As I mentioned in Our Green Economy, Part 1, I encourage you to get out there and attend events that you are interested in. Even though the industries mentioned at this event were not my exact industry, the event allowed me to gain a broad perspective on what is happening in Vancouver. I met with a variety of professionals in a casual atmosphere... [Continue]
I admit, I don’t intentionally network, but I often do it without realizing and have therefore managed to build strong connections with a diverse group of people. How do I do this? Well, it’s quite simple really: I go to events that inspire me. Just the other week I attended a public dialogue event called “A Green Regional Economy?” hosted by Metro Vancouver as part of its Future of the Region Sustainability Dialogue Series. [Continue]
Each one of us has a childhood memory of a teacher who, in our young and precious minds, was our idol; our role model who we looked up to. Many of our actions were inspired by this person, and as we mature, we develop a greater respect and appreciation for our teachers. We see the benefits gained from their dedicated efforts in our lives, and that their encouragement has guided our steps as we move along the paths of our lives. [Continue]
Lokesh Chaudhry is an integral part of Ernst & Young's Tax Services practice, acting as both a partner in the Vancouver office and Western Canada's Fixed Asset Analysis Leader. Over the past two years, Lokesh has spent countless hours volunteering as a Mentoring Connections mentor. In Lokesh's own words... [Continue]
Pooja Ruprell has been a Mentoring Connections mentor since December 2009. Since she arrived in Canada in 2006, Pooja has built a successful career in Canada in management and client relationships. In Pooja's own words... [Continue]
Jason Min has been a Mentoring Connections mentor since March 2010 and has also been a Friendship Host volunteer with ISSofBC for several years. Jason graduated in pharmacy from UBC and is currently completing a post-graduate pharmacy residency. In Jason's own words... [Continue]
While flipping through Teacher Magazine, the monthly publication from the BC Teachers’ Federation, I learned of World Teachers’ Day, celebrated in over 100 countries every October 5. It seems only fitting that a program like ours, whose goal it is to help mentors and mentees grow professionally and personally, finds special meaning in World Teachers’ Day. Each day this week, we’ll turn the idea of mentor-mentee on its head, and explore the many valuable things new immigrants have taught local professionals at our program. [Continue]
The topics discussed at the networking event on September 28th were diverse. They ranged from the concrete to the abstract. The group listened attentively and asked intelligent questions. It was an event where our clients were exposed to different points of views. The speakers and the attendees exhibited the diversity of ideas and processes that new immigrants have to adapt to when coming to Canada. [Continue]
Recently, The Tyee featured articles that address the idea of identity amongst young Canadians and immigrants. Originally published in Schema Magazine, the authors discuss how it feels to be asked, “But Where Are You Really From?” As I read their stories, I found myself nodding along in agreement. As a 1.5 generation Canadian, I’m all too familiar with what Tahira Ebrahim calls “the dance.” In my experience, “the dance” usually starts with the question: “What are you?” Each time I’m asked to explain myself, I find myself wondering what exactly we expect a Canadian to be. [Continue]
If you’re looking for creative ways to connect with your new community this summer, August is your month. There is certainly no shortage of affordable events going on around town, from cultural festivals and live theatre to sports tournaments and the PNE. Here's a freebie, for those of you interested in music and discussions around social change... [Continue]