The 15th Annual IEP Conference was held on March 22 and 23, 2018 at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre.
Thank you to all the sponsors, panelists, speakers, exhibitors, volunteers and supporters and the Toronto Employment and Social Services volunteers for making the 15th Annual IEP Conference held on March 22nd and 23rd, 2018 at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre possible. Couldn’t have done it without you!
Celebrating over 15 years of providing IEPs with information, resource and networking opportunities to succeed in Canada, the IEP Conference is regarded as one of the most innovative and respectful events for Internationally Educated Professional newcomers seeking practical, effective career advice.
Presenting on the topic: "Mastering Soft Skills" Richard Pinnock serves as Senior Manager, Diversity & Inclusion for Walmart Canada. His experience spans Public, Private, Not-for-Profit, Education, and Professional Services sectors. He received an M.B.A. (International Marketing), at York University in Toronto after completing a Bachelor of Commerce (Entrepreneurship) at McGill University in Montréal. Richard's life-long commitment to Diversity and Inclusion has impacted minority youth, newcomers to Canada, women, native peoples, and Ontarians across many segments of diversity. Prior organizations Richard has worked for include: Purolator Courier, Royal Canadian Mint, ClientLogic (an Onex Company), Inroads, PriceWaterhouseCoopers, and York University. Richard drives the Diversity and Inclusion Strategy at Walmart Canada, including the Women in Retail Program. He is currently helping launch their Canada-wide Inclusion Management Program.
Presenting on the topic: "Winning in the Workplace: Your Talents + Diverse & Inclusive Workplaces = A Growing Competitive Advantage for Canadian Companies” Michael Bach is nationally and internationally recognized as a thought leader and subject matter expert in the fields of diversity, inclusion and employment equity, bringing a vast knowledge of leading practices in a live setting to his work. Prior to assuming his current role he was the National Director of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion for KPMG in Canada; and also completed a 2½-year secondment as the Deputy Chief Diversity Officer for KPMG International. During his tenure, KPMG received several prestigious diversity related awards – including being named as one of Canada’s Top Employers for Diversity and one of Canada’s Best Employers for New Canadians. Michael is the recipient of numerous accolades personally, related to his outstanding contributions in LGBTQ advocacy, community excellence, and workplace diversity. TRIEC, Catalyst Canada, Women of Influence and Out on Bay Street Leaders are among many who have recognized his accomplishments. In previous IEP Conferences, Michael was an enthusiastic panelist within our Finance & Accounting Sector hub, so his dedication to helping newcomers pursuing successful careers is long established. Michael earned a Post Graduate Certificate in Diversity Management from Cornell University and also holds the Cornell Certified Diversity Professional, Advanced Practitioner (CCDP/AP) designation.
Christopher Alexander is the Chief Administrative Officer of the Festival Management Committee, the organization that produces the Toronto Caribbean Carnival, one of the largest street festival and cultural organization in North America. He has a passion for his culture and believes that this festival is the ultimate expression of caribbean culture in the City of Toronto. Mr. Alexander is a former banker and an entrepreneur. He is the President and CEO of Zhoosh Service Enterprise a consulting company focused on helping small business owners start, grow and optimize their businesses. Chris is also a Business Coach. He is a member of the board of directors of Progress Career Planning Institute. Chris holds a Master in Business Administration from Dalhousie University, a Bachelor of Business Management Degree from Ryerson University and a Diploma in Business Management and Accounting from George Brown College. He is a Personal Financial Planner, and a Fellow of the Institute of Canadian Bankers. Chris presented a series on financial planning and retail borrowing on OMNI television. He appeared as a guest on the “My Money” segment on the Women’s Cable network, and represented the bank on a regular basis at community events throughout his years in the financial services industry. He was a mentor both for the bank and for new immigrants to Canada with a financial services background. He wrote a weekly column in the 24-Hour community newspaper called Financial Fitness which was featured in Canoe Money where he was one of the columnists.
Erin McGinn is Assistant Deputy Minister of the Ontario Ministry of Advanced Education and Skills Development’s Workforce Policy and Innovation Division. Erin’s work for the Ontario government is focused on developing innovative labour market and workforce strategies that make connections between the economy, education, employers and jobseekers. Since joining the Ontario Public Service in September 2017 as Assistant Deputy Minister, Highly Skilled Workforce, Erin has led collaborative policy work in areas such as postsecondary experiential learning, adult education, apprenticeship modernization and labour market information. Prior to joining the ministry, Erin served as Assistant Vice-President, Communications, Government and Community Engagement at Ryerson University, having held positions of progressive responsibility at Ryerson between 2005 and 2017.
Steve Teekens is a member of Nipissing First Nation. Steve has been working with the marginalized and homeless sector in Toronto since 1995. Steve is the Executive Director at Na-Me-Res (Native Men’s Residence) where he has worked since 2008. Steve is very active in Toronto's Aboriginal Community where he volunteers on the board of Miziwe Biik Aboriginal Employment and Training, Aboriginal Legal Services Community Council Program, Toronto Police Services Aboriginal Consultative Committee, Vice President of TASSC (Toronto Aboriginal Social Services Council). Steve also teaches traditional drumming and to the youth and men at various Native organizations inside and outside of Toronto. Steve enjoys working and volunteering in the Aboriginal Community and wishes to see people overcome their obstacles and find the resilience in themselves to succeed in life.
