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 […]

A Step-by-Step Guide for Canadian Employers: Navigating the Economic Mobility Pathways Pilot (EMPP) to Hire Skilled Refugees

Three people wearing hard hats, including two women and a man, are inspecting a construction site. One woman observes while the man uses a level tool on a wall.

The Economic Mobility Pathways Pilot (EMPP) combines refugee resettlement with an economic immigration pathway. It is designed to attract highly skilled refugees and displaced persons – an often overlooked talent pool. EMPP was first launched by the Canadian Government in April 2018 to support Canadian employers in finding skilled refugees that could meet their labour […]

How to Start Networking Without the Fear Factor

Two men sitting at a table engaged in a conversation, with one man gesturing as he speaks.

Networking is often described as an essential tool for career growth, but for many, the very word itself can spark anxiety, let alone the act. The thought of reaching out to strangers, introducing yourself, and asking for advice may feel intimidating, especially if you’re new to Canadian culture or professional environments. However, networking doesn’t have […]

Why Canada Needs Refugee Talent: A Call to Action for Employers

A diverse group of six professionals in formal and business-casual attire walking outdoors while chatting and holding coffee cups. The backdrop features a modern office building with large glass windows.

This November, Jumpstart Refugee Talent invites you to join us for our 12 Days of Giving campaign, showcasing the transformative power of refugee employment and integration. Refugees are more than newcomers—they are skilled professionals, entrepreneurs, and creators who enrich Canada’s economy, culture, and communities. Empowering refugees through employment is not only the right thing to […]

Mastering Workplace English in Canada: Strategies and Resources for Non-Native Speakers

Two colleagues having a conversation in a modern office space, with a woman in a hijab holding notebooks and a man gesturing as he speaks.

For newcomers to Canada, especially those from non-English-speaking backgrounds, mastering workplace English is essential to career success. In this post, you’ll find strategies and resources to strengthen your language skills, with a focus on the Canadian professional environment’s unique expressions, idioms, and communication expectations.  The Role of Language in Professional Success  In Canadian workplaces, strong […]