Building NEW Beginnings: Angela's Journey of Resilience and Empowerment
Starting anew in Canada after relocating from Uganda presented Angela with both hope and significant hurdles. Like many newcomers arriving with dreams of building a fresh start, she encountered the challenging realities of an unfamiliar job market, cultural adjustments, and the inherent complexities of beginning again from scratch. Despite bringing professional experience, Angela faced the daunting task of figuring out where and how she would fit into the Canadian landscape.
Navigating Challenges with Foundational Support
It was during this critical adjustment period that Angela connected with Newcomer Women’s Services Toronto (NEW). She quickly realized that NEW and its programs offered far more than basic employment or settlement assistance; they provided a pillar of strength, guidance, and community. With the tailored support and structured programs available at NEW, Angela felt genuinely empowered and recognized the potential to leverage her background effectively and propel her career forward in Canada.
Transformation Through the Advanced Leadership Program
A pivotal moment in Angela’s journey was her selection for the Advanced Leadership Program (ALP) focused on the Not-for-Profit sector. This prestigious initiative, offered by NEW in collaboration with the University of Toronto, Humber College and Harvard Business Publishing, proved transformative. The program significantly deepened her understanding of leadership within the Canadian non-profit context, sharpened her strategic thinking, and expanded her knowledge of governance and community impact. Most importantly, it reignited her confidence and refined her professional skill set for her new environment.
The impact of NEW extended beyond the formal program structure, thanks to dedicated individuals who provided personalized support. Angela received personalized, one-on-one career coaching to refine her job search and interview skills, access to career readiness workshops that provided a safe space not just to gain knowledge but to practice essential tools alongside fellow ALP participants, and compassionate mental health counseling to navigate the emotional challenges of starting over.
Gaining Practical Experience and Achieving Success
NEW also facilitated a crucial pathway to practical, hands-on experience through an internship placement at the Arab Community Center of Toronto. Working as an Administrative Assistant, Angela gained vital skills and firsthand knowledge of Canadian workplace culture, professional communication, and office operations. This experience served as an essential stepping stone, allowing her to apply her learning in a real-world setting.
Armed with the skills, knowledge, confidence, and practical experience gained through NEW’s comprehensive support system, Angela successfully secured a position as a Program Assistant at Family Service Toronto. This role represents more than just a professional milestone; it is a personal triumph, powerfully demonstrating that with determination and the right support network, newcomer women can overcome significant barriers and thrive in their adopted home.
Inspiring Others and Looking Forward
Reflecting on her journey, Angela is filled with gratitude for the unwavering support of Newcomer Women’s Services Toronto. She firmly believes that every newcomer woman carries valuable skills, strength, and resilience that, when nurtured, can lead to remarkable success.
Her message to other newcomer professionals is one of hope and encouragement: "Your journey matters. The path may be challenging, but with perseverance, support, and belief in yourself, you can achieve your goals. There is a place for you here, and your unique experiences and talents are needed. Keep going, you are not alone."
Angela's story powerfully demonstrates how taking initiative—embracing experiential learning, acquiring new skills, and actively guiding her career—combined with strong community support, enabled her to thrive. Her journey highlights the profound impact of organizations like NEW in empowering newcomer women to build meaningful careers and fulfilling lives in Canada.
About "Building New Beginnings"
This series highlights the journeys of newcomer women as they overcome challenges and build their careers in Canada. Through their stories, we celebrate resilience, achievements, and the impact of Newcomer Women’s Services Toronto programs. Stay tuned for more inspiring stories!