Connecting Skilled Refugees with Local Employers

On October 17, 2025, the Ismaili Centre in Toronto welcomed over 200 pre-screened job candidates and 10 leading employers for the Fifth Annual Refugee Hiring Event, hosted by World Education Services (WES) in collaboration with Jumpstart Refugee Talent, Future Ready Initiative, and Skills for Change. The event brought together refugees, community organizations, and corporate leaders in a full day of meaningful connection and opportunity.

The Refugee Hiring Event model was part of the Welcoming Economy campaign — an initiative of the Refugee Jobs Agenda Roundtable. The event focused on matching pre-screened refugee job seekers with employers offering meaningful career opportunities, creating a space for direct connections and impactful conversations. This model has proven to be 10 to 15 times more successful than traditional job fairs, thanks to its unique approach that combines one-on-one coaching, employer engagement, and pre-screened matching. 

Real People. Real Impact.  

Over two days, candidates first participated in a mock interview and coaching session led by Jumpstart  at the Toronto Public Library, followed by the Toronto Refugee Hiring Event at the Ismaili Centre the next day. The transformation was clear. 

A Day of Opportunity and Belonging 

The event opened with remarks from Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow, who reflected on her family’s own challenges finding employment as refugee newcomers. 

“Refugees helped create this city,” she said. “Today is a day of economic opportunity where everyone belongs.” 

Other speakers echoed this message of inclusion. Shamira Madhany, Managing Director and Deputy Executive Director at World Education Services, called the event “a triple win situation — employers gain access to knowledgeable employees, applicants get a direct opportunity, and our country gains new skills that make Canada stronger.” 

The Refugee Hiring Event model continues to expand across Canada through the Refugee Jobs Agenda Roundtable, a national coalition of over 150 employers. 

Musa Mutesasira, a skilled plumber who recently arrived from Uganda,

During the Toronto Refugee Hiring Event at the Ismaili Centre, Musa shared: 

“In my country I was tested only on my skills. Since I arrived in Canada, oral interviews were new to me, so I came today to practice. After today, I feel motivated — the coach showed me my gaps, and I am prepared.”  

Olga Mogylat, who recently arrived from Ukraine, added:

“I’ve been to many interviews but wasn’t finding the results I wanted. Now I feel more prepared, especially about how to handle it when I don’t know the answer to a question.” 

For Laura Kemiteto, from Uganda, her experience turned into opportunity: 

“I practiced what I learned from Malaz — using storytelling when I share in interviews. Now I’ve been selected for a second interview!” 

Jumpstart coaches, including Eglys Perez, Dawit Demoz, and Darrell Pinto, emphasized the importance of confidence and self-expression during interviews. 

“Many clients have a 100% match to job requirements but show minimal expression,” said Dawit Demoz. “If you practiced something you wanted to share but were not asked, you can share it at the end of the interview.”  

“Applicants need to close up the interview by reminding the interviewer why they should be hired,” added Darrell. “The last thing they the employer hears from you is what they will remember.” 

Building Bridges Between Talent and Opportunity 

This year’s participating employers included Ainsworth, CBRE, CIBC, InterRent, Kenaiden Contracting Ltd., Redberry Crown Restaurants LP, Saisethsons Hospitality Group Inc., Scotiabank, Snackruptors, and Zurich Canada. 

Many of these employers shared that they value the Refugee Hiring Event model for its efficiency and meaningful outcomes. Last year, 54% of participants at the 2024 Toronto Refugee Hiring Event were hired or received follow-up interviews, and similar success rates continue across regions. 

“Many applicants told us this was their first in-person interview in Canada,” said Darrell Pinto,  Jumpstart’s Employment Director. “It is about confidence, recognition, and seeing yourself again.” 

Collaboration That Creates Change 

The event was made possible through a strong partnership among WES, Jumpstart Refugee Talent, Future Ready Initiative and Skills for Change, supported by the Refugee Jobs Agenda Roundtable. 

Each organization brings a shared goal: ensuring that refugees’ skills and potential are recognized as assets to Canada’s workforce and economy. 

As  Shamira Madhany put it best, 

“When newcomers contribute, everyone wins.”