Jay Lomax is from the Dakota Tipi First Nation in Manitoba. I am a survivor of the 70’s adoption scoop in Manitoba and have been living in Toronto for most of my life. I spent a few years on my reserve to learn the traditional teachings, ceremony and culture including Pow Wow dancing. I was inspired by dancing when I met Ms. Buffy Handel and her mentor, Boye Ladd teaching pow wow dance class together at the Dakota Tipi School. Since learning how to dance, Jay has travelled to all of the pow wows in Ontario and I have done approximately 200 shows demonstrating my style of dance. I have performed for the Pope, the Duchess of Wesex, The World Arts Council, Pan Am Games Committee and the World Aids Conference and for many government and nonprofit agencies in the city. He is currently dancing the "prairie chicken dance" style and the "grass dance". I make my own outfits and teach children how to dance as part of my Master of Social Work degree. "It takes a lot of time and patience to make an outfit". He believes that dancing is a way to release the stress of everyday life and find that "there is a new lesson at every pow wow".
Heather Turnbull is a Toronto based meeting facilitator and career advancement consultant. She assists organizations in strategizing and implementing better ideas for success, over the long term. In addition to her extensive volunteer activities in the performing arts and martial arts, she is a passionate advocate for IEPs and all vital contributors to Canada's social and economic wellbeing.
Clive Hall embodies the drive of an entrepreneur with the best of Canadian values: respect for all, nurturing communities and cultures, and paying it forward. From his early years as a Jamaican immigrant, Clive found his footing through the life-changing support of a schoolteacher who set him on a solid educational path. Coupled with ambition and sweat equity, he secured a pizza franchise before he was twenty, and built his formal knowledge in studying marketing (Humber College) and business (B. Economics, University of Guelph). Since then, he’s dabbled in the courier industry (VP at Fed-Ex as well as starting his own venture), property management (growing from administering one building to 14), and furniture production and distribution (supplying Carnival Cruise lines through a unique relationship with the Mennonites). His career journey includes failures as well as successes – a combination which powerfully informs him as a pragmatic business leader, husband and father, and tireless mentor to job seekers, particularly youth, trying to successfully navigate the Canadian system.
Harmy Mendoza is a recognized visionary and leader with 15+ years of experience in the Anti-Violence field including front-line, policy development and training. Her desire is to live in a violence-free world, where women and girls are offered equal opportunities to reach their full potential. For the past ten years, she has led WomanACT through a series of positive changes, including becoming a charitable organization and the envisioning, planning and creation of the WomanACT's “Soul of A Warrior” recognition awards, the first of its kind for front-line staff working in the Anti-Violence sector in Toronto. Harmy thrives on developing provincial and citywide networks with professionals in diverse industries such as judicial, corrections, corporate and community-based organizations to address systemic gaps and ensure effective approaches to woman abuse issues.
Originally from Sri Lanka, Devi Arasanayagam works in Toronto’s Employment & Social Services Division where she focuses on Employer & Stakeholder Management. Through providing employment services, financial benefits and social supports the division aims to strengthen the social and economic well being of Torontonians in their communities. In her management capacity, Devi oversees a number of workforce development initiatives including the work-based learning program known as the Job Incentive Program. In addition, she is a member of the Inter-Governmental Committee on Economic & Labour Force Development (ICE) as well as Tamils in Public Service. Devi is the co-founder and current co-chair of the Fort York Food Bank (FYFB), which for several years has been rated by Charity Intelligence as one of Canada's top 10 impact charities.
Jake Hirsch-Allen is currently the Economic Graph and Higher Ed Learning Solutions Lead at LinkedIn Canada. He is a Director on the Board of the Canadian Club, teaches Global Health at McMaster University and is on the Advisory Boards of the Hot Docs Cinema and Code for Canada. Jake founded Lighthouse Labs, Canada's foremost software development bootcamp and Hacking Health. A former intellectual property and international criminal lawyer, Jake was also Chair of the Technology Committee of the Global Education Platform and clerked at the Supreme Court of Israel.
Marc is an Enterprise Relationship Manager from LinkedIn. He works with some of Canada's biggest companies to help support their talent strategies in this new digital age of candidate attraction. Marc has worked for LinkedIn for 2.5 years. Prior to that Marc was at Intel, Oracle, and SAP. Marc is passionate about technology and connecting people. Marc has an extensive international professional experience, working in the Middle east, Europe and North America. Marc is passionate about the vision LinkedIn has for its individual members, it's customers, the communities in which they operate, and the global workforce. He is excited to be coming to IEP conference to share best practices to help newcomers build their profile on LinkedIn and the importance of having a LinkedIn Profile to help them land their dream job.
Sean has over 17 years as a Technology professional working for companies such as Microsoft, and Ingram Micro. In 2007 when he joined Microsoft in a sales and sales leadership role he was the youngest manager at the time. At Salesforce.com Sean worked primarily in the US market building tech solutions for customer in the Boston area. When it comes to what works in building a professional and business profile Sean is an expert. In his current role at LinkedIn he works in the enterprise space providing consulting services and technology solutions to some of Canada’s biggest companies in the talent acquisition space.
Chanelle is a Career Development Professional at PCPI for over twelve years, in progressive roles. In her current role as Youth Employment Program Coordinator, She designs and develops, employment related workshops and is one of the key soft-skills trainer and educator of employability skills. Chanelle also has over 10 years of managerial, administration and marketing experience. She holds a Bachelor's Degree in Marketing & Advertising, and she is certified in Personality Dimensions and Level B Psychological Instruments
Sheryll has 10 years in experience developing and facilitating Adult Learning using many methods including; face to face, online and blended approaches. She is an expert in HR solutions and has helped hundreds jobseekers fulfil their career goal while addressing employers’ hiring needs. Her passion lies in helping people to reach their full potential by sharing her knowledge and by creating a supportive and empowering learning environment for her clients. Sheryll believes in a shared learning experience for both facilitator and learner.
