Connecting Talent, Creating Impact: Fall Highlights from Jumpstart

Connecting Talent, Creating Impact: Fall Highlights from Jumpstart

It’s been a dynamic season here at Jumpstart, and we’re excited to keep you updated on all the impactful work we’re doing together.

Over the past few months, we’ve hosted two of our three annual Refugee Hiring Events, including a milestone event in Winnipeg on September 25—our first ever in the city—and our fourth in Toronto at the Ismaili Centre on October 7. Coming up on November 7 is our final event of the year in Regina, where we’re looking forward to matching more skilled refugee talent with forward-thinking employers. These events, held in partnership with the Refugee Jobs Agenda Roundtable as part of the Welcoming Economy campaign, exemplify collaborative, innovative approaches to inclusive hiring.

Read through our latest blog on how the 2024 Toronto Refugee Hiring Event helps strengthen community and workforce.


(left to right) Dawit Demoz, Jumpstart Refugee Talent, Program Manager Community Relations, and Omer Malikyar, Jumpstart Refugee Talent, Talent Associate, at the Refugee Hiring Event in Toronto, October 2024. Photo by Salim Nensi.

As we reflect on our mission, we’re acutely aware of the challenges facing communities globally. Our thoughts are with those affected by the ongoing violence in the Middle East, where innocent lives continue to be deeply impacted. This crisis resonates with us at Jumpstart, as we stand alongside those enduring the trauma of war and displacement, including our own team members in Lebanon and the families of the refugees we support. We remain dedicated to advocating for the rights of refugees, creating pathways for them to rebuild, and urging the international community to prioritize peace and the protection of civilians.

Thank you for standing with us in these critical efforts. We look forward to sharing more updates on our work and future plans in the weeks ahead.



EMPLOYER-FOCUSED

Building a Stronger Workforce: The Immediate Benefits of Hiring Refugee Talent

An interview between two people in a professional setting. They are seated with one, older, white woman, interviewing a younger, black woman. Both are dressed business casual.
Unlock the potential of refugee talent and drive innovation through diversity – a smart business move for today and tomorrow. Photo by Cottonbro.

Today, talent is at a premium. The competitive nature of our world means that forward-thinking companies must expand their search beyond traditional talent pools if they want to get ahead.

One of our latest blogs looks into the, often-overlooked, demographic of refugees and highlights why hiring refugees is not just a humanitarian endeavor but a strategic business decision with tangible benefits. From enhancing diversity and inclusion to leveraging unique skill sets, increasing cultural competence, and fostering employee loyalty, there are profound advantages of integrating refugee employees into your workforce.

Read about how companies like Maple Leaf Foods and Spotify have tapped into this valuable talent pool, benefiting not only their bottom line but also their brand reputation and corporate social responsibility. Discover the government incentives available to support your efforts and learn how you can harness the potential of refugee talent to drive innovation and make a positive impact in your community.

Read more here.



REFUGEE STORIES

Creator Series: Heba Hamzeh's Journey of Art and Advocacy


A portrait of Heba Hamzeh, a Palestinian refugee and artist, with dark hair styled in loose waves. She is smiling warmly at the camera, wearing a blue top, against a soft blurred background. Her expression conveys resilience and positivity, reflecting her journey as a writer and advocate for refugees.
Meet Heba Hamzeh: Writer, storyteller, and advocate whose journey from Syria to Canada inspires her powerful work in arts and refugee rights. Photo courtesy Heba Hamzeh.


Our next profiled creator in the 2024 Creator Series is Heba Hamzeh, an inspiring writer, storyteller, and advocate originally from Syria. Heba's life, shaped by displacement and resilience, is deeply woven into her creative work.

"Art has been my way to process the complexities of my journey and advocate for others. It’s a powerful tool for change, especially for refugees like me, who are often voiceless in the larger narrative."

Born a Palestinian refugee in Syria, Heba’s path has been shaped by hardship and perseverance. Displaced by the Syrian war, she moved to Canada in 2022, where she pursued a Master’s degree in International Public Policy at the Balsillie School of International Affairs. She quickly immersed herself in local theater and writing communities, honing her craft and creating performances that reflect the struggles of marginalized groups.

Heba’s artistic practice is centered on advocacy. Her monologues and stories reflect themes of resilience, identity, and the refugee experience, giving voice to the many untold stories of displacement and survival. One of her standout performances, "A Household Intersectionality," showcases her ability to highlight the unique challenges faced by immigrant transgender individuals.

In addition to her creative work, Heba now focuses on supporting other newcomers in Canada through policy and research, leveraging her personal experiences to inform and inspire her advocacy efforts.

Stay tuned for more on Heba’s inspiring journey and work in our full interview.

If you, or someone you know, is a refugee artist and interested in being profiled in our Creator Series, please get in touch: [email protected]



The Inspiring Journey of Brian Katte Tinong: A Refugee, Soccer Coach, and Entrepreneur


Brian Katte Tinong, a Cameroonian refugee and co-founder of Sports Culture Canada, smiling confidently in a casual outdoor setting, symbolizing his dedication to using sports for social change and community empowerment.
Brian Katte Tinong, co-founder of Sports Culture Canada, using sports as a powerful tool for empowering marginalized communities and fostering inclusion for refugees and newcomers. Photo courtesy Brian Katte Tinong.

