Building Momentum: Empowering Refugee Talent in 2025
Jumpstart Refugee Talent
Empowering refugee talent and supporting employers with their effort to inclusive refugee hiring practices in Canada.
As we step into a new year, we are excited to continue working towards our mission of empowering refugee talent and creating meaningful economic opportunities for both refugees and employer partners across Canada. Our latest edition brings you the latest updates since the beginning of January, including inspiring success stories, and ways to engage with us in 2025.
We look forward to another year of impact—made possible by our incredible community of supporters, volunteers, partners, and refugee professionals. Thank you for being part of this journey with us.
NEWS & EVENTS
Refugee Marketplace: We Bring the World to Your Doorstep
Last year, just in time for the holiday season, we launched the Refugee Marketplace—a space dedicated to showcasing and supporting refugee entrepreneurs across Canada. Since then, the Marketplace continues to grow by the week as it seeks to become a hub for unique, handcrafted, and meaningful products and (eventually) services that carry the stories of resilience and craftsmanship.
We invite you to explore the journeys of three more refugee entrepreneurs who have joined the Marketplace since our soft launch in December 2024:
?? Sotage: Preserving heritage through intricate, handmade crafts. Read more
??? Cedar & Olive: Almas Abou Chakra’s artistry in blending Lebanese heritage with contemporary design. Read more
?? Manal & Aisha’s Chocolate: A sweet story of resilience and entrepreneurship. Read more
Each of these stories reflects the power of entrepreneurship in rebuilding lives and enriching communities. Visit the Refugee Marketplace to support these and other remarkable businesses.
We are continuing to offer FREE shipping on all orders within Canada!
Why Mentorship Matters: Building Bridges for Refugees and Canadian Professional
Mentorship can be a game-changer for refugees navigating their careers in Canada. Our latest blog explores how meaningful connections between refugee newcomers and Canadian professional volunteers are opening doors, building confidence, and fostering success.
Discover inspiring mentorship stories and learn how you can get involved in shaping brighter futures.
RESOURCES FOR EMPLOYER PARTNERS
Bridging Labour Gaps Through Economic Migration
Canada is facing critical labour shortages across multiple industries, yet talented professionals with the skills to fill these gaps often remain displaced due to conflict or crisis. This is why we continue to advocate for global talent as part of the solution—connecting skilled refugees and displaced individuals with Canadian employers in need of their expertise.
Through the Economic Mobility Pathways Pilot (EMPP), we help bridge this divide, ensuring that economic migration is not just about finding jobs, but about fostering long-term success for both newcomers and the Canadian economy.
Learn more about how economic refugees are driving growth and innovation in Canada: Read more
RESOURCES FOR REFUGEE CLIENTS
Navigating Career Readiness: How Jumpstart’s Intake Process Empowers Refugee Job Seekers
Starting a new career in a new country comes with challenges, but the right support can make all the difference. At Jumpstart Refugee Talent, our intake process is designed to assess each job seeker’s skills, experience, and career goals—connecting them with tailored opportunities, mentorship, and training. This approach ensures that refugee job seekers are not just job-ready but set up for long-term success on their Canadian career journey.
Learn how our process works and how it’s helping newcomers build meaningful careers: Read more
From Hello to Hired: Turning Coffee Chats into Career Opportunities
Starting a career in a new country brings challenges, but the right connections can make all the difference. At Jumpstart Refugee Talent, we turn coffee chats into opportunities for networking, mentorship, and career growth. These informal conversations help refugee job applicants build relationships and unlock new paths to success in Canada’s workforce.
Learn more about how these connections are helping newcomers thrive: Read more
SPOTLIGHT STORIES
From Refugee Newcomer to Leader: Sahel Zreik’s Remarkable Journey
We are proud to have Sahel Zreik as one of Jumpstart's Board Members, and someone with his own compelling story of resilience, transformation, and leadership. Arriving in Canada as a refugee himself, Sahel faced the daunting task of rebuilding his life in a new country. But with determination and support, Sahel not only navigated these challenges—he thrived. Today, as a key leader at Jumpstart, he remains committed to empowering others on their own journeys.
In one of our latest Spotlight pieces, we explore Sahel’s remarkable path, from his early struggles to his role in shaping opportunities for refugee talent across Canada.
The Transformative Power of Education: Omer Malikyar’s Journey
Education has the power to change lives, open doors, and create opportunities. In honor of World Education Day (January 24th), Jumpstart’s own Omer Malikyar shared his personal story of resilience, learning, and growth. From navigating the challenges of displacement from his home country of Afghanistan, to building a future through education here in Canada, Omer's journey is a testament to the impact of knowledge and perseverance.
Read Omer’s inspiring story and join us in celebrating the role of education in empowering refugees worldwide: Read more
JOIN OUR TEAM
We are Hiring: Director of Strategic Partnerships!
Jumpstart is looking for a dynamic and strategic leader to join our team as the Director of Strategic Partnerships. In this role, you'll drive meaningful collaborations with governments, foundations, and institutional stakeholders to expand opportunities for refugees across Canada. If you're passionate about fostering impactful relationships and creating sustainable pathways for refugee talent, we want to hear from you!
Learn more and apply here: Director of Strategic Partnerships – Jumpstart Refugee Talent
NOTE: This role requires 7+ experience in fundraising and partnerships. Only candidates from Canada, USA and Colombia will be considered.
Become a Volunteer: Mentor and Support Newcomers
We are looking for passionate and knowledgeable volunteers to support newcomers in two key areas:
?? Mentorship Support – We urgently need IT professionals to mentor refugees looking to build their careers in tech. Additionally, we’re seeking finance and banking mentees who are eager to connect with experienced professionals in the industry.
?? Resume-Building Support – Help individuals tailor their resumes to align with the Canadian job market, improving their chances of securing meaningful employment.
These are valuable opportunities to use your expertise to empower newcomers, helping them build confidence, develop essential skills, and successfully integrate into the workforce.
Not in IT or finance? No problem! We also welcome volunteers for:
?? Interview Preparation – Helping newcomers excel in job interviews.
If you're ready to make a lasting impact, we’d love to hear from you!