Team Profiles

Meet Jessica, 

Build ON Director

Hello! My name is Jessica and I am the Director for the YMCA-YWCA Build ON program. I grew up with a parent in the Canadian Forces and moved around a lot, but I still consider myself an East coaster! I love my job and my Y family. I was an Information and Referral Specialist at the YMCA-YWCA Newcomer Information Centre before joining the Build ON team. My ultimate enjoyment is to travel and experience different cultures and languages. I strongly believe everyone has an amazing story to tell and I’m looking forward to helping you with yours as you settle in Canada! 

Meet Adriana,

Build ON Employment Consultant

Hello! My name is Adriana Williamson and I am an Employment Consultant with Build ON. I worked with newcomers for 7+ years in ESL Programs in Ottawa. I hold a Bachelor of Arts Honours Degree in Applied Language Studies with a Minor in American Sign Language. The topic of employment has always been a favorite of mine when I was teaching. Seeing my students successfully achieve their goals in finding employment or volunteer positions, has given me confidence in making the decision to pursue my niche and become a part of the  Build ON Program. With Build ON, I am excited to fulfill my passion in continuing to help newcomers prepare to make their transition into Canada, while providing them with advice on how to meet their goals and needs for future opportunities.

Meet Masuma,

Build ON Employment Consultant

Hello! My name is Masuma Hussaini and I am an Employment Consultant with Build ON. I have a Masters in Economics with some business and start-up courses and more than 12 years’ experience working closely with university students, business women and different programs. I am a newcomer to Canada and I greatly empathize with new immigrants' challenges and concerns. I had a similar situation with my first few months in Canada, such as not having much information about culture and experiencing culture shock, not being familiar with job search, having concerns with education and much more. I made it and you will too! I’m looking forward to meeting with you in our program.

Meet Taylor,

Build ON Employment Consultant

Hello! my name is Taylor and I am an Employment Consultant at the YMCA, with the BUILD ON program. I graduated from Carleton University with a Bachelor of Psychology, and I have recently completed a post graduate certificate from Conestoga College, titled Career Development Professional. My certificate from Conestoga has taught me how to write a professional cover letter, resume, and how to help clients network themselves to potential employers, in order to secure a work opportunity. Additionally, I have previously worked in the field of Applied Behavior Analysis, where I was able to provide behavioral therapy to children with autism and learning disabilities. I understand that everyone has a different journey, and I strive to work with newcomers using a diverse and empathetic perspective, so that clients feel understood and supported as they begin their career journey in Canada.

Meet Jinan, 

Build ON Employment Consultant
 

Hello everyone! My name is Jinan Abdul Hadi. I am an Employment Consultant at YMCA Build ON program. I have worked as an executive assistant with more than 27 years of experience in administration. I have worked in school settings, office settings and lately, with newcomers in Canada. I believe that being skilled in English, French, and Arabic will allow me to target a wide range of newcomers and aid them in their settlement journey. Being a newcomer makes me highly aware of all the challenges a person may encounter when starting their new journey in a new community. Therefore, my goal is to provide diverse opportunities to newcomers, help them achieve their goals effectively and reach their highest potential.

Meet Sungmi,

Project Facilitator- Pre Arrival Mentoring 

In Partnership with Build On, OCISO pre-arrival mentoring helps newcomers destined to Ontario prepare for employment within their chosen field. As Project Facilitator, Sungmi connects internationally trained professionals (Mentees) with Professionals (Mentors) who live and work in the province of Ontario. She provides one on one orientation sessions with mentees, clarifies long and short-term career goals and matches those who are eligible with a professional who will provide one on one mentoring support online.