Latest news with #multicultural
Globe and Mail
a day ago
- Business
- Globe and Mail
Javid Javdani Advocates for Community-Focused Small Businesses
Entrepreneur and Pharmacist Urges Support for Local Stores That Reflect Cultural Diversity and Community Needs Entrepreneur and licensed pharmacist Javid Javdani, recently spotlighted in a feature article titled "Javid Javdani: From Pharmacy Director to Food Entrepreneur", is raising awareness about the vital role that small, community-rooted businesses play in strengthening local economies and social connection—especially in ethnically diverse neighborhoods. With a career that spans two decades in pharmacy and over 15 years as a small business owner, Javdani is speaking out about the need to recognize and support neighborhood businesses that offer more than just products—they offer a sense of belonging. 'People wanted things that reminded them of home,' Javdani said in the article. 'We listened to that. Businesses that serve their communities in a personal way deserve to be seen and supported.' A Personal Story with a Broader Mission Javdani's journey—from working at car washes and gas stations to becoming Director of Pharmacy at Kindred Hospital, and later, the owner of a thriving grocery store and restaurant—highlights what's possible when practical ambition meets community-minded values. After buying a small grocery store in 2005, Javdani expanded it to double its size and tailored the inventory to meet the needs of the area's multicultural population. In 2011, he opened Sufi Mediterranean Cuisine, adding a restaurant and catering business that further deepened community engagement. 'I didn't start with a lot,' Javdani said. 'But I paid attention. If we want our neighborhoods to grow stronger, we have to support the people building those spaces.' Why This Matters Now Small businesses account for 99.9% of all U.S. businesses and employ over 61 million Americans, according to the U.S. Small Business Administration. Yet, many neighborhood-based and ethnically diverse businesses struggle with visibility, rising costs, and shifting consumer habits. In multicultural neighborhoods, the loss of community-specific stores can reduce access to culturally significant goods and services—and leave gaps in connection. 'You can't find everything you need at a chain store,' said Javdani. 'A store that knows your language, your food, your customs—that's not just convenient. That's part of your identity.' A Call to Conscious Support Javdani is not asking for charity—he's asking people to notice what's around them and make intentional choices. 'You don't have to buy everything local,' he says. 'But once a week, visit a small business in your neighborhood. Talk to the owner. Try something new. That's how communities grow.' He's also encouraging young professionals, especially those with immigrant backgrounds, to consider entrepreneurship. 'You don't need a perfect plan. Start small, be flexible, and always serve with care,' he advises. 'The best opportunities are often right in front of you.' What You Can Do Today Shop Local – Seek out nearby stores and restaurants that reflect your community's diversity. Start Conversations – Talk with small business owners. Learn what they offer and share their story. Invest in Learning – If you're thinking about starting something of your own, begin with a skill you already have and build from there. Be Present – Your support doesn't always have to be financial. A recommendation, a review, or a referral can go a long way. To read more, visit the website here. About Javid Javdani: Javid Javdani is a licensed pharmacist and entrepreneur based in San Diego, CA. He holds a Doctor of Pharmacy degree from the University of the Pacific and has served in leadership roles in hospital and retail pharmacy. He is the owner of a multicultural grocery store and the restaurant Sufi Mediterranean Cuisine, which serves as a hub for the local community. Contact: info@ Media Contact Company Name: Javid Javdani San Diego Contact Person: Javid Javdani Email: Send Email City: San Diego State: California Country: United States Website:
Daily Mail
2 days ago
- Lifestyle
- Daily Mail
I just moved to Australia and there are several huge cultural shocks here I can't stop thinking about: 'Nobody warns you'
Moving to Australia is often sold as a dream, with the lure of sun-drenched coastlines, friendly locals, and a 'no worries' attitude that supposedly seeps into every aspect of life. But ask anyone who's actually packed up their life to settle Down Under, and they'll tell you the real culture shock lies in the everyday stuff - but, interestingly, not the ones you'd expect. That's according to a recent Reddit thread, which has unearthed some interesting opinions from expats who have migrated here for good, and some might surprise you more than others. With more than eight million people born overseas (nearly 30 percent of the entire population), Australia is one of the most multicultural nations on Earth. Each year, thousands of expats from the UK, India, China, South