Sukhjit Singh is an accomplished Career Development Professional and an avid volunteer. Being inspired by Volunteerism and becoming a passionate and proud Canadian; A strong supporter of social and civic inclusion for newcomers to Canada, he feels that volunteer work is not only a way to gain Canadian work experience, but it is the best way to participate in and learn about new country as well. Sukhjit recently published his first book “Same Shoes, Different Doors”. This book is chronological stories of his journey of struggle and success as a new immigrant in Canada. Sukhjit lives in Mississauga, Ontario, with his wife and daughter; he is interested in sports and now a days he is learning karate.
Adeilton is a professional engineer with a degree in Civil Engineering from Brazil, his engineering work experience is in the industries of Pulp & Paper and LRT Transportation. Adeilton joined PEO in October 2016 in the role of EIT & Student Programs Coordinator providing guidance and support for the EIT Program, the Student Membership Program (SMP) and the Licensure Assistance Program (LAP).
Kasthuri works at the Scarborough YMCA Employment Centre where she assists jobseekers with job readiness for the workforce. She runs Resume Writing, Cover Letter Writing, Job Search and Interview Skills workshops, provides guidance on labour market Information and assists clients with individualize resume reviews and support.
Sandra Ng has been an Employment Resources Consultant for the past 3 years. She is responsible for delivering pre-employment services (critiquing resumes, cover letters and conducting mock interviews). She has a degree in Sociology and was previously in the corporate sector for 5 years in Quality Assurance for the Automotive/IT industry.
Chanelle is a Career Development Professional at PCPI for over twelve years, in progressive roles. In her current role as Youth Employment Program Coordinator, She designs and develops, employment related workshops and is one of the key soft-skills trainer and educator of employability skills. Chanelle also has over 10 years of managerial, administration and marketing experience. She holds a Bachelor's Degree in Marketing & Advertising, and she is certified in Personality Dimensions and Level B Psychological Instruments.
Darya is the owner of 4DPM, providing training, facilitation and consulting services in project management. Darya has over 20 years experience managing projects in construction, standards development and business consulting, and in project management consulting and training. Practice areas include PM governance, PM software implementation, and course design and delivery. Darya has volunteered for the Project Management Institute, lectures at Queens University and is a member of the Canadian Mirror Committee to ISO/TC 258 for Project, programme and portfolio management. Her corporate customers include Procept Associates, Canada’s two largest nuclear electricity generators, a defense contractor and two mining corporations.
Chris is the Executive Director of Engineering for Mooney Metaxas Engineering Inc. (MME) and is a designated Consulting Professional Engineer under the PEO. Chris is responsible for overall management of engineering services including providing input into the talent acquisition and career development of technical staff at MME. He has worked for engineering consulting and design-build firms in roles including engineering design, project management and contract administration for private and public-sector clients. Chris also volunteered as a technical advisor for Bridging the Gap Africa and on the Board of Directors for the Sir Sanford Fleming Foundation supporting funding engineering education programmes.
Mehemed Delibasic is the Manager of Transportation Planning at WSP Canada Inc. and has over 18 years of experience in the transportation sector. Mehemed holds a Masters of Science degree in Traffic/ Transportation Engineering. Mehemed’s projects include Transportation Master Plans, GO Transit / Metrolinx / TTC LRT-BRT-Subway transit projects, Municipal and Provincial Class Environmental Assessments, transportation demand and traffic management, transportation / urban planning, preliminary and detailed highway / road design, transportation impact and traffic safety studies, and traffic operations and parking studies. Mehemed volunteers with the Ontario Society of Professional Engineers and the Canadian Institute of Transportation Engineers.
Pauline Gavilaniz is a member of DMC Mining Services’ Executive Leadership Team and provides strategic direction in Human Resources. As a Certified Human Resources Leader (CHRL), Pauline’s career spans 20+ years within the large Construction, Waste Management and Engineering Consulting sectors. Pauline is the President of the EHRA (Engineering Human Resources Association) Executive Board of Directors. As an advocate and leader with respect to "Multi-culturalism" and "New Canadians" initiatives, she has participated in numerous community and professional events as a panelist and subject matter expert.
Rene is the Director of Human Resources for The Municipal Infrastructure Group as well as TMIG's Social Procurement Liaison. Having worked in HR for the last 20 years, Rene is very familiar with acquiring and developing talent in the field of civil engineering. Rene considers herself a life learner and has recently enrolled in Centennial College's Leadership and Inclusion Certificate Program so she can learn to better understand policies and practices as they relate to Diversity & Inclusion in the workplace.
Ali Hoss is IESO’s business manager responsible for developing, managing, and implementing the Energy Performance Program and strategic account plans for multi-site customers. Ali is an award-winning professional engineer with a PhD in Mechanical Engineering, as well as a Certified Energy Manager and a Certified Measurement and Verification Professional. Ali has been awarded for contributions to the energy profession and for the development of innovative sustainable energy technologies. Ali has authored more than 12 journal and conference papers, co-authored 2 book chapters, and has delivered many lectures and presentations at national and international conferences, symposia, and technical meetings.