In this month’s Spotlight on Entrepreneurial Success, we feature Brian Katte Tinong, a Cameroonian refugee whose journey of resilience, adaptability, and passion has shaped his inspiring entrepreneurial path. With over nine years of experience as a soccer coach and qualifications from top institutions like FIFA and UEFA, Brian’s dedication to using sports as a tool for social change led him to co-found the Sports Culture Canada Association (SCCA).

Since arriving in Canada in January 2023, Brian has worked tirelessly to create opportunities for marginalized communities, including refugees and newcomers, through his non-profit. His commitment to integrating sports into community empowerment programs and his collaboration with Jumpstart Refugee Talent have been instrumental in his success. From overcoming cultural challenges to building a network from scratch, Brian’s story showcases the power of resilience and the importance of community support.

Read on to learn more about Brian's entrepreneurial journey, his work with SCCA, and how Jumpstart has helped him turn challenges into opportunities for growth and empowerment.



CAREER NAVIGATION RESOURCES

A Comprehensive Guide: Understanding the Difference Between CVs and Resumes


Three individuals with two sitting at a table, with one person pointing at a resume or CV.  The background suggests a professional or academic setting.
Understanding the key differences between a CV and a resume is an important part of your career pathing journey. Photo by Kampus.

Navigating the job application process can be overwhelming, especially when trying to understand the differences between a CV (Curriculum Vitae) and a resume. Although both documents are designed to showcase your qualifications to potential employers, they differ significantly in structure, length, content, and usage.

A resume is a concise, targeted document that highlights your relevant work experience, skills, and education. Typically kept to around one page, resumes provide a quick snapshot of your qualifications to capture an employer's interest. On the other hand, a CV offers a detailed account of your entire academic and professional history, often extending beyond two pages, and is commonly used in academic, research, and international contexts.

Want to learn more about these crucial differences and how to effectively present yourself to potential employers? Read on!


RECENT EVENT HIGHLIGHT

Jumpstart Refugee Talent Webinar: Building Pathways to Employment with the Toronto Transit Commission (TTC)


A scene in downtown Toronto with a red skytrain on the right. It looks to be winter time.
Empowering refugees with career opportunities: Highlights from our Career Pathing webinar with the Toronto Transit Commission. Photo courtesy Toronto Transit Commission.

In an exciting collaboration with the Toronto Transit Commission (TTC), Jumpstart Refugee Talent hosted a Career Pathing webinar designed to connect refugees with employment opportunities in Canada. With 50 refugees in attendance, this event underscored both organizations' dedication to creating accessible career pathways for newcomers.

The webinar provided an in-depth look into TTC’s recruitment process, upcoming 2025 seasonal maintenance roles, and practical advice for refugees navigating the Canadian job market. By focusing on qualifications over Canadian work experience and offering personalized recruitment insights, the TTC demonstrated its commitment to fostering a diverse and inclusive workforce.

Watch the full recording here.



UPCOMING EVENTS

Jumpstart-led

In November and December, we are offering the following events:


Partner-led

  1. In partnership with the Refugee Jobs Agenda Roundtable and as part of the 2024 #WelcomingEconomy Campaign: Refugee Hiring Events - Regina, Saskatchewan Nov 7, 2024


The Regina Refugee Hiring Event is the first ever for this province and the third hiring event of 2024. Photo courtesy of Welcoming Economy Campaign.


2. Henna Platform,?a Toronto-based initiative that empowers communities through art and cultural projects, is presenting Mafaza, a theatrical poetry and music performance exploring themes of survival and asylum-seeking.

Mafaza in Arabic means the dry and barren desert. The root of Mafaza comes from the root for winning (???), and Mafaza means the land of winning: those who cross its barren harshness alive are the lucky winners. Photo courtesy of Henna Platform.

They will perform at the Theatre Passe Muraille, 16 Ryerson Ave, Toronto on November 8th (7:30 pm); November 9th (7:30 pm); and November 10th (2:00 pm).

Tickets are $25 (regular) and $20 (student) and they offering 25 discount tickets to those Jumpstart community members.

Please contact Omer Malikyar to receive a discount code: [email protected]


For information on upcoming events and workshops that are not yet listed, please check our Events & Workshops page regularly.



JOIN OUR TEAM


People sitting around a desk at their computers with water and phones out talking about work.
Together, we are working to create a world where refugees have equal access to economic opportunities and are recognized for their talent, unique perspectives, cultural diversity, and entrepreneurial spirit. Photo courtesy Canva Studio.


Volunteers (Resume-building support)

At this time, we are particularly interested in hearing from those passionate and knowledgeable about offering resume-building support.

This is a great opportunity to use your skills and knowledge to support those new to Canada and new to the specific ways of building Canadian resumes. Please get in touch here!

If resumes are not your strength, but you are still interested in volunteering, we are always looking for other skilled and motivated individuals to join our team!

There are numerous ways to volunteer your time, including becoming a mentor, offering resume support, assisting with interview preparation, or advising a refugee start-up.

Please get in touch if you are interested in making a difference in the lives of refugees to Canada.


Mohammad javad Nazari

Afghan Immigrant in Iran

2 个月

Hello, I am an Afghan refugee in Iran and I have registered in your catalog. Please show me a way so that I can find an employer as soon as possible to hire me in Australia or other countries that support refugee rights. The working and living conditions here are really hard and overwhelming. I have been registered in TBB for more than a year now but I have not received a single offer. My TBB ID is 159124.

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Adam Saputra

Poultry Breeding - Sales Marketing

3 个月

8

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