Africa, Germany, and just about everywhere in between make the leap to start a new life here. They arrive hopeful, wide-eyed, and completely unprepared for what awaits. Because while guidebooks warn you about the spiders, snakes, and swooping magpies, no one tells you the real everyday challenges. From Sydney's chronic influencer scene, to the chaos of Aussie kids dressed like they've just rolled out of a tent, expats didn't hold back on the quirky, confusing, and sometimes hilarious bits of Aussie life that took them by surprise. There were some heartfelt moments too, with many who praised the relaxed vibe, the lack of snobbery in the workplace, as an upside to moving to the land of Vegemite, vapes, and viral run clubs. One of the most upvoted responses came from a baffled observer of Sydney's influencer culture, who couldn't believe how showy life in the Harbour City felt. 'Sydney's influencer mentality. Everything feels performative, or for the sole purpose of taking a photo,' one wrote. 'The lines outside Louis Vuitton, etc., those swarms of run clubs at Bondi. Obnoxious model posing with no shame on the bow of the ferry.' The comment struck a chord with many, with others chiming in to say they felt like it was all very boastful and performative: 'Gotta flex to their relatives and family friends back home,' a user wrote. Expats from more hierarchical cultures were pleasantly stunned by how casual Aussies are in the workplace, even when addressing the CEO. And while the power dynamics do still exist, many were surprised by how informal interactions could be, even in big business. 'I was pleasantly surprised that I didn't have to 'sir' or 'ma'am' my CEO, directors, [or] people in upper management,' another commented. 'Hierarchy isn't so in your face, unlike in Eastern cultures. I really appreciated that.' Another user didn't hold back about one of the darker 'shock' of Aussie life, namely the sheer amount of recreational drug use among revellers. 'In my mind, anyone over 30 from my homeland who still used drugs was most likely addicted,' they wrote. 'Here, it seems they are a requirement to head out. The only time people talk to you on the dance floor or at the pub is if they're high/drunk. I'm used to it now, but coming from a culture where people socialised extensively while sober, it was a huge shock initially.' Some agreed, with one pointing out that 'alcohol is a recreational drug' too, perhaps highlighting Australia's well-known binge-drinking culture. On the other end of the scale, one British mum admitted she was totally confused by how dishevelled Aussie kids look. Something that rubbed off quickly on her seven- and ten-year-old children. 'In my community in England, all the kids were very well turned out ALL THE TIME. Their clothes were ironed and clean,' she noted. 'The kids in Oz are creased and rumpled, and their hair [is] often messy too. Lol. My kids very soon became the same way.' Lastly, and perhaps the most hilarious observations, came from one German commenter who simply couldn't wrap his head around the Aussie small talk. Perhaps the most hilarious observation came from one German commenter who simply couldn't wrap his head around the Aussie small talk Who would've thought an innocent 'How's it going?' question would throw someone into an existential crisis. 'I'm not a huge fan of small talk, and we Germans are very direct,' he explained, warning others to answer simple Aussie questions with caution. 'A little suggestion - don't answer by saying "like sh*t", it throws people off, and the cashier doesn't really wanna know lol.' The responses, although fairly lighthearted, highlight a deeper divide between Aussie values and those of other cultures. Where some countries prize formality, structure, and polished appearances, Australia is proudly casual, a little chaotic, and a bit rough around the edges, according to some. And for many expats, that's not a bad thing; it's just a bit of an adjustment
Daily Mail
4 days ago
- Business
- Daily Mail
Commonwealth Bank, Westpac called out over change that 'should be illegal'
A recruitment expert has slammed Commonwealth Bank, claiming it was 'not for Australians' after it listed 132 jobs for people living in India - as a politician exposes a little-known problem with the bank sending jobs offshore. Specialist recruiter and career coach Tammie Ballis took aim at the big four bank for sending roles offshore. 'I've had enough of Australian companies pretending to support our country when they offshore jobs,' she said. Ms Ballis pointed out that the bank had 244 job openings in Australia, while 132 positions were advertised for candidates in India. 'Buckle up, I'm about to rip into the Commonwealth Bank. See this, this is how many jobs they're advertising for at the moment. See anything suss?,' Ms Ballis said. They're looking for 132 jobs in India. That's more than half of the jobs they're looking for in Australia. Ms Ballis why the bank was hiring so many roles in India there, especially given it has no physical presence in the country. She argued the jobs being advertised in India, which included platform engineers and software engineers, could easily be filled by qualified Australians. 