From Fear to Freedom: Sevinj’s Journey to Alberta

In 2021, Sevinj made the life-changing decision to leave Azerbaijan and begin again in Canada with her husband and their 12-year-old son. They were searching for something simple but profoundly important: a safer, more hopeful future for their family.

Back home, Sevinj had worked for the government and experienced a country where corruption, uncertainty and an undercurrent of fear were part of everyday life. She worried about the future her son would face, including the possibility that he would eventually be required to serve in the military. Her family had also spent time living in Germany, but when it came time to choose where to build their permanent future, they chose Canada — and ultimately Alberta.

Canada offered what they were looking for: peace, safety, freedom and opportunity. Although some of their extended family lived in the United States, Sevinj was drawn to Canada’s beauty and the welcoming community she found here. There was also something comforting about discovering a large Azerbaijani community in Calgary. They were no longer alone in a new country.

Starting over was not easy. Sevinj arrived without speaking English and without a Canadian credit history. Her family had to learn how to navigate a completely different culture and way of life. In those early days, friends even gave them a car so they could begin building their life. That kindness left an impression on Sevinj and helped her understand the generosity and community spirit she would come to appreciate so deeply in Alberta.

She began working at Brewsters Restaurant in security before finding her way back into the hospitality industry. Sevinj had previously worked at Hyatt and JW Marriott properties in Azerbaijan, and hospitality was familiar to her — but working in Canada meant learning new systems, new expectations and a new language.

Today, Sevinj is part of the team at Delta Hotels by Marriott Calgary South, where she has grown from Guest Service Agent into a Concierge role. Every day, she welcomes guests, answers questions, offers assistance and, most importantly, creates genuine connections. Her warmth and attentiveness have not gone unnoticed. Guests regularly mention Sevinj by name, a reflection of the personal impact she makes on the people she encounters.

Her family has built a life in Alberta that once seemed impossible. They purchased a home, made close friendships and became deeply integrated into their community. Her husband continued his education at SAIT and learned French, while their children have grown up with opportunities and freedoms their parents once hoped they could provide.

Her older son has embraced both his heritage and his new home. He performs Azerbaijani national drums at community events and venues, including the Calgary Stampede — proudly sharing a piece of his culture with the community around him. Their younger son, born here in Canada, is now three years old.

For Sevinj, one of the greatest differences between her life in Azerbaijan and her life in Canada is the freedom to simply live without fear. She speaks about how people here smile, greet one another and are willing to help. Freedom of speech, professional opportunities and the ability to build a future based on hard work have all become meaningful parts of her Canadian experience.

Alberta has given Sevinj and her family more than a place to live. It has given them the opportunity to belong, to grow and to dream about the future.

And Sevinj is giving something back in return — not only through the work she does in hospitality, but through every guest she welcomes, every connection she makes and every person she helps feel at home.

Her journey from Azerbaijan to Alberta is a reminder that immigration is not simply about starting over. It is about bringing your experiences, your culture and your strengths with you — and using them to become part of something bigger.

Today, Sevinj is not simply building a life in Alberta. She is helping make Alberta a more welcoming place for everyone who walks through our doors.