How My Perspective on Refugees Changed After Volunteering with Jumpstart
The following blog is part of a larger series our interns and volunteers are producing on topics related to refugees. Each story is taken from their own personal perspective. As an international student from China who has been studying in Canada for seven years, I know how overwhelming it can be to start a life […]
Robaba Mohammadi: Painting Through Pain, Persevering Through Art
In the quiet town of Malistan, Afghanistan, a girl was born who could neither move her arms nor her legs. From her earliest days, Robaba Mohammadi faced physical challenges that would have daunted even the strongest spirits. Yet, her story is not one of limitation but of extraordinary resilience, creativity, and hope. Today, Robaba stands […]
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 […]
Insights from Our Ask Me Anything Session with Mostafa Essa
On May 7, 2025, Jumpstart Refugee Talent hosted an inspiring and informative “Ask Me Anything” workshop titled “Empowering Refugees in Skilled Trades, Licensing & Employment Info Session.” This timely session was led by Mostafa Essa, Program Manager at the Syrian Canadian Foundation, and brought together refugees interested in pursuing or continuing careers in skilled trades […]
Decoding RFPs: Empowering Refugee Entrepreneurs to Win Contracts in Canada
On April 29, 2025, Jumpstart Refugee Talent was part of a brand-new webinar series in partnership with the Canadian Aboriginal and Minority Supplier Council (CAMSC), kicking off with an engaging and informative session focused on Mastering RFP Responses – Virtual Workshop. Designed to support refugee entrepreneurs navigating the Canadian business landscape, this powerful session featured […]
Durham Hiring Refugee Event: A Model for Meaningful Employer Engagement and Community Impact
At Jumpstart, we believe employment is more than just a job—it is an opportunity for belonging, dignity, and a fresh start. On that note, we’re thrilled to reflect on the success of our first-ever Durham Hiring Refugee Event, which brought together employers, refugees, and community supporters in an innovative initiative to change lives and strengthen […]
From Refugee to Voter: My First Ballot in Canada
After seven years of calling Canada home, I am finally casting my first vote in a Canadian federal election. It’s a powerful and emotional moment—one that marks not just a personal milestone, but a step into full civic participation as a Canadian citizen. For the first time, I am able to fulfill not only my […]
Canadian Job Search Tips for Refugees: Real Talk from Recruiters and Career Coaches
On a record-breaking day, nearly 90 refugee newcomers from across Canada tuned in for a dynamic Ask Me Anything (AMA) session hosted by Jumpstart Refugee Talent. The event brought together four of our newly joined experts in career coaching and recruitment, each of whom offered a host of insights on how to succeed in the […]