'Are you telling me, Australia being the multicultural country that we are that they can't find someone that's living here that is bilingual with those skills?,' Ms Ballis said. 'Come on, not only that, if you have a look down here, this is their acknowledgement to country. Paying respect to our First Nations Australians. You're not for Australians.' The Commonwealth Bank of Australia (CBA) employs over 5,600 staff in India, out of a total workforce of 48,900. Most of these employees are based in Bangalore, where CBA India supports the bank's technology, business, and institutional banking operations. There are growing concerns that more jobs may shift to India, as the bank explores a new lease agreement that could enable it to expand its Indian workforce to 10,000 in the future. This follows similar criticism directed at Westpac, after it was revealed the bank had offshored 160 jobs to the Philippines. During Question Time in Parliament, Senator Gerard Rennick of the Liberal National Party of Queensland pressed the Treasury on whether the government was aware of how much money is being sent offshore in wages. A senior Treasury official said they didn't have the answer right away and would get back to him later. 'It's not hard to see why Treasury took my question about the Free Trade Agreements with the Philippines and India on notice,' Senator Rennick said. 'It turns out that the Australian Government charges no taxes on wages paid by Australian companies to foreign workers in other countries who are effectively working remotely, taking Australian jobs. 'Not only are we losing jobs, we are losing the tax that those jobs would have paid while Australian corporations still get a tax deduction despite sending money offshore. 'This then means the remaining Australian workers have to pay higher taxes to make up the shortfall. This is selling Australia out plain and simple.' 'This is selling Australia out plain and simple. Furthermore, for those of you who think that working at home is a good thing be careful what you wish for. 'You might be replaced by a foreign worker.' He also pointed out that some workers are being brought in from other countries. 'For example, I've been told that there are people coming from the Philippines to build the transmission lines between Wagga and South Australia. 'Do we know how much money in remittances is getting sent offshore in terms of wages paid either for outsourcing or people coming onshore? Aussies unleashed about the increasing globalisation of the workforce. One said: 'Govt should make it illegal for big banks, those above a certain threshold/size, to offshore IT and call centre jobs, especially given their huge billion $ profits'. A second added: 'At the end of the day these companies are greedy af and don't care about the average Australian. It's why I will always choose family over work every chance I get bc they wouldn't care if I dropped dead over my desk.' A third said: 'I worked for Telstra and my job went to Philippines where wages were 1/4 of Australian.
CTV News
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- CTV News
Carrousel of the Nations organizers 'blown away' with this year's event
Organizers of the 50th edition of Carrousel of the Nations said they are 'blown away' by the crowds at this year's festival. The executive director of the Multicultural Council of Windsor and Essex County, Fred Francis, said attendance at this past weekend's villages topped 100,000, putting the overall attendance for the two weekends at 150,000. He said the economic impact from the festival is estimated at well over $1 million. Francis said many villages reported long lineups and sellouts over the weekend. 'We're really, really blown away, 150,000 people over the course of two weekends is a huge number,' said Francis. 'You can only imagine if each of those people spent $20, or $10, or even more you're talking about over million dollars generated to the local economies of Windsor and surrounding municipalities.' He said Carrousel brings the community together. 'So enjoyable to know that people are enjoying themselves at a festival that brings people together,' he said. 'Brings people together in harmony, brings people together in understanding and acceptance and getting to know different cultures and learning about different cultures. That's what it's about, how do I learn about something I might not have known about.' Francis said organizers believe this could be the best Carrousel ever. 'We're a little blown away by the positive comments, the positive posts and just how many people attended Carrousel, took part in Carrousel, engaged in Carrousel online and in person,' said Francis. He added many villages — including the Greek and Polish villages — reported long lineups and sellouts Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. Francis said planning is already underway for next year's festival. - Written by Paul McDonald and Rob Hindi/AM800 News.
