Launch of Jumpstart Newsletter: In Honour of World Refugee Day

We are thrilled to introduce the very first edition of Jumpstart Refugee Talent’s newsletter, The Jumpstart Connection! This newsletter serves as our platform to share the latest news, inspiring stories, and upcoming events from our organization. It’s a space to connect with our partners, refugee clients, and employer clients.

There’s been a lot happening over these last few months at Jumpstart, and even more on the horizon. We hope you enjoy exploring the highlights from the past few months and stay tuned for more exciting updates in the coming weeks!

NEWS & EVENTS

World Refugee Day Panel Discussion

Panel Discussion on Ways of Enhancing Refugee Economic Inclusion

For World Refugee Day, we are proud to have hosted an engaging, virtual, panel discussion on best practices and success strategies for enhancing and promoting the economic inclusion of refugees into the workforce.

The event featured four guest panelists, including Artem Kovalets, Talent & People Manager from Angus Management Consulting; Laura Soria, Senior Director, Lending Solutions Contact Center, Technology, Infrastructure & Innovation at CIBC; Fabio Crespin, Senior Manager of Inclusive Employment at United Way Greater Toronto; and Caroline Owashaba, Newcomer Professional (Nonprofits).

Read our takeaways from this dynamic session here.

Explore Baker Hughes' Commitment to DEI and Refugee Employment

On May 9, 2024, Szabolcs Kaldau from Baker Hughes, a leader in energy technology with operations in over 120 countries, shared insights in a Jumpstart Career Pathing webinar about the company's impactful diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives and their efforts to integrate refugees into their workforce.

This blog, based on Kaldau's presentation, highlights Baker Hughes' strategic approach to hiring refugees, collaborating with organizations like Tent Canada to uncover untapped talent. By implementing robust DEI policies and tailored recruitment strategies, Baker Hughes ensures fairness and equality in their hiring process, supporting refugees' career development through extensive training and development programs.

Creator Series Celebrates Unique Contributions of Refugee Artists

Our 2024 Creator Series, which debuted in February, is a new initiative to highlight the incredible variety of artistic talent among refugees in Canada. From painters and sand artists to authors and calligraphy, this series showcases the breadth and depth that art can have as a powerful way to bridge cultures, illuminate experiences, and foster connection.

“Being a refugee is a double-edged sword in the art world. On the one hand, you’re inexperienced and lack connections in a new community. Without a good network and business savvy related to the location you’re centered in; you won’t know about opportunities to display your work or participate in art shows.” - Almas Abou Chakra

Read more about Almas Abou Chakra, our first Creator Series profile. Almas is a Palestinian-Lebanese painter and Arabic calligraphy artist who uses her art as an invaluable means of self-expression and an important way to experience history through a personal lens.

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]

STORIES

Meet our Team: Board Member Tatiana Astray?

In our latest Spotlight on the Team, we are honoured to introduce Dr. Tatiana Astray, an esteemed board member of Jumpstart and an Assistant Professor at the Lazaridis School of Business & Economics. Dr. Astray’s journey from a political refugee to a respected academic and advocate is nothing short of inspiring. With a rich background in education, marketing, and tech start-ups, she brings unparalleled expertise to our mission.

Read Tatiana's full interview here.??

Spotlight on Success: Harnessing the Power of Diversity in Hiring

Diverse perspectives, innovative thinking, and unwavering commitment – these are the invaluable assets that refugees bring to the workplace. When the match between employer and employee is right, it creates a symbiotic relationship where both flourish. TD Bank's commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) goes beyond mere lip service; it's a deeply ingrained principle that shapes their hiring practices.

Rashmi Vohra, Associate Vice President at TD, shares her insights on the transformative impact of hiring diverse talent. Through initiatives like the Jumpstart Refugee Talent Hiring Event, TD not only opens doors for refugees like Sajad Naderi but also strengthens its own workforce. Sajad's story, from his initial connection with TD to becoming a recognized Customer Experience Associate, exemplifies how supporting diverse talent can lead to mutual growth and success.

RESOURCES

Mastering Cover Letters: Building Your Path to Job Success

We were delighted to host a spring workshop led by Kerry Ross, a seasoned Career Development Practitioner from the University of British Columbia, on Mastering Cover Letters. In the competitive Canadian job market, a compelling cover letter is your ticket to standing out. Kerry, who has been volunteering with Jumpstart since 2022, brings a wealth of experience to help you navigate the nuances of job applications, especially for those from diverse cultural backgrounds.

Read the summary blog of this event, including top tips here.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

New Website Goes Live

In case you missed it, we launched a brand-new website this past spring! We worked with Concat Tech, who helped us create a fresh design, improved navigation, and new content.

Whether you're seeking career advice, connecting with employers, looking to volunteer, or simply want to stay updated on the latest news, visit our new website!

Jumpstart Partners with Canoo App, Gateway Immigrant Services, and CAMSC

Over the past few months, we've had the honour of partnering with three new national organizations doing inspiring and meaningful work in similar spaces.

Learn more about our partnership with Canoo App, Gateway Immigrant Services, and the Canadian Aboriginal and Minority Supplier Council (CAMSC).

We are always open to exploring new partnerships!

Please get in touch for more information: [email protected]

UPCOMING EVENTS

In July and August, we are offering the following events:

• Ask Me Anything with Malaz Sebai, July 3, 4:00-5:00 pm ET

Please check our Events & Workshops page, as it is regularly updated.

JOIN OUR TEAM

At the moment, we have no open career positions. However, we are always on the lookout for skilled and motivated volunteers to join our team!

If you're interested in becoming a mentor, offering resume support, assisting with interview preparation, or advising a refugee start-up, please visit our website to learn more about how you can get involved.