Shirley Lee is a marketing leader with 20 years of experience in various marketing and communications roles in the financial services, energy, and professional services industries.
What motivated you to join TRIEC Mentoring Partnership as a mentor?
I began volunteering with TRIEC in 2018 and became a Mentor to help skilled newcomers find meaningful, skills-based employment in the GTA. As a second generation Canadian, I felt a deep connection to new Canadians, recognizing the challenges my parents faced when they immigrated to Canada. I feel privileged to have grown up in Canada with access to the resources I needed to build a successful career and family. I felt that volunteering as Mentor with TRIEC would allow me to give back by supporting others in the same situation as my parents. I remember the stress and fear that come with being a newcomer and that uniquely positions me to be able to guide others through the journey.
How have you supported your mentees throughout the partnerships?
I have now mentored four skilled newcomers who all had established careers before coming to Canada but had difficulties navigating their new surroundings – from figuring out how to network during COVID, updating their resume and LinkedIn, to preparing for interviews (including the million-dollar question “what are your salary expectations?”). The biggest support that I provided was being empathetic and a great listener. My mentees already had the skills to continue to build their careers in Canada, they just needed the confidence and belief that they could do so in Canada.
What has been your top mentoring moment?
All four of my mentees successfully found roles in the same field before coming to Canada. I recently received a message from my current mentee that she just accepted a job offer!
How has becoming a mentor helped you succeed in your own career?
I champion inclusion, diversity and equity at KPMG in Canada and lead the KPMG East Asian People Network with over 600 members. I advocate for the inclusion of newcomers and embrace different perspectives to approach challenges. I have become a stronger and more inclusive leader.
What advice would you give to someone considering mentoring newcomers?
Your small actions will make a big impact on someone’s personal and professional career.
Are you a newcomer wanting to reconnect with your career in Canada? Consider joining TRIEC Mentoring Partnership.