Forbes
5 days ago
- Business
- Forbes
Multicultural Marketing Scores Big In The 2026 FIFA World Cup Playbook
We are officially one year away from the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Historically, U.S. fan interest in soccer has increased significantly over the past few decades, and the interest of brands and marketers has followed suit. Given the evolving preferences and demographic profiles of sports audiences in the United States, it's clear that any successful soccer marketing strategy must prioritize multicultural audiences. Recent data from the Ipsos IGI Soccer Overview study (March 2025) underscores this point. The report reveals a notable surge in interest for the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup across multiple segments: • 47% of U.S. Millennials, 28% of Gen X, and 24% of Gen Z say they plan to follow the 2026 FIFA World Cup—up from 41%, 24%, and 21%, respectively, who engaged with the previous edition. • When broken down by ethnicity, 44% of U.S. Hispanics, 38% of Black Americans, 26% of non-Hispanic whites , and 24% of AAPI consumers expressed intent to follow the 2026 tournament. This marks an increase from 39%, 32%, 23%, and 18%, respectively, who followed the 2022 World Cup. These findings highlight the growing enthusiasm for soccer among a diverse array of U.S. audiences. Marketers who tailor their campaigns to engage these multicultural segments stand to gain the most as the sport's popularity continues to rise. Next year's tournament is not like other sports properties—and it's not even like previous editions of the same tournament. This one is special, with potential implications that can help brands grow their business. Treating this event as any other sporting event in the U.S. may impact not only the efficiency of a marketer's investments but also the effectiveness of their efforts. Ricardo Fort, founder of Sport by Fort, a global sports marketing consulting company, recently told me, 'There is something about the FIFA World Cup that transcends sports. Like the Super Bowl, it is a cultural event where non-soccer fans become part of the party.' Aware of that fact, many marketers are already planning strategies and budgets for 2026. Any marketer interested in, or involved with, the FIFA World Cup should pay attention to the following summary: The Basics: • The 2026 FIFA World Cup will be played between June 11 and July 19, with games co-hosted between the U.S., Mexico, and Canada. This is the first-ever tri-nation hosting of the tournament. • Most of the games will take place in the U.S., in eleven different locations: Atlanta, Boston, Dallas, Houston, Kansas City, Los Angeles, Miami, New York/New Jersey, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, San Francisco, and Seattle. Mexico will host games in Guadalajara, Mexico City, and Monterrey, while the Canadian-hosted games will take place in Toronto and Vancouver. • In 2026, for the first time, there will be forty-eight national teams competing in the finals (vs. thirty-two in the most recent previous editions.) Notably, for the U.S. Hispanic and Asian American populations, this increase will directly lead to a rise in the number of countries from Latin America and Asia participating in the tournament. There will be either 7 or 9 nations from Latin America (the exact number will be determined after a wild card series is played), compared to 6 in 2022. Additionally, there will be either 8 or 9 nations from Asia, compared to 6 in 2022. • With the expansion of teams playing the World Cup from thirty-two to forty-eight, there will also be a significant increase in the number of games played, from sixty-four in 2022 to one hundred and six in 2026, spread across thirty-nine days—ten extra days compared to the previous edition of the tournament. • While we still don't have the 2026 World Cup schedule (the qualifying tournaments are still being played across the world), FIFA has already shared that the first phase will be played between June 11 and June 27 (17 days) and be comprised of seventy-two games, with most days with four or five matches, and a few days having six different games! These will be played across all four time zones: Eastern, Central (including all Mexico-hosted games), Mountain, and Pacific. The games will likely be played between early afternoon and early evening for the local market, creating the possibility of games being played from morning to night. The Playbook: 1 – Repeating the Past Won't Be Enough: Developing a soccer strategy for 2026 based on the same principles and strategies of the past editions is not enough. The U.S. has experienced significant growth in this sport, whether from its own league (MLS) or the increased popularity of international leagues. And there's also a new generation of fans—Hispanic and non-Hispanic, urban and suburban. This is a unique opportunity to lead with ethnic insights, and to let your multicultural marketing experts (internally and externally) drive the strategic and creative development. 2 - Relevant Creative Matters: There is growing evidence in marketing science and industry research that demonstrates the effectiveness of aligning creative content with the media environment. Recent studies from Google, Nielsen, Kantar, IAB, and Meta converge on the idea that contextual relevance has a high probability of positively impacting ad attention, ad recall, brand favorability, audience engagement, positive brand associations, purchase intent, short-term sales, and long-term brand equity. Moreover, it's important to fully understand the language dynamics when it comes to World Cup games broadcasting. According to Nielsen, 83% of Hispanic fans who primarily speak English watched games in Spanish. Furthermore, an impressive 65% of non-Hispanic fans prefer to watch games in Spanish, even if they don't speak the language. 