In light of World Refugee Day, on June 20th, Jumpstart is excited to host a special panel discussion to provide refugees, employers, and stakeholders with actionable insights for integrating refugees into the workforce.
The event will share best practices, success stories, and expert guidance to equip refugees with practical advice, inform employers about effective hiring and integration practices, and foster a supportive community that promotes economic inclusion and diversity in the workplace.
This event is free to attend.
MODERATOR
Dawit Demoz, Program Manager, Community Relations | Jumpstart Refugee Talent
Dawit is the Community Relations Manager at Jumpstart, overseeing community engagement, intake, and needs assessment activities. With over 10 years of experience in community organizing, refugee advocacy, resettlement, and public speaking, he is passionate about refugee and forced migration issues, social justice, inclusion, and equity. In his current role, he focuses on empowering and economically integrating newly resettled refugees in Canada. Dawit holds a BA in Psychology and an MA in Development Studies from York University.
PANELISTS
Artem Kovalets, Human Resource Professional | Angus Management Consulting
Artem is an HR professional with over 10 years of experience in the recruitment field. At Angus Consulting Management Limited, his mission is to align talent initiatives with the organization’s goals, fostering a culture of excellence and inclusivity.
Laura Soria, Senior Director | CIBC
Laura is a Senior Director at CIBC, where she leads a large contact center team that provides answers and advice to clients across multiple lines of business. With over ten years of experience in senior leadership roles within the banking industry, Laura executed strategic direction, operational strategy, risk management, technology implementations, and talent acquisition for various portfolios. Her expertise in operations, technology, infrastructure, and innovation has been instrumental in driving success at CIBC.
Caroline Owashaba | Newcomer Professional (Nonprofits)
Caroline is a newcomer professional with a Master of Arts – Women, Leadership & Governance in Africa and a Bachelor of Guidance and Counselling from Kenya and Uganda. Caroline has over 12 years of experience in project coordination and implementation, and specializes in social and climate justice, gender and economic equality, and sexual reproductive health and rights. Her expertise extends to climate finance, community development, and environmental issues. Caroline has a keen interest in climate justice, youth and women’s issues, people with disabilities, and policy analysis.
Fabio Crespin, Senior Manager of Inclusive Employment | United Way Greater Toronto (UWGT)
Fabio brings over 20 years of diverse and impactful experience in socio-economic development across Canada and Brazil. Since 2014, Fabio has been part of United Way’s Community Impact team and led UWGT’s Inclusive Employment portfolio since May 2023.