MOSAIC hosted its 2022 Immigrant Professionals Conference on Saturday, Nov. 26 at the University of British Columbia Robson Square campus with nearly 200 attendees – the first in-person IPC conference in two years.
With the theme of “unleashing your professional potential”, the conference offered a chance for immigrants from various professional backgrounds to recognize their own potential, network and learn from fellow delegates and speakers.
The event opened with a welcome message encouraging the development of a strong community from delegates of the Skwxú7mesh Nation led by Elder Latash-Maurice Nahanee, which included drumming, singing and a traditional dance in which the audience was asked to participate.
MOSAIC CEO Olga Stachova, MP Terry Beech (Burnaby North) and David Shum, community manager from RBC Royal Bank provided opening remarks with words of welcome. Beech presented the MOSAIC CEO with the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee Award in recognition of MOSAIC’s ongoing work in assisting immigrants to Canada.
“As one of the largest settlement and employment organizations supporting newcomers, but mainly as an employer who employs individuals with lived experience as immigrants and refugees, we at MOSAIC are very passionate about seeing newcomers succeed,” Stachova said.
“Newcomers bring an incredible wealth of expertise and skills and experience to Canada every year and it’s so important for us to create space where you have the opportunity to get the tools to find fulfilling careers.”
Mark Andrada arrived from the Philippines this year, with a background in aerospace manufacturing. He says he was initially unsure about attending IPC alone but was glad he did.
“It helped me a lot because one of the topics I learned today was about networking, to know more people, to know more about things happening here, especially for me because it’s my first time in Canada.” Mark said.
The event featured a keynote address by CEO and founder of ExecutiveSpeak Coaching International, Narges Nirumvala, on her personal story involving the challenges she faced in finding employment as an immigrant. She stressed the importance of volunteering and networking to bring about meaningful change for those looking to increase their career prospects.
Attendees also listened to multiple guest speakers, with stories and lessons that led to their successes as immigrants. Break-out sessions were offered for delegates to learn more about the power of networking and volunteering as well as presentations by speakers involved in entrepreneurial and business leadership.
The IPC wrapped up with an employer panelist discussion with Manu Varma, senior leader at Uncommon Purpose, Luke Jamieson, talent acquisition manager at Rogers Communications, Manny Judge, director of talent acquisition at Fairmont Hotels and Resorts and Sam Behnam, assistant branch manager at Royal Bank. The audience were given opportunity to voice their questions and receive advice from the panelists.
MOSAIC thanks its sponsors, Royal Bank of Canada, WorkBC, Arc’teryx and Shaw Multicultural in addition to its featured speakers and presenters for their contributions in addition to participating exhibitors that provided information and support to delegates.
For more information, about IPC, read here
