiring.

WOS: In the summer of 2019 you returned to Niger to visit your home country. What was that journey like?

Issa: My journey home was incredibly transformational. I hadn’t been back in 11 years and I needed to reconnect with my roots, my culture and my family. I felt so happy to breathe the warm air again. It reminded me of who I was and what matters the most to me, which is to make a difference. I am very grateful for that.

WOS: 2019 was an exciting year for you. Among other honours, you were named one of the Top 100 Black Women to Watch in Canada by Canadian International Black Women Event (CIBWE), a premiere celebration of Black women in Canada. How did it feel to receive that recognition?

Issa: It was a surprise, to be honest. More than anything, it was very humbling. Being recognized by other Black women in Canada felt so special. I am very thankful. As Black women, we contribute a lot to Canadian society.

WOS: You are known in Saskatoon for hosting many events, including book launches and OUTSaskatoon’s annual Glitter Gala. What inspires you to give back to your community?

Issa: I live my life with certain convictions. One of them is to work to make the world a better place. If I can support and help, I make sure to be there, especially when it comes to hosting galas and hosting book launches. I also moderate panels and facilitate conferences on topics ranging from reconciliation to storytelling as part of my journalistic practice, because I believe fostering conversations and dialogue is a vital way to connect with each other as human beings. I aim to foster needed conversations in society. Our democracy depends on it.

WOS: You are a respected journalist who works across a range of media platforms, and you have covered difficult stories such as the Humboldt Broncos bus crash tragedy. Why did you want to become a journalist?

Issa: Thank you. Growing up in Niger, listening to the news was sacred in our house. My grandmother made sure we were informed and knew what was happening in the world around us. I was raised to pay attention. So, I grew up with a deep respect for journalism. I decided to become a journalist because I wanted to be in the middle of the big questions of our times and understand the world better. Covering the Humboldt Broncos crash was obviously a unique experience that I will never forget. It is in those moments that we realize the importance of what we do. As journalists, we have a unique privilege to face history, have insights into the human experience when we hear peoples’ stories and contribute to society. This is what motivates me.

WOS: What advice do you have for other young women who may want to follow in your footsteps?

Issa: I would tell any young woman who wants to follow in my footsteps to trust herself, to believe in her power to make a difference, to listen to herself and, most of all, to have an open mind. We all have something to contribute to the world.

WOS: Now for something fun: fashion! You are a local fashion icon, and you rock everything from blazers to flowy dresses. You are known for paying tribute to your African roots as well as supporting local Indigenous designers. What do you like about fashion?

Issa: What an amazing question! I love fashion! For me, fashion is a way to connect with my best self, my femininity, my sensuality, my love for colours and to celebrate my culture. I like to mix cultures in what I wear. More than anything, for me fashion is self-expression and freedom. I love unique pieces! That’s why I often get my clothes made, especially my African outfits. I find Indigenous designers are very creative; I particularly love their beadwork. Local designers have their own sensibility and approach to life, so I love to connect with their sensibilities. I also just believe in supporting local designers and buying local.

WOS: Who are you some of your favourite designers?

Issa: I love a lot of independent designers, like KYN Apparel based in Edmonton. WOS: What is your favourite place to shop in Saskatoon? Issa: I’d have to say that it’s a mix. Some of my favourite stores in town are Spank (Clothing, in Saskatoon’s downtown) or Winners. But I get a lot of my clothes tailor-made by local designers.

WOS: Describe a perfect date night in the city. Where would you go?

Issa: I’d have a beautiful, sumptuous dinner at a restaurant like Little Grouse and top the night with a delicious cocktail at The James or Six Twelve.

WOS: What book have you read recently that you would recommend to others? Why?

Issa: I recently read Breaking the Ocean: Memoir of Race, Rebellion and Reconciliation by Annahid Dashtgard. It is a fascinating memoir. Breaking the Ocean urges us to acknowledge our differences, offering new possibilities for understanding through the power of resilience. It talks about love, family, immigration and healing.

WOS: If you were a movie superhero, what would you want your superhero name to be?

Issa: My spirit is both fierce and gentle! My superhero name would probably be Sarraounia. She was a queen warrior in ancient Niger.

-Shannon Boklaschuk