Why it’s important for Refugee Professionals to tell their stories
Why it’s important for Refugee Professionals to tell their stories A critical piece of the job seeking journey happens behind the scenes—how refugee professionals learn to tell their stories. From Doubt to Confidence: A Real Story Quratulaine Hamid, a Talent Assistant on the Resume Team at Jumpstart Refugee Talent, has seen firsthand how powerful this […]
Connecting Refugees and Canadian Employers
At Jumpstart Refugee Talent, we believe that close collaboration between employers and refugees is crucial to ensure that refugees are well integrated into society and the diversification of Canada’s workforce. Our Meaningful Employment program, also known as the Talent Hub, is an online portal that connects local refugees with Canadian employers from various kinds of […]
Chewy Puff Cookies: A Sweet Journey of Passion, Resilience, and Community
From Coping Mechanism to Passion Starting a business is never easy—especially for newcomers adjusting to life in a new country. For Omar Gaber, the 21-year-old founder of Chewy Puff Cookies, this journey began in the kitchen, armed with a mixing bowl, a whisk, and a dream. Omar’s story starts in Yemen, with his upbringing in […]
From Volunteering to Leadership
From Volunteering to Leadership Jumpstart has a variety of eligibility-based volunteering opportunities, from resume support to career mentorship. These experiences not only have a long-term impact on those who are receiving guidance or support but also on volunteers themselves. These opportunities can refine skills that are central to the character of strong community leaders, including […]
What It Looks Like to Volunteer at Jumpstart
What It Looks Like to Volunteer at Jumpstart Volunteering with Jumpstart is a valuable experiential learning opportunity, and this blog will break down why. For those who are passionate about promoting inclusivity in Canadian workplaces and strengthening resilience in refugees experiencing employment challenges (such as underemployment and unemployment), volunteering could be the perfect opportunity for […]
How Mentorship Turns Career Barriers Into Pathways for Refugee Professionals
How Mentorship Turns Career Barriers Into Pathways for Refugee Professionals Rebuilding a career in a new country takes determination, resilience, and hope. But for many refugee professionals, the real challenges often lie beneath the surface. These hidden barriers can slow down progress, limit opportunities, and erode confidence over time. Mentorship is one of the most […]
Ten Years of Jumpstart: Mentorship That Builds an Inclusive Workforce
Jumpstart turns ten in 2026, and we are starting our milestone year by revisiting where it all began: Welcome Talent Canada (WTC) Mentorship Our mentorship program began changing lives a decade ago and still thrives today because it meets a real need: refugee professionals’ benefit from someone in their field who can provide the guidance, […]
A Winter Message to Refugee Job Seekers from Jumpstart
In Canada, winter brings shorter days, darker skies and quiet. This can feel peaceful for some, but for refugees it can make the job search feel heavier than it needs to. The cold weather, long nights, and staying indoors more often can increase feelings of loneliness and stress, especially when you are trying to build […]