A Day in My Role at Jumpstart 

Working at Jumpstart Refugee Talent is more than just a job; it is a daily reminder of how powerful stories, collaboration, and community can be in transforming lives. In this blog, Yaseen Hemzawi would like to take you behind the scenes of what a typical day in his role looks like as part of the Communications team. 

Whether you are a refugee, a partner, a volunteer, or someone curious about the work we do—this blog is for you. I hope it offers an inside look at how we turn strategy into storytelling, and how every task, meeting, and message contributes to creating more inclusive opportunities for refugee talent in Canada. 

Morning Inspiration: Starting with Stories and Purpose 

Each day begins with something that sets the tone — a message from Darrell Pinto, who consistently energizes the team with updates. Whether it is an invitation to a partner event, a refugee talent roundtable, or a thought-provoking story, Darrell’s daily updates always remind us why we do this work. 

I am especially moved when we are invited to join virtual calls where refugees share their journeys, struggles, and hopes. These are not just check-ins — they are human moments that reveal real stories of resilience. 

Emails, Insights, and Keeping Things on Track 

Next up is my inbox — usually filled with updates from the team, outreach replies, media inquiries, and internal discussions. I take time to review everything carefully, ensuring all insights are tracked and properly updated in our content planning files and analytics sheets. 

Staying organized is key, especially in a role that involves both creativity and coordination. I maintain close attention to the content calendar, making sure posts are scheduled, tagged appropriately, and linked to relevant stories or impact blogs. Whether it is a partner highlight or a refugee success story, we make sure the right message reaches the right audience at the right time. 

Social Media with Heart 

Managing Jumpstart’s social media presence means more than just posting content. Each post we share represents someone’s story, a partnership’s impact, or a call to action. 

I love this part of my role — writing captions, tagging community leaders, scheduling graphics, and integrating messages with purpose. Even something as simple as sending a cheerful GIF to my team each morning helps spark positive energy that fuels our day. When you are working on heavy topics like employment barriers and systemic bias, small moments of joy can make all the difference. 

Working with an Empowering Team 

One of the best things about working at Jumpstart is the team. My manager Amanda Fortier sets the tone for creativity and trust. She is open, approachable, and always willing to explore new ideas. There is no such thing as a bad suggestion in her eyes — and that openness motivates me to contribute more, take risks, and lead initiatives with confidence. 

Ya Zeng, my colleague on the Comms team, is another great example of growth and collaboration. When she first joined, she had little experience with content creation, but now she interviews clients, writes blogs, and plans campaigns. Our regular calls to brainstorm, divide tasks, and check in on each other’s progress have become a highlight of my week. Working alongside someone who is curious, eager to learn, and willing to grow is incredibly fulfilling. 

Planning and Creating with Intention 

At the start of each month, our team builds a content calendar together — outlining key dates, campaign goals, blog ideas, and social post themes. Once we are aligned, Ya and I take on the creation phase: writing, designing, scheduling, and sometimes interviewing refugees or partners to craft authentic, engaging stories. 

Every piece of content we create is rooted in impact. Whether it is celebrating a client’s first job in Canada or highlighting a hiring partner’s inclusive practices, we aim to connect people with purpose. 

The Moments That Matter Most 

My favourite part of the day is when I wrap up my to-do list and share it with Amanda. Seeing what we have accomplished together — both creatively and strategically — fills me with pride. 

But the moments that stay with me the longest are the ones when we share a refugee’s story — through blogs, videos, or interviews. Knowing that our work amplifies their voice, celebrates their resilience, and sometimes even leads to a job opportunity, is deeply meaningful. It touches me every time I see the joy in someone’s eyes when they receive good news: “I got the job.” 

Those are the moments that make everything worth it. 

 Key Takeaways 

• Purpose drives productivity: Starting the day with stories and mission-aligned updates helps keep the work meaningful and connected. 

• Team culture matters: Working with a supportive and creative team builds confidence and momentum. 

• Every task contributes to impact: From social media planning to client interviews, each action supports real change. 

• Refugee voices must be heard: Amplifying these stories is not just communications work — it is advocacy, awareness, and empowerment.