Farah Nasser: Today’s Notable Young Professional

If you live in Toronto, chances are you already recognize Farah Nasser. We caught up with the Global News co-anchor to talk about what inspired her career and the most memorable moment she’s had on the job, as well as where she loves to wine and dine and her guiltiest pleasure…

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WORK

1. Describe what you do in less than 140 characters. Go.
I co-anchor Global News at 5:30 and 6pm where our goal is to make Toronto better by holding up a mirror and keeping key players accountable.

2. What was the inspiration for your career route?
My dad. When we were young he would wake us up with newspaper articles. I remember taking them for show and tell. There wasn’t much interest in the Meech Lake Accord from my grade three classmates but my dad showed me it was history in the making.

3. What is the most memorable milestone in your career so far?
The first thing that comes to mind is the G20 protest in Toronto. During the kettling at Spadina and Queen, we were in the thick of it and the only camera crew witnessing some questionable decision making on the part of police. In that moment, I didn’t recognize our city and our police force. As soon as the incident ended I went on the anchor desk and questioned police on their process that night. It was the persistence and tenacity of both reporters and members of the public that eventually led to inquiries into police conduct and policy change.

 4. Where do you see yourself in 5 years, 10 years, 20 years?
I see myself continuing to have a visible role in Canadian journalism and telling stories that matter to people. I hope to continue to be part of an organization that shares my passion and values like Global News does.

5. Do you have any advice for other young professionals?
Find a career that excites you. You spend too much of your life at work to do something that makes you miserable. Also, be hungry. At the beginning, opportunities won’t just come to you. You’ll have to fight for them.

6. Do you support any charities? If so, which one(s) and why is it (or they) important to you?
The Aga Khan Foundation, an agency which provides sustainable solutions in Africa and Asia. I was fortunate to visit a community in Zanzibar where the women were given a micro-finance loan to start a soap business that eventually funded the first school in their village. It was remarkable!

I also sit on the board of the Arthritis Research Foundation, which raises money for the University Health Network. Arthritis and autoimmune illnesses run in my family. Medical research is happening faster than ever before with new, incredible advances in technology, which is why it’s really important for me to help find a cure – especially now that I have my own children.

7. What is one major challenge that you’ve had to overcome in your career? How did you overcome it?
It happened recently and relates to work-life balance. I was approached about the anchor job at Global days after I found out I was pregnant with my second child. My initial reaction was excitement that quickly turned to apprehension, then frustration.  Here was a dream job opportunity but I was being held back by something I wanted just as badly, a sibling for my son. It was a challenge a man would never have to face. I quickly messaged my husband, who said go for it, we’ll make it work, and it was as simple as that. Shaw, Global’s parent company, is incredibly supportive of families and, despite my new circumstance, decided to hire me.

8. What does the word notable mean to you?
Authenticity. Prominence without sacrificing who you are. Getting ahead with grace and kindness.

GLOBAL NEWS TEAM (Katherine Holland, 2015)-54 2

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 1. Where is your favourite place to wine/dine in your city and why?
We’re regulars at the Brickworks farmers market on Saturday mornings. I love all the fresh, organic local produce and various breakfast options. Our favourite dinner spot is Frank’s Kitchen on College Street. It’s a tiny restaurant run by a lovely couple. It’s a true dining experience and they treat us like family.

2. What’s the most visited website on your Internet browser? The most played song on your phone?
Twitter; it has become the ultimate wire service. Lose yourself to Dance by Daft Punk.

3.  Who’s one person you think everyone should be following on social media?
For parents, @honesttoddler. For everyone in Toronto, @norm (Councillor Norm Kelly).

4. What’s your favourite country to visit and why? And what’s the next one you plan on travelling to?
France. Paris is magical, the south beautiful, and the countryside delectable. I’d love to see Croatia; I’ve heard Dubrovnik is stunning.

5. What gives you the greatest FOMO?
Working on a morning show and having to sleep at 8pm… especially in the summer.

 6. What’s your guiltiest pleasure?
Shomi binge sessions and unfortunately anything to do with the word ‘Nutella’.

 7. What’s something you wish you didn’t spend so much money on? What’s something you wish you spent more on?
Less: Shoes
More: Travel

8. And finally, what does success look like to you? Work, play, or otherwise…
Balance. Being able to truly have it all. 

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