Dave started his career in Finance at Ford Motor Company, Powertrain division. At Ford he also worked in Manufacturing Controls engineering and Manufacturing Data Systems. From Ford, he went to Flow, where he was Product Manager and General Manager of Flow Software Technologies. After 4 years at Flow, Dave started DataRealm Inc. DataRealm grew and facilitated corporate-wide data collection into Ford, which became a corporate standard. DataRealm now employs 35 and is incorporated in Canada, US and Mexico. Its customers include Ford, GM, Chrysler/FCA, Honda, ABB Robotics, Thyssen Krupp Systems Engineering, Jamieson Vitamins and more.
Réjeanne is currently a Senior Consultant with KPMG, having previously worked at SR&ED Consulting and General Motors. She was elected to the OSPE Board of Directors in 2017 and appointed as Secretary of the Board in 2018. Réjeanne has volunteered with Women in Engineering Science (WIES) by leading the Marketing and Media for the Design Competition Leadership Committee and as a coding volunteer. She has dedicated time to supporting children ages 11-14 to design, build and market apps to support sports rehabilitation. She holds an MBA from the University of Phoenix and a BESc. from the University of Western Ontario.
Maureen Ford is Program Manager of the ICTC initiative that connects employers to newcomer ICT professionals who are employment-ready after completing ICTC’s bridge training program called the Integrated Work Experience Strategy (IWES) Program. IWES is a workforce-solution bridge training program that prepares and assists internationally educated and experienced ICT professionals to secure employment and continue their career in Canada's Digital economy. ICTC is a not-for-profit national centre of expertise for the digital economy. Through trusted research, innovative talent solutions, and practical policy advice, ICTC fosters industry economic development and consumer engagement in a global market. For more information visit www.ictc-ctic.ca
Ron Lokaisingh is CEO of Odyssey Services, a Global messaging platform company. His experience as an entrepreneur, business leader and technical background has enabled him to launch and expand several technology businesses over the past 20 years: Digital Horizons, a SaaS digital delivery service; CyberKare Technologies, a Professional Services company; and Syncron Technologies, a software and hardware integration company. Ron's passion for helping people realize and actualize their business dreams, has led him to coaching and mentoring, and to creating a new venture to help entrepreneurs and small business grow their companies, with solid strategy, planning and implementation, emphasizing Marketing and Sales, and how it all connects.
Chris is currently the founder and CEO of Account HQ, where he is building the next generation of CRM. Previously, Chris previously was Director of Growth at Hubba, where he was part of a amazing team that grew from 10 employees to almost 80 in 2 years and raised a Series A and Series B round of financing. Chris is also actively involved in mentoring and coaching new Canadians in the technology sector, as well as unemployed & underemployed university students. Recently, Chris has founded the Toronto Growth Peer Meetup group, where he is working with other rockstars to build a culture of growth in Toronto.
Kevin has managed WES’ institutional client development and relations for the past 17 years. He works closely with all stakeholders in the international academic credential assessment and recognition community in Canada. Prior to joining WES, Kevin worked in both the private and public sectors. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Sociology and Master’s degrees in Social Sciences and International Relations from universities in the United States.
Monica Brennan is the Manager of the York University Bridging Programs Internationally Educated Professionals in IT, HR and Business. Before joining York University, Monica worked with the Toronto Region Immigrant Employment Council (TRIEC) as the Director of Mentoring. She has over 25 years’ experience working in the non-profit sector, with immigrant communities and networking organizations in Canada and Ireland. She holds an Honours B.A. from McGill University, a M.A. from the National University of Ireland and a Certificate on European immigration, asylum law and policy from the Université Libre de Bruxelles.
Ted Maulucci, became President of SmartONE Solutions Inc., a company committed to advancing the digital living experience in communities, after a 26 year career as the Chief Information Officer of a leading Toronto-based multi-family real estate developer. He has received several international and local awards for IT leadership, IT application development, smart buildings, and social contribution. Some notable leadership and innovation awards are the “Top Ten Best in Class CIO’s in North America” by Computerworld, two “CIPA Gold Award of Excellence” for application development in the real estate industry. Ted is passionate about contributing to new Canadians in the ICT sector and to advancing innovation in smart and connected communities.
Pritam Shrestha is Project Coordinator at Humber College for the IT Infrastructure Bridging Program. The program provides technical training, job search training and employer connections to internationally trained and experienced IT professionals for starting and continuing their career in their field in Canada. Prior to Humber College, Pritam used to be Program Manager for the engineering bridging program at the University of Toronto. He has been managing academic projects in post-secondary institutions for the last 10+ years, although he had his initial career in engineering. He finds it rewarding to be able to assist newcomer immigrants to secure jobs in their field.
As a Project Manager for ACCES Employment, Robert supports internationally trained Information Technology (IT) professionals to get the help they need to find jobs that match their skills and experience. He participates in developing and implementing bridge training that is designed to offer support to internationally trained IT professionals without duplicating what they have already learned. Robert has been working at ACCES Employment for the past eight years supporting over 1,500 Information Technology job seekers in securing successful employment. This success is a result of working closely with businesses and industries in preparing job seekers to be career-ready and to contribute to a strong Ontario.
Wendy Woods brings over a decade's worth of corporate training and coaching experience specializing in Leadership and Resilience. By focusing on Emotional Intelligence, Mindfulness and Neuroscience, she helps her clients leverage their time, increase their effectiveness, and achieve better results. Prior to Watershed, Wendy worked for leading Bay Street companies such as Dynamic Mutual Funds, Richardson Greenshields and RBC Dominion Securities. She has her Honours B.A. in Psychology, an M.B.A., a Certificate in Adult Education, a Certificate in Applied Mindfulness Meditation, and a license in Emotional Intelligence (MHS).
