Today we’d like to introduce you to Neda Arab.
Hi Neda, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
I started with Vital Link back in 2017 as a part-time crew member working directly with middle school students. At the time, I didn’t know this would be the beginning of something that would shape the rest of my career—and my purpose. That first school year, I learned a lot about ways we can support the youth, we organized mentor sessions for them, took them to field trips to different industry and college sites, and formed competitions so they can build skills they need for their future, learn career opportunities, and have fun in a non-traditional way to help them get inspired to do more for their future.
That summer, I helped lead a series of programs for high school students from low-income areas. Many of them weren’t on track to graduate, but they showed up anyway, eager to learn, to grow, and to figure out their next steps. That summer I learned more from the students than I expected. Each one had their own difficulties that they had faced, but they knew they wanted more and I knew I wanted to help them be successful.
That experience changed everything for me. I saw firsthand how powerful it could be to give students the tools, space, and support to see what’s possible for their future. Since then, I’ve stayed with Vital Link and now serve as the Director of Operations. My journey has been one of growth alongside the students we serve—I’ve worn a lot of hats and learned something new at every step, but what’s stayed consistent is my belief that every student deserves the opportunity to discover their potential.
Every year, I try to bring more partners into the room to help students and find more ways to get them career and skill-building experiences. I think our schools try their best, but it’s tough to do everything in a regular classroom setting. So that’s where our mission at Vital Link becomes clear and helps us make sure that by taking students out of the classroom and into the fields and sites with mentors and working on skills, students can envision themselves and their future. This is the most important key, because once they see themselves there and feel a sense of belonging, they’ll work on every step to make sure they end up there.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road. One of the biggest challenges is feeling the weight of systemic barriers that our students face—and how those barriers shift with every change in government, every election cycle, every recession, and every new set of rules or funding cuts. It’s a constant balancing act between knowing the need is always there and figuring out how to meet that need with limited resources.
We never stop needing programs that support youth, but what we do have to constantly figure out is: what can we do with what we have, and how can we make the most impact? That’s the struggle I find myself in often—thinking creatively and strategically about how to grow our programs, how to stretch every dollar, and how to get our partners and corporations to see just how urgent and valuable this work is.
The struggles my organization faces aren’t unique—we’re navigating the same uphill climb that many other nonprofits are also familiar with. The last few years, in particular, have been the hardest. School budgets have been cut, resources are limited, and educators are being asked to do more with less. I know it’s only going to get more challenging, but I choose to see it as a new opportunity to push for change. I believe that by spreading awareness, building new partnerships, and continuing to advocate for our youth, we have a real chance to create a better future for students. We just have to keep showing up and pushing forward.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
At Vital Link, our mission is to empower students to explore and prepare for their future careers by connecting them to real-world experiences. We specialize in workforce development, career exploration, and hands-on learning. What makes us unique is that we don’t just talk about careers—we bring students face-to-face with professionals, tools, and opportunities that help them experience what a future path might look like, whether that’s through college, an apprenticeship, or even starting their own business.
We offer a wide range of programs—from career exploration expos to industry-specific workshops, job readiness training, and even mentorship programs that pair students with professionals in the field. Some of our grant-funded projects support students in building technical skills, developing entrepreneurial thinking, and exploring high-demand industries like healthcare, advanced manufacturing, IT, and the skilled trades. Our goal is to give students more than just information—we give them access, experience, and encouragement.
What I’m most proud of is the scale and impact we’ve been able to achieve: we serve over 30,000 students each year, with the support of more than 160 industry mentors and partners. We host multiple events, projects, and learning opportunities throughout the year that help students discover their strengths and open their minds to what’s possible. Whether a student wants to go to college, start a business, or go straight into a paid apprenticeship, we’re here to support that journey. It’s incredibly fulfilling to be part of an organization that meets students where they are and helps them move toward a future they may not have even imagined for themselves.
Do you have any advice for those just starting out?
Working for a nonprofit is incredibly meaningful—but it’s also incredibly hard. The need for the mission never goes away, and while your passion can grow stronger over time, there will be moments where you feel completely limited by a lack of funding or resources. It can be especially tough when you’re competing with so many other amazing organizations for the same grants or partners. But don’t let that discourage you. If you keep doing the work with integrity, stay rooted in your purpose, and continue showing up for the community you serve—you will get there.
One piece of advice I’ve learned along the way is not to let one setback or bad moment overshadow all the good you’re doing. In the nonprofit world, we often carry so much weight—so much of other people’s struggles, stories, and pain—and we rarely give ourselves the same grace and compassion we give to others.
Take care of yourself. Seriously. Your mental health matters. When you’re constantly focused on helping others, it can be easy to ignore your own needs or feel guilty for stepping back—but you can’t pour from an empty cup. Rest, reset, and don’t be afraid to set boundaries. The work will still be there tomorrow, but you can’t do it well if you’re running on fumes.
So to anyone just starting out: keep going, stay grounded in why you started, and remember that small progress is still progress. You are making a difference, even when it doesn’t always feel like it.
Pricing:
- Mentorship
- Industry & College Tours
- Summer Academies
- Skill building Workshops
- Internships
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.vitallink.org
- Instagram: @vitallink_ca
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/neda-arab2492/
