Spotlight: Tatiana Astray, Jumpstart Board Member
Team Spotlight: Tatiana As a refugee-led organization, many of our staff have lived firsthand the same or similar experiences with the refugee clients we serve. Our series, Spotlight on the Team, profiles those who work with Jumpstart, how their own lives inform the work they do, and their hopes for supporting the meaningful economic integration […]
Spotlight: Walid from Afghanistan
Spotlight on Success Each of our Jumpstart clients has a unique story — professionally and personally — involving trials and tribulations, celebrations, and successes. Our Spotlight series shines a light on the ways that refugee talent has accessed our services, and how this has ultimately uplifted them in their career journey to benefit workplaces, communities, […]
Creator Series 2024: Njamba Koffi, Democratic Republic of Congo
Highlighting Canada’s Talented Refugee Artists In celebration of the wide variety of refugee artists living across Canada, our Creator Series profiles the individuals, their work, and their inspiration in creating unique artistic products. From authors and painters, designers and singers, these profiles examine how their lived refugee experiences have informed their practice and where (or […]
Mentorship Moments: Jennifer Heynen, Vice President of Talent at DUCA Financial, Ontario
Jennifer Heynen, Vice President of Talent at DUCA Financial, Ontario From January 2023 to June 2023, Jennifer was a volunteer mentor with Leen* from Syria. These are reflections from Jennifer on what it meant for her to be a mentor, how she tailored her approach to suit her mentees’ specific needs, and what she ultimately […]
Creator Series 2024: Almas Abou Chakra, Palestine-Lebanon
Highlighting Canada’s Talented Refugee Artists In celebration of the wide variety of refugee artists living across Canada, our Creator Series profiles the individuals, their work, and their inspiration in creating unique artistic products. From authors and painters, designers and singers, these profiles examine how their lived refugee experiences have informed their practice and how you […]
Refugee Resilience: Reshad from Afghanistan
Celebrating the Resilience of Canada’s Refugees Reshad’s inspiring journey from Afghanistan to Canada exemplifies resilience in the face of adversity. He overcame challenges, adapted to Canadian winter, and with the guidance of a mentor, achieved his cherished career aspirations. Reshad shares his story here: “It all began in Afghanistan, a place where dreams often collide […]
Refugee Resilience: Tetiana from Ukraine
Celebrating the Resilience of Canada’s Refugees Tetiana, a legal professional from Ukraine, landed her first job in Canada through a networking event in Calgary. Her initial job search disappointment turned to triumph highlighting the transformative power of connections. Tetiana shares her story here: “My journey to Canada began a few months ago. With over 15 […]
Refugee Resilience: Saleem from Afghanistan
Celebrating the Resilience of Canada’s Refugees Embarking on a new chapter in life can often bring about unexpected twists and turns. Saleem’s journey to Canada was no exception. As he navigated the challenges of settling into a new country, Saleem’s resilience, international experience, and patience played pivotal roles in his pursuit of meaningful employment. Saleem […]