Leo Liu is the Marketing Manager at Kruger Products, the largest tissue product company in Canada. Previously, he held several brand management roles at Reckitt Benckiser Canada and Unilever US, where he led brand strategy, product innovation and consumer communication. Leo graduated from Yale University with a M. A. Degree in Statistics in 2011. He was born, raised in China and received a Master’s degree of Electrical Engineering from Peking University. He currently lives in Toronto with his wife and two young sons. During his spare time, he is an active Real Estate Investor and enjoys reading, golf and basketball.
Winnie is a passionate marketer at heart with over 10 years of experience across various industries including Telecommunications, Retail, Financial & Consumer Packaged Goods, in both Hong Kong & Toronto. Having born & raised in Hong Kong to Indian parents, and then having the opportunity to study at the University of Toronto, she has embraced the diversity of the Chinese, Indian & Canadian cultures. She has been able to share such knowledge as she worked across various multi-million dollar brands such as Walmart, Motrin & Smirnoff. In her current role at Telus, she continues on that journey of building her multicultural experience.
Abhijeet Ray describes himself as a ‘serial migrant worker’ - which matches with his professional profile of having worked in 10 organizations across 7 countries. Some of the roles were pan-regional, which took him to over 15 markets each with its distinctive culture and marcom landscape. What makes him tick is the adrenalin rush of navigating starkly different work and life challenges that each new market threw up and did not necessarily help build a traditional career path. His assignments have been mainly in the world of marketing communications, working with both specialist consultancies as well as global multinationals. He moved to Canada in 2013 and his current major assignment is heading Media and PR as VP at Ethnicity Multicultural Marketing and Advertising.
Shashank has 15 years of B2B sales and account management experience in technology consulting and marketing research. He helps several Fortune 500 firms to invest in right business technologies by filtering the hype around technology and consumer trends. In his current role, Shashank is Global Engagement Lead at RIWI Corp, where he actively engages global clients for accelerated growth. He acts as an interface with all levels of management in client organizations, including CEOs, Business Unit Heads and Marketing Heads. He has also led complex sales for one of the most influential research and advisory firms in the world, Forrester Research.
Promoting Innovation and Connection in all aspects of life. Diana moved to Toronto from Rome in 1980. She studied languages at York U (she speaks 5) and is a Certified Professional Coach. She’s worked in Corporate Sales for the better part of 20 years; managing teams, expanding new territories and building relationships. Meeting clients “where they are” and providing them with a path to solution has been her own pathway to success. Today, she leverages this experience in her coaching career in which she encourages her clients to be resourceful, courageous and grow past their fears. Diana is also an entrepreneur in her own right and is currently working on a platform to make more people gainfully self-employed. In her freer time, she’s a self-declared podcast junkie who finds inspiration, potential and a punchline in the every day. She plans on living forever. So far, so good.
As a senior marketing strategist, Oktay helps organizations succeed and thrive in today's (and tomorrow's) competitive marketplace. With over 15 years of experience, he has helped leading global companies such as Adobe, Telus, Digital Vision and ACD Systems achieve their marketing goals. He believes that to be successful in marketing, it is essential to delight the customer providing them with a product and multisensory experience that far surpasses their expectations. Oktay is a graduate of St. Mary’s University. He is currently completing his Master of Strategic Foresight and Innovation at OCAD University.
Lina Duque, MBA, is a social media strategist, university lecturer and international speaker and moderator. Her analysis has appeared in the Harvard Business Review, Forbes, Globe and Mail and Journal of the American College of Radiology, among others. She is advisor to C-suite executives and academics on social media strategy. Lina's speaking portfolio includes Harvard University, McGill University, University of Toronto, Lean In Canada, Ellevate Network (New York) and the World Communication Forum in Geneva. She has an Executive MBA from Ivey Business School. Connect with Lina via her website LinaDuqueConsulting.com or on Twitter @LinaDuqueMBA.
Heather Turnbull helps Not for Profit and Corporate sector organizations develop strategy, articulate relevancy and impact, and implement solutions that are potent, innovative and sustainable. Heather's facilitation techniques support important conversations, build consensus, and guide implementation for real progress. Her 25+ years experience includes assignments in mergers and acquisitions (specifically talent development and culture integration), leadership, and employee and volunteer engagement. A native Maritimer, Heather has proudly served in numerous volunteer capacities at both the executive and committee levels, including Global President of the Association of Career Professionals (ACP) International, as well as extensive involvement with the IEP Conferences.
After completing his CA from Pakistan in 2008, Rauf looked to Canada to advance his career opportunities. He spent 3 years with PwC in the Bahamas, finally coming to Canada in 2013. Applying for hundreds of jobs and giving dozens of interviews, he finally secured a contract at Collins Barrow. He switched to Ernst Young, serving as a Senior Manager in the Financial Services Assurance practice before moving to RBC in Summer 2017. Rauf has experienced first-hand the challenges newcomers face, hence he is actively involved in helping them through the CPA Ontario Volunteer program, CA Pakistan Canada Chapter and CMA Pakistan members group.
Jenny Okonkwo’s practice is focused on helping companies minimize financial risk to maximize commercial opportunity. Her clients include Molson Coors Canada, Labatt Breweries, Pepsico, Burger King, Skyservice and Johnson & Johnson. Jenny Okonkwo is also a recognized leader in the professional accounting community. She founded the Black Female Accountants Network (BFAN), an organization that provides mentoring and career development opportunities for its members. Jenny’s leadership and achievements with BFAN were featured in the September 2017 issue of CPA Canada Magazine. In 2016, Jenny received a Diversity Advancement Network Role Model award, and just recently she was nominated by TRIEC for the Pioneers for Change (PfC) 2018 Award.
