Meet the team

The Build ON team is a dedicated group of employment consultants with diverse experiences and backgrounds, offering specialized information in skilled trades, engineering, and construction. Our team reflects the values of diversity and multiculturalism, key pillars of Canadian society. With extensive experience supporting newcomers, we understand the challenges of settling in a new country and are committed to providing excellent service to help our clients succeed in their new home.

Meet Jessica,

Build ON Director

Hello! My name is Jessica and I am the Director for the YMCA- 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 of the National Capital Region 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 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 Christina,

Build ON Program Coordinator

Hello! My name is Christina Kaniewski and I am the Program Coordinator for Build ON. I was born and raised in the United States and came to Ottawa as a newcomer myself in 2016. I hold a Bachelor of Science degree in education. Since moving to Canada, however, I have found a new passion in trying to help newcomers make their moves to Canada as seamless as possible. I look forward to meeting you and helping you with your transition to Canada!

Meet Divine,

Build ON Employment Consultant

Hello! My name is Divine Manzi and I am an Employment Consultant with The Build ON Program. I graduated at Mount Saint Vincent University in Halifax with a Bachelor of Communications and minor in Gender and Women’s studies. I also Just completed my Diploma of Immigration Law Case Management at Herzing College. Being a newcomer to Canada myself has made me more passionate about helping other New immigrants who are most likely to face the same obstacles I faced myself. I am looking forward to providing my expertise to help Newcomers enjoy their transitioning journeys and to release or assist with some burdens that they may be facing during this transition journey to Canada. I eagerly await to connect with you.

Meet the Mentorship Facilitator,

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, OCISO connects internationally trained professionals (Mentees) with Professionals (Mentors) who live and work in the province of Ontario. It 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.

Team Profiles

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