Beyond the Resume: Khaldoun’s Overlooked Credentials
Beyond the Resume is a storytelling series that reframes refugee professionals not as resettlement cases, but as global connectors and economic catalysts in Canada. Skilled, but Overlooked: The Reality of Credentials in Canada When Khaldoun Albadr arrived in Canada in September 2023, he brought with him more than the trauma of displacement—he carried years of […]
Beyond the Resume: Felix, Tech Professional, On Navigating New Codes
Beyond the Resume is a storytelling series that reframes refugee professionals not as resettlement cases, but as global connectors and economic catalysts in Canada. Starting Over with Purpose Starting over in a new country is never easy. It comes with unknowns, uncertainties, and often, a sense of being one step behind. But for Felix Sosa, […]
Beyond the Resume: Yaseen, Community Leader Rebuilding from Scratch
Beyond the Resume is a storytelling series that reframes refugee professionals not as resettlement cases, but as global connectors and economic catalysts in Canada. Beyond the Resume: Yaseen’s Journey with Hope and Persistence Yaseen Hemzawi, a communications team member at Jumpstart Refugee Talent has lived the refugee experience firsthand. He fled from Syria to Turkey […]
Soumak Boutique: Empowering Refugee Women Through Craftsmanship
Rasha Youssef never set out to run a boutique, but when the opportunity arose to build something meaningful with her business partner, Elvira Seydaliyeva, she embraced the challenge. Rasha arrived in Canada as a refugee from Syria in 2014, while Elvira came from Azerbaijan in 2020, bringing with them a deep appreciation for the rich […]
Building Beauty from Adversity The Story of MarieBeautyHub
Building Beauty from Adversity The Story of MarieBeautyHub At Jumpstart Refugee Talent, our Refugee Marketplace isn’t just about products—it’s about people. It’s about the determination, resilience, and creativity that refugee entrepreneurs bring to their new communities. Today, we’re honored to share the journey of one of our newest vendors: Maria Namayengo, the founder of MarieBeautyHub, […]
Region of Durham Hosts Its First Refugee Hiring Event
Whitby, Ontario —The first-ever Refugee Hiring Event in Durham Region is being held today, providing a direct connection between refugees or forcibly displaced individuals and employers looking to fill job vacancies. Given both local and regional labour shortages, the hiring event is a timely initiative that addresses economic growth and workforce development. While immigrants comprise […]
Jumpstart Refugee Talent: Supporting Refugee Talent and Empowering Employers
We support refugee talent & empower employers Finding meaningful employment is one of the biggest challenges refugees, refugee claimants, and forcibly displaced individuals face when settling in Canada. Most arrive with valuable skills, experiences, and education, but struggle to navigate the job market, build professional networks, and access career opportunities. This is where we come […]
Aisha & Manal’s Chocolate: A Sweet Journey of Resilience
For Aisha, entrepreneurship was never part of the plan. A trained dentist, she arrived in Canada from Egypt in December 2023 with dreams of restarting her career. But when she saw her mother struggling to continue the chocolate business she had built with love and dedication, Aisha knew she had to step in. Today, she […]