3 - Creative Wear-Out is a Reality: The World Cup is not a Super Bowl. This is not a one-day event where you have to excel with a great creative idea. If you purchase a World Cup media deal, either national or local, you need to develop a creative portfolio to fight wear-out. Unfortunately, most brands overlook the fact that, historically, the average viewer will quickly become annoyed by seeing the same ad multiple times during a game broadcast. The World Cup ad wear-out will be exponentially amplified next year, given the longer duration of the tournament and the higher number of games per day. This is a significant opportunity to differentiate your brand with authentic and truly creative messages – and further engage with multicultural audiences. 4 – Go Beyond Stereotypes: Speak to both Hispanic and non-Hispanic fans; show how the World Cup is everyone's game, and when it comes to the U.S. Hispanic consumer, make sure to look beyond the expected stereotypes. I am sure we will see a share of ads featuring the long goooooool, bi-national preferences (U.S./Mexico), olas/waves, face painting, etc. Move past generic "soccer" and "Hispanic heritage" tropes. Today's audiences—both Hispanic and non-Hispanic—are savvy, diverse, and crave genuine representation and storytelling. Highlight unique fan journeys, local heroes, and authentic cultural touchpoints. 5 - Is Every Brand Invited to the Party? Every brand wants to be part of the party—but not all are official sponsors. This can be a challenge for non-sponsors, as it's hard to engage authentically without breaking FIFA rules. If you're not an official sponsor, find ways to align with the World Cup spirit by highlighting local teams, partnering with influencers, or celebrating soccer culture without violating rights. Creativity within constraints often yields the most memorable campaigns. 6 – Develop a Plan Beyond Advertising: Creating ads related to soccer is a great idea, but the World Cup offers an opportunity for more than that. Companies worldwide that understand this develop fully integrated marketing plans that encompass various business aspects, including packaging, distribution, PR, employee engagement, partnerships, and brand collaborations, among others. 7 – Start Early: Don't wait for the opening game. Build excitement months beforehand through teasers, community events, and digital activations. And plan for the long run: keep the conversation alive after July 19 with post-tournament content, celebrations, and calls to action. World Cup "fever" starts early. Group drawing will likely happen around the December 2025–February 2026 window, starting the frenzy around scheduling and potential matchups in the later phases of the tournament, and will include early predictions of future champions. In the first half of 2026, we will have friendly games. Players fighting for a place on the roster list will work hard to demonstrate their value, making these games highly competitive. Around early Q2 2026, World Cup "fever" further increases, with the first national teams flying to their home base in North America, where they will play additional friendly matches and get ready for the tournament in June. In other words, some brands will consider the World Cup a summer event, while others fully understand that the World Cup momentum starts in late 2025 and builds a crescendo through the first half of 2026. Business success in the World Cup may depend on this level of planning. 8 – Measure, Learn, and Adapt in Real Time: Similarly to previous World Cup tournaments and the Olympic Games, there will be a significant number of stories, plots, and subplots daily. With a record number of games and an unprecedented audience, use real-time analytics to monitor engagement and pivot messaging. Be ready to amplify what resonates—whether it's a viral moment, an underdog story, or a new hero—throughout the tournament. 9 – Ocassion-Based Marketing Matters: Local kickoff times are likely early afternoon to evening, creating an almost all-day soccer marathon for TV viewers. Leverage the North American time zone spread and marathon game days. Host live events, watch parties, and real-time social content that follows the match calendar—from morning to night. Adapt content for local relevance (think: breakfast matches in LA, evening celebrations in New York). Also, don't forget that the FIFA World Cup often coincides with graduations, summer holidays, family reunions, and the 4th of July holiday, which gives marketers an additional opportunity to connect their brands to these overlapping occasions for greater resonance. 10 - Foster Community, Not Just Consumption: Soccer is a social experience. Create spaces—online and offline—where fans can gather, share, and celebrate. Support grassroots soccer, local viewing parties, or neighborhood tournaments. Become part of the community, not just a brand talking to it. Furthermore, leverage local and personal occasions. Recognize that every city, neighborhood, and even every individual household becomes its own occasion. 11 – Post-World Cup Strategy: Consider the legacy and what will happen after July 19, 2026. Is your brand's approach to soccer opportunistic or part of a larger, longer-term strategy? There will be plenty of opportunities to continue partnering with soccer to create authentic connections with soccer fans in America, from amateur to grassroots to professional levels at clubs, as well as connecting with Latin American and European leagues and tournaments; the choices are numerous. Moreover, additional opportunities at the national level such as the 2027 FIFA Women's World Cup or the soccer tournament of the 2028 Los Angeles Summer Olympic games are only months away. The 2026 FIFA World Cup is a unique, potential-rich occasion that allows brands to connect with consumers that range from the hardcore to the casual fan, who will still experience the impact of the tournament in America. Moreover, it presents an opportunity to enhance a brand's connection with multicultural segments that disproportionately favor soccer as one of their favorite sports.
