We’re thrilled to welcome  IPG Mediabrands as a TRIEC Mentoring Partnership (TMP) employer partner!   

Rayyan Kamal

Jeenal Patel

Rayyan Kamal, Head of Culture & Inclusion, IPG Mediabrands and Jeenal Patel, Senior Director, Strategy, UM, and co-lead of IPG Mediabrands Culture & Inclusion Community working group have teamed up to share their powerful insights on how mentorship helps immigrant professionals thrive in Canada’s workforce. 

 


Can you tell us about IPG Mediabrands?
  
IPG Mediabrands is the media and marketing solutions division of Interpublic Group (NYSE: IPG). Through our portfolio of brands (UM, Initiative, Media Experts, KINESSO, MAGNA, Orion, Mediabrands Content Studio, and IPG Media Lab) and culture of collaboration, we offer expertise in media strategy, communications design, performance marketing, eCommerce, and media intelligence. Our clients include many of the world’s most recognizable and iconic brands from a broad portfolio of industry sectors. We are a global community of 18,000 media and marketing specialists in over 130 countries, with nearly 1,000 employees in Canada across Toronto, Montreal, and Vancouver. 

Why did you decide to become an employer partner in the TRIEC Mentoring Partnership program?
  
 
At IPG Mediabrands, we believe that immigrants are not just essential contributors to Canada’s economy but also have the potential to significantly influence the future of our industry. They bring a wealth of expertise, diverse perspectives, and invaluable experiences that enrich our industry and drive it forward. Recently, IPG Mediabrands has prioritized a focus on newcomers to Canada, partnering with ACCES Employment on recruitment and mentorship programs, and hosting a first-of-its-kind event which explored immigration as it relates to the Canadian economy and newcomers as a sought-after demographic in advertising. Partnering with TRIEC is a natural extension of our commitment to support this community and foster inclusivity in the industry. This partnership reflects our belief in the transformative power of mentorship and our dedication to empowering immigrant professionals to thrive and leave a lasting impact on our industry. 

How do you think the program aligns with your Community Engagement goals?
 

IPG Mediabrands Canada is committed to building an inclusive culture where team members are celebrated for the unique qualities they bring to the organization and the communities they belong to. Our strategy is built on three key pillars – People, Work, and Community – with working groups to support and drive change within the organization. Our partnership with TRIEC falls under our Community pillar, designed to influence and lead broader industry solutions and build partnerships with community groups that align with our values. Our goal is to establish IPG Mediabrands as a champion of Culture & Inclusion in the industry through the education and empowerment of new BIPOC talent by providing opportunities to enter the industry. Partnerships like the one with TRIEC play an important role as we continue to foster an inclusive culture for our employees and positively impact the communities in which we live and work. 

What benefits do you think your employees will gain from participating as mentors?
  
 
Mentorship is a powerful, symbiotic relationship that creates value for both mentors and mentees. Through their participation as mentors, we hope our employees will not only refine their leadership and interpersonal skills but also sharpen their own understanding of topics by teaching others—a proven way to deepen knowledge. More importantly, the fulfillment that comes from positively shaping another person’s career is unmatched. Many of our employees are immigrants themselves, and this opportunity allows them to pay it forward by sharing their own experiences and insights to empower someone navigating similar challenges. This unique exchange fosters growth, connection, and a deeper sense of purpose for everyone involved. 

 How will you promote mentoring to your employees?
  
 
We actively promote mentoring as an opportunity for career growth, skills development, and meaningful connection through our existing internal and external mentorship programs. We leverage communication channels such as the intranet, all-staff meetings, and small team meetings and 1:1 connects to reach employees and reinforce the benefits and impact of mentoring. The response has been very positive, with employees eagerly stepping forward to volunteer. This enthusiasm speaks to the shared commitment of our network and our dedication to building a stronger, more inclusive community. 

What would you say to other organizations considering signing up for the TRIEC Mentoring Partnership?
  
 
We strongly encourage other organizations to join the TRIEC Mentoring Partnership. Diverse talent is key to driving growth and this program not only empowers immigrant professionals but also helps develop leadership skills within the existing workforce. By coming together, we can amplify our impact and play a vital role in uplifting the newcomer community. The TRIEC Mentoring Partnership is not only purpose-driven but well-organized and seamlessly executed, ensuring a frictionless and rewarding experience for its partners. Drawing from diverse backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives creates the perfect environment for new thinking and fresh creativity. For us, a diverse and inclusive workplace is a business imperative and we hope others feel the same. 

Are you an employer looking to unlock the full potential of immigrant talent? Discover how the TRIEC Mentoring Partnership (TMP) program can help you achieve that. Learn more here. 

Social media & sharing icons powered by UltimatelySocial