TRIEC proudly co-hosted the Mentoring Matters: Encouraging Women to Navigate Success networking event with Manulife, a long-standing Employer Partner and funder of the TRIEC Mentoring Partnership (TMP) program. This empowering event connected skilled newcomer women with seasoned professionals, reinforcing Manulife’s steadfast commitment to fostering diverse talent in Canada.
Opening Remarks
Helena Shimeles, Global Head of Community Investment (AVP) at Manulife, set the stage with an inspiring address on the transformative power of mentorship. She highlighted how professional networks and access to resources play a pivotal role in career success and reiterated Manulife’s mission to enhance financial resilience, well-being, and sustainability.
Following this, Annie Singh, Senior Manager, TRIEC Mentoring Partnership, delivered a compelling speech on the profound impact of mentorship. She shared a powerful insight: “Over half a million moments of life-changing advice have been shared through the TRIEC Mentoring Partnership”. Her words underscored the importance of mentorship in helping newcomers navigate their professional journeys.
Panel Discussion: The Power of Mentorship
An esteemed panel of Manulife employees shared their experiences and insights:
- Gayatri Sriram, Head of Financial Planning & Analysis
- Paola Struss, Bilingual Participant Services Representative
- Claudia Porras, Customer Service Specialist
Key Takeaways from the Panel
Role of Mentorship:
- Gayatri emphasized that mentorship isn’t confined to formal settings —anyone can be a mentor. She credited her mentor for guiding her toward obtaining her CPA designation and stressed how mentorship provides diverse perspectives, helps identify skill gaps, and broadens career horizons.
- Paola, a newcomer in three different countries, highlighted the importance of “learning to unlearn”. She encouraged participants to ask for help and embrace new ways of thinking, emphasizing that mentorship is a two-way exchange of insights and passions.
- Claudia shared her experience returning to Canada after four years in spoke about the cultural adjustments she faced. She credited mentorship with helping her transition back into the workforce and reinforcing the importance of seeking guidance and support.
Networking for Career Growth:
- Claudia advised mentees to actively build connections on LinkedIn, attend industry events, and proactively reach out to recruiters and hiring managers. She highlighted the importance of follow-ups to stay top of mind during hiring decisions.
- Gayatri shared key strategies for navigating the Canadian job market, including crafting a strong resume, thorough interview preparation, volunteering to expand networks, and continuous learning through industry research and professional development.
Resilience in the Job Search Process:
- Paola shared her personal story of perseverance -revealing that she submitted 350 applications before landing her current role. She encouraged attendees to view rejection as an opportunity to refine strategies rather than a reflection of their worth. She also recommended leveraging AI tools to streamline applications and practicing storytelling techniques for interviews.
Q&A Highlights
Q: How do you navigate prolonged job searches without seeing results?
- Gayatri advised taking a learning-oriented approach by analyzing what’s not working and adjusting strategies accordingly.
- Paola recommended targeting specific companies and engaging with professionals on LinkedIn to build meaningful connections.
Q: How do you showcase international experience and transferable skills?
- Claudia emphasized the importance of demonstrating passion, adaptability, and resilience beyond just listing past experiences.
Q: Does gender bias exist in the workplace?
- Paola noted that in Canada, being a woman can be an advantage when combined with determination and capability.
- Gayatri encouraged women to own their voice, project confidence, and boldly share their ideas.
Interactive Table Discussions
After the panel, participants engaged in focused discussions on:
- Building Confidence and Communication Skills for Career Success
- Leveraging Cultural Diversity as a Strength in Professional Networking
These discussions provided attendees with practical strategies and the opportunity to share their personal stories, fostering meaningful connections and insights.
Empowering Newcomer Women for Career Success
The Mentoring Matters networking event successfully provided newcomer women with invaluable mentorship, career insights, and networking opportunities. Through inspiring discussions and actionable strategies, attendees left feeling empowered to take ownership of their professional journeys.
TRIEC and Manulife remain committed to supporting immigrant women in navigating and thriving in the Canadian workforce. By fostering mentorship and professional growth, they continue to transform lives and careers, one connection at a time.
Get Involved with TMP
Whether you’re an experienced professional looking to mentor, a newcomer seeking guidance, or an employer looking to strengthen your team through mentorship and eager to foster inclusion, TMP is your gateway to growth and success inclusion.
Visit https://www.mentoringpartnership.ca/ to learn more and be part of building a stronger, more vibrant future.