"I didn't speak a word of English when we landed. I was just as good at caption-watching cartoons because I like all these things that I would watch. The Simpsons was one of the programs and I would close caption and I read - it was like okay, that's how you say it and that's how it's written."

Aline's first job was working in a factory making windows, and she later worked in a few other jobs after moving to North Dakota, where she studied pharmacy for three years. During this time, she met her soulmate, with whom she eventually moved to Toronto because she believed she had a better future in Canada.

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 Her life began to change when she enrolled at York University. While studying health policies, she was offered a job as a notetaker, where she audited courses that opened her mind, which eventually led to her earning a scholarship for a master's degree in public policy at the University of Toronto. She also participated in volunteer activities such as supporting francophones living with HIV/AIDS.

Later, Aline became the president of the Haguruka association, helping at least 2,000 women back in her home country, and served as a board member and chair of a housing organization for ten years. In 2012, she started working with YWCA Canada as a part-time research assistant while concurrently working full-time at a hospital in research as well. She was then offered a management position at YWCA Canada, which helped her make important connections. She eventually moved on to other opportunities in the public sector, then an executive position in the Francophone non-profit sector. Prior to that, she was able to create her own translation company, which is now fully operated by her husband. In early 2023, she was appointed CEO of YWCA.

"I credit my parents for inspiring me to take on leadership roles. I believe in mentorship. So no matter where you work, find a mentor who can help you understand things. I believe in being intentional; What do you want? Where do you want to see yourself ten years from now? It's staying actively involved in the community and the confidence that you have to work on, and I feel like that's what made a big difference," she adds. In her new role, she hopes to help many others, including newcomers, especially regarding gender equality. 

Aline’s story is one of resilience and determination. She overcame the challenges of being a refugee and worked hard to achieve her goals. Aline is a testament to the strength and perseverance of refugees, and she hopes that her story will inspire others to support and welcome them into their communities.