Vishal is responsible for financial planning, strategy and executive reporting for Koodo Mobile, PC Mobile and Public Mobile brands. His portfolio also includes data analytics in order to support the marketing function with key insights that drive better customer experiences and create shareholder value. Prior to this role, Vishal did his MBA and CPA, CMA through Schulich’s combined Master’s program and has 4+ years of capital markets experience in India in equity research, and in raising capital for the real estate sector.
Carmen Jacques, CPA, CGA, is a Student Recruitment Manager with the Chartered Professional Accountants of Ontario. In addition to her CPA designation, Carmen also holds a Bachelor of Commerce degree from Sydenham College, University of Mumbai. A skilled accountant with a wealth of experience in international industry, Carmen offers exceptional knowledge and expertise in helping new Canadians. Carmen personifies the values of CPA Ontario, and is an invaluable resource when communicating the career benefits and opportunities offered by a CPA designation. For more information about your future career as a CPA, you will have an opportunity speak to Carmen.
Sushma Subedi is a finance professional with over 10 years of experience in both private and not for profit sectors. Prior to joining Women’s Habitat of Etobicoke, Sushma worked at Furniture Bank for over 5 years, as Controller. Her expertise is managing overall financial systems in not for profit organizations including financial planning and budgeting, reporting and analysis, internal controls and year end audit. Sushma is a Chartered Professional Accountant of Ontario (CPA, CGA) and holds a Master’s degree in Business Studies with finance specialization from Tribhuvan University, Nepal.
Evert Akkerman is an HR Professional based out of Newmarket, Ontario. Born and raised in Holland, he immigrated to Canada in 1999, gaining Canadian experience through temp agencies and obtaining his HR designation by taking evening classes. For over eight years, he served as HR Head for DUCA Financial Services Credit Union Ltd. In 2012, Evert founded XNL HR & Communications, helping organizations thrive by unlocking their human potential. In 2015, Evert won the inaugural Randstad Canada Professionals Talent Award for Innovation in HR.
Dr. Nava Israel is a dynamic professional and entrepreneur who thrives in an ever-evolving landscape of learning, business and industry. She is an internationally educated professional in the field of healthcare, and a leader in driving fairness and social change for immigrants in Canada. Nava is the Program Manager of a bridge training program for mental health professionals at the Mennonite New Life Centre of Toronto, and a Director of Programs at the Toronto New Life Wellness Place, an innovative social enterprise designed to support entrepreneurial, immigrant health and wellness professionals.
Mayada is an internationally educated doctor, educator, community development professional, registered psychotherapist, and certified counsellor/career counsellor. She started her work with internationally educated professionals in New Zealand in 1996 and continued supporting newcomer health professionals in Canada. She has been working in HealthForceOntario for the last ten years, currently in the role of Senior Program Development Coordinator. Mayada has both strong academic knowledge and rich practical expertise relevant to building careers in the countries of settlement. She has developed and implemented programs and workshops in the areas of the medical culture and communication, health communication and alternative careers.
Dr. Shafi Bhuiyan is an internationally-recognized scientist and academic leader in global public health and post-graduate education initiatives, with diverse experience in both developed and developing countries. Currently, Dr. Bhuiyan is co-founder and program lead of the innovative Internationally Trained Medical Doctors (ITMD) Bridging Program at the Chang School of Continuing Education, Ryerson University. The bridging program provides ITMDs with training to transition into non-licensed health care positions. Dr. Bhuiyan holds positions at Ryerson University’s Faculty of Community Services as Adjunct Professor and he is also an Assistant Professor at the University of Toronto’s Dalla Lana School of Public Health.
Carolyn is an internationally educated professional who immigrated to Canada in 1988. She is the Manager of the International Department, Bridging programs and the Michener English Language Assessment programs at The Michener Institute of Education at UHN. Her career at Michener started 30 years ago. Support of International students in the full-time programs and the design and development of international customized curriculum are two of the many projects that she is currently involved in. In 2015, Carolyn assumed leadership of the Bridging programs, and actively supports Internationally Educated Health Professionals who are preparing to write their regulatory exams.
Ruth is the Executive Director of CARE Centre for Internationally Educated Nurses, and Associate Clinical Professor at School of Nursing, McMaster University. Ruth received her BScN and MScN from the Faculty of Nursing and PhD from the Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto. Ruth’s clinical expertise spans from staff nurse, clinical nurse specialist, program manager, Chief of Nursing Practice, and Executive Director. Her research, publications and presentations include culturally competent practice, diversity and cultural issues in health care, and health human resources planning with a focus on internationally educated nurses.
Dr. Nicodeme, an internationally educated medical doctor, is a lead consultant on Alternative Careers for Internationally Educated Healthcare Professionals at Community Maters and a Program Manager at International Medical Graduates Waste-Prevention Network. In both capacities, Dr Nicodeme is motivated by the desire to contribute in the design and implementation of programs aimed at addressing the needs of internationally educated health professionals for integration. In Calgary, Alberta he served as Vice President of the Alberta International Medical Graduates Association, worked with Blue Sky Staffing to help IMGs work as Clinical Aides on their paths to Residency.
