Lily and Diego’s Story
Bonding over soccer, Diego and Lily knew this mentorship was a perfect match for both of them. Lily, a Data Education Senior Consultant in the financial sector supported Diego’s career journey in Canada. This is their story:
Diego from Colombia – Mentee:
“My name is Diego, and I am from Colombia. I studied international business management and focused my career on the world of marketing. Back home, I worked in digital marketing agencies and eventually established my own, drawing from the valuable knowledge gained from those experiences.
But life took an unexpected turn, and I found myself embarking on a new journey in a foreign land called Canada. Moving to a new country was both thrilling and overwhelming. Everything was different—the people, the customs, the way of life. At first, I tried to handle everything by myself, hesitant to seek help from others. But as time went on, I realized that I needed guidance and support to navigate this new chapter in my life.
That’s when Jumpstart Refugee Talent came into the picture. They introduced me to a few mentors, and among them was Lily. From the moment we met, I knew she was the perfect fit for me. With Lily as my mentor, I found a newfound sense of wisdom and direction. She connected me with her network so I could talk to other professionals in my field, all of whom I greatly appreciated for their insights and knowledge.
Lily taught me the power of networking, showing me just how valuable networks are in the professional world. Her guidance was instrumental in preparing me for interviews, providing me with example questions and answers that made a significant difference in securing a new role.
Now, I’m working in a company that offers immense growth opportunities. As I continue my journey, my eyes are set on a position in data analytics, and I’m confident that Lily’s teachings will be my guiding light.
In this new role, I’ve already achieved success; earning an award as one of the top 10 best performers in all of Ontario in my first month. I can’t help but express my gratitude to God for bringing Lily into my life and to Jumpstart for the invaluable support they provided.
Canada, to me, is a land of limitless opportunities. It’s a place where you can accomplish anything if you set your mind to it. Dreams can become a reality, and I am determined to make the most of this incredible opportunity. There are no boundaries here, only the ones we create for ourselves.”
Lily, Data Education Senior Consultant – Mentor:
“One of the key reasons behind my successful career in the financial sector was the incredible guidance and support I received from my mentors. Throughout my journey, I’ve been blessed to have inspiring leaders who shaped my path and reach to where I am today as a Data Education Senior Consultant at CIBC. Now, I yearn to pass on this knowledge to others and support them in their own journeys.
After the Jumpstart Refugee Talent team matched our profiles and facilitated an introduction with Diego, we instantly connected over our shared love for soccer. With his Colombian background and my Portuguese heritage, we both shared our passion over soccer, and that common ground broke the ice between us. Little did I know that this chance encounter would lead to an amazing mentorship.
Diego expressed a desire to follow a path similar to mine, and I couldn’t have been more thrilled to help him. As we embarked on this journey together, he shared his aspirations regarding education and career choices. We delved into numerous mock interviews covering every crucial point. I made sure he connected with people in his fields of interest, ensuring he not only gained the best education but also valuable experiences.
Through our mentorship, something profound struck me. It made me realize the kind of luck and unwavering support I had been living in. I owe much of my success to my hard work and skills, but not everyone enjoys the same opportunities. There are many out there with exceptional work ethics and talents who struggle to get the attention they deserve.
This realization hit me hard, and I understood that I possessed a privilege that I could utilize to help others. They deserved that face time, that opportunity to be seen and heard. They worked hard and possessed incredible skills that deserved recognition and a chance to prove themselves.
Mentoring Diego not only proved fulfilling for him but also for me. I learned so much throughout the process, facing questions and challenges that I had never encountered before. It opened my eyes to aspects of the world that needed change, and I became determined to be part of that change.
With my eyes now wide open, I realized the potential of mentorship in pushing things in the right direction. Even with minimal effort, we can make a significant impact on someone’s life. Mentorship becomes a two-way street, fueling growth and development for both parties involved. “