Nichole’s Journey From Cleaning Floors to Being in Icelandic Parliament

Nichole Leigh Mosty is an American that moved to Iceland in 1999. During our chat, we talk about the challenges she faced when she first moved and her experience being the first woman of foreign origin to be the speaker in Icelandic Parliament. Nichole shares a lot of insights and definitely does not hold back about what she has experienced, especially when it comes to finding a job when she first arrived and learning the language.

Nichole is very active in helping women of foreign origin. She is the chairperson and board member of W.O.M.E.N, which is an acronym form Women of Multicultural Ethnicity Network in Iceland. This association helps to support women if foreign origin, which is amazing. There will be a link to the organization in the show notes if you want to read more about it.

Video Interview with Nichole https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AMdxpIDgvSY&t=179s Question I Asked Nichole During the Interview

You came to Iceland back in 1999. Can you share a bit about where you are from and what brought you to Iceland?

• Do you have any culture shock when you moved? Were there any Icelandic foods that really stuck out to you or habits of Icelander’s that were surprising to you?

• You’re fluent in Icelandic and I’m curious to know about your path to get there? Did you take classes or use some other methods of learning?

• Was it difficult to learn? What tips do you have for people who want to learn the language?

• You have worked quite a lot on projects that help women of foreign origin. Specifically, you have set up swimming courses, the Icelandic village and you are currently the Board member and Chairperson of W.O.M.E.N. (Women Of Multicultural Ethnicity Network in Iceland). As a woman of foreign origin in Iceland, can you share some of the challenges that this group faces?

• I saw an article in DV back in July of 2019 where you point out racism in an online advertisement for jobs at the national hospital, Landspitali. Can you talk about what that ad and why you felt it was important to speak out about it?

• On a wider scale, what are some of the challenges that people of foreign origin in Iceland (as a whole) face?

• It’s amazing that you are the first 1st generation immigrant to be elected to hold the office of Parliamentarian in Iceland and the first woman of foreign origin to ever sit as speaker in Althingi.

• How was it for you being a member of Parliament? What did you enjoy and what was challenging for you?

• What is your favorite Icelandic word or phrase?

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Thank you kindly for listening (and reading) and see you soon!