Following a successful career at the City of Toronto/Enterprise Toronto assisting aspiring entrepreneurs and new business owners, Ronit remains a passionate advocate of the benefits of entrepreneurism. In her recent capacity as Business Information Specialist, Ronit frequently validated and supported many business proposals, in addition to supplying reference and regulatory requirements services, as well as market research data. She helped organize Forums, created a special library, and designed and delivered workshops. For many years, Ronit served as a mentor in the City of Toronto's "Profession to Profession" Mentoring Immigrant Program. Since her arrival in Canada in 1989, Ronit has complemented her formal education with various business courses and certifications. She holds undergraduate degrees in French Language and Literature, Philosophy and Art History, as well as a professional designation in Library Sciences
Author and Scale-Up Coach to Founder CEOs, Brent Lowe is the trusted expert for founders when in growth mode. Facing intense pressure to grow, founders work with Brent to add fuel to their personal performance and that of their teams. After founding three successful companies by the age of 24, Brent redirected his energy to helping other founders build great businesses. He served on the senior leadership teams of three early-stage companies before becoming a coach, facilitator and advisor. Brent recently co-authored "Reinventing Scale-Ups", where he explores radical ideas that will challenge your own thinking about what it means to be a leader.
Ramesh started his advertising career in India and after two decades, moved to Dubai and then Canada. His experience spans all facets of Client Management with some of the world’s most respected agencies – BBDO, Lowe & Partners, McCann Erickson and Publicis. During his career, he has developed communications for well-known brands like Coca-Cola, SONY, Vodafone, Henkel and BMW. Ramesh is a strong strategic thinker and an exceptional client services professional. Apart from being part of the team that won India’s first award at Cannes, he has headed agency teams in Canada that have consistently been awarded by Marketing Magazine for creative excellence in multicultural communications. Ramesh has also been a frequent speaker at multicultural conferences and seminars in Toronto.
Usha Srinivasan leads a team dedicated to both nurturing & developing the talents of Canadians through a range of diverse programs, including the Business Acceleration Program, Entrepreneurship Education, Market Intelligence, Scale up voucher program and Studio Y. Together, they provide advisory services and leadership training, connect entrepreneurs with program funding, help leverage market & industry intelligence, and work to make online and experiential educational content accessible through Regional Innovation Centre’s across the province, including MaRS. Usha is a scientist turned market researcher and now educator of entrepreneurs. Usha has lived and worked in six countries including, India, Iran, UAE, UK, USA and Canada and speaks fluent Hindi and Tamil.
As Managing Director of U of T Entrepreneurship, Keri works to inspire and grow the next generation of entrepreneurs and the entrepreneurship ecosystem across U of T. Previously she led the Entrepreneurship Programs team at MaRS Discovery District where she was dedicated to helping entrepreneurs successfully bring their ideas to market, creating programs and content from scratch to becoming Canada's largest entrepreneurship education provider. The flagship program Entrepreneurship 101, attended by tens of thousands every year, won Startup Canada’s Entrepreneurial Effect Award in 2014. Keri has an International MBA (IMBA) from the Schulich School of Business at York University.
Gerard Keledjian is the Founder of New Horizons Media, a multicultural video Production social enterprise. He works with a team of internationally trained media professionals, young graduates and people with disabilities to assist Canadian non-profits and small businesses with their video production and content needs. Through New Horizons Media, Gerard produces and co-hosts NEW CANADIANS,a TV and web-based national series dedicated to newcomers to Canada and would-be immigrants. He also organizes the Immigrant Business Expo, as well as the Immigrant Business Café event series for newcomer entrepreneurs.
Exceptional partnership opportunities with PCPI.
Reach thousands of skilled professionals at the conference.
Date:
March 22, 2018
Time:
7:30 am - 8:25 am
Room:
LOWER LEVEL
Date:
March 22, 2018
Time:
8:25 am - 8:30 am
Room:
Room 105
Drum and Dance Ceremony
Date:
March 22, 2018
Time:
8:30 am - 8:35 am
Room:
Room 105
Date:
March 22, 2018
Time:
8:30 am - 11:30 am
Room:
Room 105
Plenary Session: - Chris Alexander, Past Chair, PCPI
Date:
March 22, 2018
Time:
8:35 am - 8:55 am
Room:
Room 105
Erin McGinn, Assistant Deputy Minister, Ministry of Advance Education and Skills Development (MAESD) Highly Skilled Workforce Division
Date:
March 22, 2018
Time:
8:55 am - 9:30 am
Room:
Room 105
Richard Pinnock, Member, Peel-Halton Local Employment Planning Council
Date:
March 22, 2018
Time:
9:30 am - 10:15 am
Room:
Room 105
Be Tomorrow Ready, Today: Maximize your opportunities with organizations who value your talent and skills, including as Entrepreneurs! The ‘Straight Goods’ Segment Overview (45 minutes) Overview: Four speakers ( representing corporate, not for profit, government, and entrepreneurial sectors) offer ‘straight goods’ advice from their lived experiences as an immigrant/IEP/Employer - navigating their own careers or supporting others in accessing the Canadian job market, with special emphasis on hiring, managing, and retaining culturally diverse talent.
