Synergy 2010

Fom the tiny window of her shop Neelam Kapoor has seen the snow and the crisp leaves fall listlessly to the ground. In the coffee shop pretty much everything is within reach, the coffee machine, sandwich bar, toaster and her laptop.
Neelam Kapoor owns and operates a small cafe all by herself. But she’s got big dreams.
When a customer walks in, she quickly flashes a smile and takes her hand away from the keyboard. But as soon as the cafe is empty, the laptop’s screen glows on her face in the dimly lit area behind the counter.
She is creating a list of guests she wants to invite for her next event in June. Kapoor started a series of events called Synergy 2010 in May, as a part of the South Asian Heritage Month, which aims to bring out the hidden potential of women from all walks of life and different cultural backgrounds.
The event helps women showcase their talents, but before the event Kapoor finds herself knocking on the office doors of the city mayors she invites to hand out certificates of recognition to the participants.
“When I explain my motive that this is a multicultural event for women and for them to show their talent, they agree to come to my event”, says Kapoor.

Brampton Mayor Susan Fennell attended Kapoor’s event in May.
The steel counter top is spotless and she rests her elbows on it as she animatedly talks about her project.
“But I am making every effort to help myself and other immigrants who feel alienated in a new atmosphere,” she said as a customer walked in.
Having completed her Masters in Public Administration and a post- graduate diploma in Industrial Relations from Punjab University in India, Kapoor immigrated to Canada in 1999 and stayed in Alberta for a while before settling in Toronto. After eleven years in Canada, Neelam Kapoor has turned stepping stones into building blocks. “Events like Synergy provide a meeting ground for the newcomers,” said Kapoor.
Kapoor worked as a Manager at a popular food chain for six years before deciding to venture into social work and event management.
“People I hired there are still in touch with me”, says Kapoor.
After meeting so many people who were striving to belong and adjust, Kapoor felt the need to do more for those who had left their country.
It felt as if she were looking in the rearview mirror. Their effort was a reminder of her struggles. “Sometimes they just need someone who can listen to them.”
Kapoor’s mother worked as a registered nurse for 36 years and she retired last year. “She is my inspiration, I don’t remember her sitting idle,”said Kapoor.
At times when her husband is busy she brings her two sons to the cafe for a few hours. The four year old sits on the stool and behind the laptop and the seventeen-month old refuses to be anywhere else except in his mother’s arms.

Girls from the fashion show organized by Kapoor

Kapoor’s husband Pankaj Kapoor supported her constantly because he knew it was her dream to promote multiculturalism and to unveil the hidden potential of Synergy’s participants.
Kapoor has a penchant for designing also and she showcased her collection of jewelery and clothes in the Synergy event that took place in May.

Sometimes when everyone’s asleep I gather my beads and start working. I have to start a website soon. This can be a good online business,” said Kapoor as she flashed a smile and poured coffee for her next customer.
Kapoor’s next event Synergy 2010 will be held on 28 June, 2010 celebrating Canada Day with Regional Councillor Elaine Moore and all the participants of Synergy.
“My message for women is to respect yourself and your dreams. You will definitely achieve the success you deserve”.
Proceeds from Synergy 2010 were donated to the Toronto Sick Kids Hospital.

First published in Generation Next.

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