Transforming Resilience into Opportunity: Why I Chose to Join Jumpstart
Behind every refugee story is not only survival, but extraordinary resilience and talent waiting to be recognized. Refugees bring enormous potential to Canada. Potential that can enrich our economy, culture, and communities in ways that are too often overlooked.
Unfortunately, the narrative surrounding refugees tends to focus on hardship rather than contribution. Alice Gales chose to join Jumpstart Refugee Talent because she believes in flipping that narrative. Refugees are not defined by displacement but by their resilience, skills, and determination. At Jumpstart, she gets to be part of a mission that opens pathways for refugees to thrive both professionally and personally.
My First Experience Working with Refugees
My journey working with refugees began last summer while working on Project Starfish, a collaboration between the France Canada Chamber of Commerce (FCCCO) and the International Organization for Migration (IOM). The goal was to connect companies facing workforce shortages with skilled refugee talent.
What stood out most to me was not only the expertise these individuals brought but also their determination to rebuild their lives and contribute meaningfully to society. It was a firsthand reminder that refugees are not simply people in need of help, they are engineers, doctors, entrepreneurs, and innovators.
This experience ignited my passion to amplify refugee voices. With a background in communications and creative work, I felt compelled to use my skills to share these stories more widely. Joining Jumpstart became a natural next step.
The Power of Diversity and Inclusion
Research consistently shows that diverse teams are more innovative and effective. Refugees bring:
- Unique problem-solving abilities
- Cross-cultural perspectives
- Global experiences that enrich workplaces
Economically, refugees contribute as taxpayers, entrepreneurs, and innovators. They fill labour shortages in key industries and create new opportunities. Socially, they introduce new traditions, languages, and perspectives that broaden Canada’s cultural landscape.
When refugees are empowered with meaningful employment, the impact ripples outward. It uplifts families, strengthens communities, and inspires others.
Storytelling as Transformation
On Jumpstart’s communications team, storytelling is at the heart of everything we do. Every refugee journey carries a powerful blend of resilience, hope, and contribution. Sharing these stories allows us to:
- Shift perceptions beyond stereotypes
- Build empathy within communities
- Inspire employers to open doors
- Influence policymakers to prioritize inclusive practices
Storytelling is not just communication, it is transformation. By amplifying refugee voices, we celebrate resilience and remind Canadians that refugees are defined not by their displacement, but by their ability to overcome adversity and build new futures.
Living My Values at Jumpstart
The work I do at Jumpstart aligns with my core values: equity, empowerment, and recognition of human potential. Even though I have only just started, I am already inspired by the determination of refugees and the dedication of my colleagues.
Empowering refugees is more than a humanitarian effort. It is an investment in Canada’s future. Refugees are not only rebuilding their own lives, they are helping to build a stronger, more inclusive Canada.
Key Takeaways
- Refugees bring resilience, skills, and perspectives that enrich Canadian society.
- Employment is transformative. It empowers individuals, families, and communities.
- Storytelling is a powerful tool to shift narratives and open doors.
- Empowering refugees benefits everyone by creating a more innovative, inclusive, and compassionate Canada.
Conclusion
Refugees are more than stories of struggle. They are stories of talent, creativity, and determination. By recognizing their potential and creating opportunities, we do not just support refugees, we strengthen Canada as a whole.