End-of-Year Impact: Celebrating Success and Driving Change with Jumpstart
Jumpstart Refugee Talent
Empowering refugee talent and supporting employers with their effort to inclusive refugee hiring practices in Canada.
As the year winds down, we’re thrilled to share exciting updates and impactful stories that highlight the resilience, creativity, and community spirit of refugees in Canada. From launching the long-awaited Refugee Marketplace to celebrating inspiring individuals and hosting impactful events, this edition includes news, resources, and opportunities to get involved with Jumpstart.
Thank you for being part of our community and for continuing to champion refugee talent.
We wish you all a safe, healthy, restful and very happy holidays! ?
NEWS & EVENTS
The Launch of the Refugee Marketplace!
We're excited to share the launch of the long-awaited Refugee Marketplace! This is a unique platform spotlighting the business ingenuity, creativity, and resilience of refugee entrepreneurs across Canada. It is also the first online marketplace dedicated exclusively to refugees in the country and we're encouraging all other refugee entrepreneurs with online stores and product to sell to get in touch!
To become a Marketplace vendor you need to be a Jumpstart client, have product in stock, and be registered as an incorporated business in Canada. Please contact us if you are interested in applying or learning more: [email protected]
The Marketplace is about far more than shopping—it's about celebrating the incredible talent and stories of individuals who are rebuilding their lives and contributing to our communities. And as we are in the midst of the holiday season, we are offering FREE shipping on all orders across Canada.
Explore the Marketplace: https://refugeemarketplace.ca/
RESOURCES FOR REFUGEE CLIENTS
How to Network Without Fear: Tips for Refugee Professionals
Networking can feel daunting, especially when you're navigating a new country, alongside new cultural and professional environments. But building connections is essential for opening doors to career opportunities, mentorship, and community support.
In our latest blog post, we share practical advice for refugee professionals on how to network confidently and effectively. From leveraging your unique story to finding safe and supportive spaces, this article is all about empowering you to take that first (and often the hardest) initial step.
Whether you're starting from scratch or looking to expand your network, these tips will help you connect without fear.
Read the full blog here.
Protect Yourself: Avoid Immigration Scams
For refugees and other newcomers to Canada, navigating our immigration system can be overwhelming. Unfortunately, this also makes many vulnerable to scams and fraudulent schemes.
In one of our latest resources, we share essential tips to recognize, avoid, and report immigration scams. From identifying red flags to knowing your rights, this piece is designed to help you stay informed and safe.
Your journey should be about building a better future—not worrying about being taken advantage of.
Read our Essential tips here.
SPOTLIGHT STORIES
Refugee Spotlight: Masha's Inspiring Journey to Success
Meet Masha—a refugee entrepreneur whose resilience, determination, and creativity have turned challenges into triumphs.
In this spotlight, From Uncertainty to Success: How Masha Tarhini's Resilience and Networking Led to a Fulfilling Career in Canada, we share Masha's journey from starting over in a new country to building a thriving career that reflects her passion and talent. Her story is a testament to the strength and potential of refugee talent and the impact of community support.
Get inspired by Masha’s path to success and learn how taking charge, believing in yourself, and working hard can help you achieve your dreams.
Read Masha’s story here.
If you or someone you know is a refugee and would like to share their story with us, please reach out to: [email protected]
Volunteer Spotlight: Samantha Morais
领英推荐
Meet Samantha Morais, a dedicated volunteer making a meaningful difference in the lives of refugees. Through her time, skills, and compassion, Samantha has become a vital part of supporting Jumpstart Refugee Talent's mission.
In this spotlight, we dive into Samantha’s journey as a volunteer, her impact on the community, and why she believes in the power of giving back. Her story is a powerful reminder of how volunteers help create opportunities and inspire hope for refugee talent.
Read Samantha’s story here.
If you are interested in mentoring a newly settled refugee or want to learn more about how you can get involved, visit our website here.
Ajmal’s Journey to Leadership
Ajmal Ramyar, the Executive Director of Afghans for Progressive Thinking (APT), is a passionate champion for human rights, democracy, and freedom of expression with a focus on young Afghans and particularly women.
Driven by his own personal experiences, he advocates for the transformative power of education for Afghan women -- those facing the most barriers in accessing education and social participation since the Taliban's return to power in 2021.
Through determination and his unwavering advocacy to the cause, Ajmal is championing education, connection, and hope for Afghan youth both nationally and internationally. His story reflects the power of resilience and the drive to create a brighter future for others.
Read Ajmal’s story here.
If you know a refugee whose story deserves to be told, please reach out to: [email protected].
RECENT EVENT HIGHLIGHT
Wrapping Up 2024 with Impact: Regina’s Refugee Hiring Event
We are proud to share the success of the Welcoming Economy for Refugee's third and final Refugee Hiring Event of 2024, held for the first time ever in Regina. This initiative was a collaboration between Jumpstart, World Education Services, Manitoba IEC, Manitoba Start, and other stakeholders in partnership with the Refugee Jobs Agenda Roundtable. The event is based on an innovative hiring model that connects local employers with talented refugee job seekers, addressing workforce shortages while fostering inclusion and economic growth. At this inaugural event in Regina, nine employers participated and 104 refugee clients were interviewed, with 11 hired on the spot! For those not hired, immediate feedback was provided, which provides invaluable support as refugee clients continue on their career pathing journey.
With each event this year, we witnessed the incredible potential of refugee talent and the positive impact of creating equitable hiring opportunities. Regina’s event was a fitting conclusion to a year of progress, partnerships, and possibilities and we are so excited for more Refugee Hiring Events in 2025!
Read more about the Regina event here.
If you are interested in learning more about Welcoming Economy or joining the Refugee Jobs Agenda Roundtable, please visit here.
Advancing Refugee Economic Inclusion with Ontario Trillium Foundation Support
Jumpstart Refugee Talent is thrilled to announce that we received a grant from the Ontario Trillium Foundation to further our mission of empowering refugees through economic inclusion.
This funding supports us in the expansion of our initiatives, creating new opportunities, and strengthening the pathways for refugees to contribute to and thrive in the Canadian workforce. Together, we’re building a future where refugee talent is recognized, valued, and celebrated.
Learn more about this grant here.
JOIN OUR TEAM
Become a Volunteer: Mentor and Support Newcomers
We are looking for passionate and knowledgeable volunteers to support newcomers in two key areas:
These are meaningful opportunities to use your expertise to empower newcomers as they navigate their career paths in Canada. Your guidance can help them build confidence, develop essential skills, and successfully integrate into the workforce.
Not your specialty? No problem! We welcome all skilled and motivated individuals interested in making an impact. Other volunteer opportunities include:
If you’re eager to make a meaningful difference in the lives of refugees in Canada, we’d love to hear from you!