Jumpstart Refugee Talent logo — stylized text representing an organization that supports refugee employment and entrepreneurship in Canada.

Scale: National

Why Mentorship Matters: Building Bridges for Refugees and Canadian Professionals 

A woman in glasses wearing a blue dress sits across a table from another woman during a mentoring session in a bright, modern office setting.

When someone leaves their home country and arrives in Canada, they carry with them hopes for a fresh start. But for refugees, the journey to rebuild their lives often comes with significant challenges: navigating unfamiliar systems, adapting to a new culture, and finding meaningful employment in a competitive job market. This is where mentorship becomes […]

The Power of Education: My Transformative Journey

Omer Malikyar in a black graduation gown stands smiling in front of a historic building with columns and double green doors. A University of Toronto banner is visible on the left.

This blog was written by Omer Malikyar who has been working with Jumpstart since May 2024. Omer is a student at the University of Toronto’s Munk School of Global Affairs & Public Policy where he is pursuing his Masters of Global Affairs program. On this International Day of Education, January 24th, we celebrate the profound […]

Team Spotlight: Sahel Zreik’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 Sahel Zreik, a longstanding board member of Jumpstart Refugee Talent, whose personal journey and professional dedication exemplify the spirit of the organization.    Forging New Paths  Sahel Zreik was […]

From Hello to Hired: Turning Coffee Chats into Career Opportunities

A man and a woman sitting at an outdoor cafe table, having a casual conversation with a French press and coffee cups on the table. The setting includes colorful buildings in the background under natural light.

In today’s working world, networking is far more than a buzzword – it’s a lifeline for career growth and opportunities. While the concept can seem daunting to many, reframing it as casual, genuine conversations can open doors you didn’t even know existed. This blog outlines a step-by-step guide to leveraging coffee chats and informal meetings […]

Olive & Cedar: Where Heritage Meets Creativity

Spotlight on Marketplace

Art has always been a powerful medium for storytelling, and for Almas Abou Chakra, it is a lifeline to her heritage, her journey, and her dreams. A half Lebanese, half Palestinian artist, who now resides in Vancouver, Almas channels her unique experiences as a refugee into captivating works that inspire connection and understanding. Through her […]

Debunking Common Myths About Refugees in Canada

A diverse group of three professionals smiling in a modern office setting, wearing cultural attire such as headscarves and turbans.

Canada has a long-standing tradition of welcoming refugees, but misconceptions about refugees can sometimes overshadow their contributions and the realities of their experiences. Here are some of the most common myths and their associated realities: Myth #1: Refugees are dangerous to Canadians. Reality: Refugees undergo rigorous security screenings and health checks before arriving in Canada. […]

Heritage, Handicrafts, and Hope: Asmaa Othman’s Entrepreneurial Path

Spotlight on Marketplace

Before getting married and becoming a mother, Syrian-born Asmaa Othman was a young career woman dedicated to carving out her professional path in the nonprofit sector. However, the birth of her daughter in 2021 shifted her priorities. After a year of caring for her newborn, Asmaa began feeling a strong desire to embark on a […]

$194,700 OTF Grant from the Ontario Government Supports Refugee Economic Inclusion

Darrell Pinto, Director of Employment at Jumpstart Refugee Talent, receives recognition alongside MPP Kristyn Wong-Tam, MPP for Toronto Centre, and MPP Chris Glover, MPP for Spadina-Fort York. The gathering was held to celebrate the 4,700 Resilient Communities grant from the Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF), awarded in 2022, which supports Jumpstart’s efforts in enhancing refugee economic inclusion. Also pictured: Twaha Mawejje, Jumpstart client; Malaz Sebai, Director of Operations at Jumpstart; Bassel Ramli, Director of Global Mobility at Jumpstart; Dawit Demoz, Program Manager, Community Relations at Jumpstart; Aleem Punja, Executive Director of the Future Ready Initiative, Aga Khan Council of Canada; Saiyaf Alli, AVP Talent Acquisition at Zurich Canada; Liubov Zolotarevska, Jumpstart client; Tony Jabbour, Senior Recruitment Partner at Jumpstart; Eglys Perez, Senior Recruitment Partner at Jumpstart; and Tiffany Bliley, Director of Talent Acquisition at EQ Bank. The event highlighted the positive impact of the grant, which has provided crucial resources and technology for adapting programming and services to better serve refugee communities post-pandemic.

Toronto, ONTARIO – On Friday, December 6th, MPP Chris Glover and MPP Kristyn Wong-Tam met with the team at Jumpstart Refugee Talent (Jumpstart) to hear how their $194,700 Resilient Communities grant from the provincial government’s Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF) has made an impact. The two-year long grant, awarded in 2022, was used to support Jumpstart […]