Beyond the Resume: Nihal, the Journalist Turned Diplomat

Nhial, a young refugee advocate, stands in front of students at Kakuma Refugee Secondary School in Kenya, passionately addressing the crowd during a school event. Students from diverse backgrounds are seated in an open field, listening attentively.

Beyond the Resume is a storytelling series that reframes refugee professionals not as resettlement cases, but as global connectors and economic catalysts in Canada. Changing the Narrative and Building a Future in Diplomacy  When Nhial Deng speaks about his journey, he does so with clarity, purpose, and a deep belief in the power of stories. […]

Ask Me Anything: AI and the Future of Work 

AI and the Future of Work: Unlocking New Job Opportunities | Jumpstart Refugee Talent AMA

Ask Me Anything: AI and the Future of Work On September 3, 2025, Jumpstart Refugee Talent hosted an informative virtual Ask Me Anything (AMA) session titled “AI and the Future of Work: Unlocking New Job Opportunities.” The webinar was designed to support newcomer refugees curious about how artificial intelligence (AI) is affecting the Canadian job […]

International Day of Charity: Supporting Refugees Through the Power of Giving 

Every year on September 5th, the world observes the International Day of Charity—a day created to raise awareness and mobilize people, organizations, and communities to help those in need. While charity often brings to mind monetary donations, its true power goes far beyond financial support. Charity is about kindness, compassion, and extending opportunities to others […]

Team Spotlight: Melissa Benjamin’s Journey and Contributions to Jumpstart Refugee Talent

Spotlight on Success

At the heart of Jumpstart Refugee Talent is a community of individuals driven by resilience, compassion, and a commitment to empowering newcomers. One such individual is Melissa Benjamin, one of Jumpstart’s board members, whose personal journey and professional dedication exemplify the spirit of the organization.    Melissa Benjamin is the Interim COO and VP of […]

A Tour at Romero House: Where Refugees Find Home, Community, and Hope 

Jumpstart team viewing the mural at the back of the Romero House office building, symbolizing how Romero House uplifts and empowers the refugee community to rise.

On July 23rd, 2025, I had the pleasure of joining the Jumpstart Refugee Talent team for a special tour of Romero House, located in downtown Toronto. Although it was a beautiful summer day, what made it truly memorable wasn’t just the sunshine, it was the warmth and humanity we experienced inside the homes of Romero […]

A Day in My Role at Jumpstart Refugee Talent

Yaseen Hemzawi and Ya Zeng smiling together at the SITTI storefront during the 2025 World Refugee Day celebration.

A Day in My Role at Jumpstart  Working at Jumpstart Refugee Talent is more than just a job; it is a daily reminder of how powerful stories, collaboration, and community can be in transforming lives. In this blog, Yaseen Hemzawi would like to take you behind the scenes of what a typical day in his […]

Beyond the Resume: Rahima’s Global-Mindedness

Rahima, a newcomer to Canada, stands smiling beside Dawit, a Jumpstart Refugee Talent manager, during a community event. Both are warmly dressed and appear engaged in a welcoming, multicultural gathering.

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: Rahima’s Global-Mindedness When refugees arrive in Canada, they carry more than just their suitcase, if they even have that. They bring with them years of experience, rich educational […]

Elegant Art – The Story of a Young Entrepreneur  

Blogs

Elegant Art – The Story of a Young Entrepreneur   In celebration of International Youth Day, on August 12th, 2025, Jumpstart is proud to highlight the voices and creativity of young changemakers around the world. This day is a powerful reminder of the potential youth hold in shaping a more just, inclusive, and compassionate future. To […]