Date:
February 22, 2018
Time:
10:15 am - 10:30 am
Date:
March 22, 2018
Time:
10:30 am - 12:00 pm
Room:
Room 105
Overview The Engineer Sector hub is designed to have Thought Leaders in a panel format, share their expertise and knowledge on trends and hiring practices in the sector. The delegates will have the opportunity to: •Learn what engineering employers are looking for in a potential candidate •To ask your individual questions and gain practical advice of internationally educated professionals who have lived experience of gaining employment and progressing their career in Canada •Gain clarity on the P.Eng licensing requirements for new Canadians •Identify what does not work when seeking employment •Form connections with potential employers
Date:
March 22, 2018
Time:
10:30 am - 12:00 pm
Room:
Room 104C
The Information and Technology Sector Hub is designed to help you learn from Sector specialists, Generalists and Program Advisors how best to position yourself for employment success in Canada. •Hear from employers who are passionate about their field and about helping immigrants find their path in IT •Hear from program advisors about what is available to help prepare you for a successful job search •Find out what you need to do to prepare yourself to be well represented in your Canadian job search with your international education and experience •Learn and experience how powerful and useful networking is to a successful career
Date:
March 22, 2018
Time:
10:30 am - 12:00 pm
Room:
Room 104AB
"Looking to get into Sales, Marketing or Communication? Come hear from the experts." Overview Description: In this interactive session, you’ll: • Learn from other IEPS on how they navigated the Canadian Sales, Marketing & Communications landscape to get successful roles • Understand the key skills, experience and education for this sector • Identity how to best market yourself in a competitive marketplace
Date:
March 22, 2018
Time:
10:30 am - 11:15 am
Room:
Room 101
Creating an Effective LinkedIn Profile
Date:
March 22, 2018
Time:
10:30 am - 11:15 am
Room:
Room 104D
What Makes You Memorable
Date:
March 22, 2018
Time:
11:15 am - 12:00 pm
Room:
Room 101
Creating an Effective LinkedIn Profile
Date:
March 22, 2018
Time:
11:15 am - 12:00 pm
Room:
Room 104D
What Makes You Memorable
Date:
March 22, 2018
Time:
12:00 pm - 1:00 pm
Room:
TBD
Note: Light lunch provided for delegates from 12:00 – 1PM.
Date:
March 22, 2018
Time:
1:00 pm - 2:30 pm
Room:
Room 105
"Accessing Healthcare Professions – Exploring the journey, the challenges and the solutions" Overview Description: This session aims to help IEHPs integrate into the Ontario health care system by offering information and advice on the different available ways to become trained, licensed, and employed in their profession, or in a meaningful alternative career. Objectives: •Acknowledging the challenges immigrant healthcare professionals face in accessing their professions in Ontario •Exploring the personal toll of these difficulties and ways to deal with and overcome the pain •Helping attendees make sense of the regulated environment •Introducing attendees to the many existing supports available for immigrant healthcare professionals •Introducing attendees to success stories and meaningful alternate career options
Date:
March 22, 2018
Time:
1:00 pm - 2:30 pm
Room:
Room 104AB
"Discovering opportunities and rewarding careers in Canada's Financial Services sector" Overview Description: Join Financial professionals from the corporate and non-profit sectors as they discuss how to identify, apply and interview for in-demand positions. This session also covers general aspects of the regulatory environment, certifications, and academic qualifications needed for various roles; plus •Learn how to network for job leads and expand your contacts •Practise making a great first impression, especially in interviews •Discover more about Canada's financial services sector, one of the strongest in the world; and the career opportunities available to IEPs within large, medium and small enterprise employers
Date:
March 22, 2018
Time:
1:00 pm - 2:30 pm
Room:
Room 104C
Overview Curious about starting your own business in Canada? You're not alone: it's one of the fastest growing career opportunities for newcomers! Delegates can expect to: •Learn the fundamentals of Entrepreneurship in the Canadian economy/an alternative option to employment •Discover the Canadian environment and culture for entrepreneurs •Appreciate how to develop a business idea and validate assumptions •Understand small business financing options •Be motivated by entrepreneurs sharing their business experiences •Participate in a question & answer session •Receive tips on free resources for entrepreneurs
Date:
March 22, 2018
Time:
1:00 pm - 1:45 pm
Room:
Room 101
Creating an Effective LinkedIn Profile
Date:
March 22, 2018
Time:
1:00 pm - 1:45 pm
Room:
Room 104D
What Makes You Memorable
Date:
March 22, 2018
Time:
1:45 pm - 2:30 pm
Room:
Room 101
Creating an Effective LinkedIn Profile
Date:
March 22, 2018
Time:
1:45 pm - 2:30 pm
Room:
Room 104D
What Makes You Memorable
Date:
March 22, 2018
Time:
2:30 pm - 2:45 pm
Date:
March 22, 2018
Time:
2:45 pm - 3:45 pm
Room:
Room 105
Michael Bach, Founder and CEO of the Canadian Centre for Diversity & Inclusion
Date:
March 22, 2018
Time:
- 3:45 pm
Date:
March 23, 2018
Time:
9:00 am -
Room:
LOWER LEVEL
Date:
March 23, 2018
Time:
10:00 am - 10:30 am
Date:
March 23, 2018
Time:
10:30 am - 11:00 am
Date:
March 23, 2018
Time:
11:00 am - 11:30 am
Date:
March 23, 2018
Time:
11:30 am - 12:00 pm
Date:
March 23, 2018
Time:
12:00 pm - 12:30 pm
Date:
March 23, 2018
Time:
12:30 pm - 1:00 pm
Date:
March 23, 2018
Time:
1:00 pm - 1:30 pm
Date:
March 23, 2018
Time:
1:30 pm - 2:00 pm
Date:
March 23, 2018
Time:
2:00 pm - 2:30 pm
Date:
March 23, 2018
Time:
2:30 pm - 3:00 pm
Date:
March 23, 2018
Time:
3:00 pm - 3:30 pm
Date:
March 23, 2018
Time:
- 3:30 pm