The Canadian Immigrant Professional Alliance (CIPA) launched its inaugural Passport to Possibilities event on July 24 at U of M, bringing professionals together to discuss immigration pathways, employment and community resources in Canada.
The event marked the launch of CIPA’s Immigrant Navigator Program and brought speakers with experience in immigration, law and community services together with participants.
Juanita Ama DeSouza-Huletey, founder, president and CEO of CIPA, spoke about the purpose of the event.
“Our goal was to create a trusted space where immigrant professionals can access reliable information, learn directly from government, legal and community experts and connect with peers who understand their journey,” DeSouza-Huletey said.
CIPA provides programs including the Immigrant Navigator Program, a Coaching & Mentorship Hub, a Training & Reskilling Hub, a Resource Hub, Social Wellness & Community Support, the Global Welcome Program and the Immigrant Small Business Forum.
The U of M provided the event’s venue and refreshments were contributed by the University of Winnipeg.
“CIPA is currently 100% volunteer-run,” DeSouza-Huletey said. “Every meeting, every email, every social media post, every partnership, every workshop, every event, every presentation and every resource has been created by volunteers who believe in this vision.”
The organization’s programs are open to immigrant professionals at different stages of their careers, as well as allies, employers, educators and community partners.
Vicky (Quyen) Lai, program operations manager and co-lead for communications and brand engagement at CIPA, added to this, saying, “We welcome collaboration with anyone who shares our mission of helping newcomers succeed.”.
Lai said the event highlighted “the importance of community, collaboration and access to reliable information” for immigrant professionals “navigating Canada’s immigration and employment structures.”
The event also provided participants with information and opportunities to connect with speakers and other attendees.
Lai said participants provided feedback on the event, which CIPA is reviewing as it develops future programming.
“Passport to Possibilities is designed as an ongoing series, and we look forward to offering additional sessions that respond to the needs and interests of our community,” Lai said.
Lai added, “We’re grateful to everyone who contributed to making this event possible.”
DeSouza-Huletey said Passport to Possibilities will continue as “CIPA’s flagship monthly series, with future topics shaped directly by participant feedback.”
Follow CIPA on Instagram and LinkedIn to hear about future events, initiatives and volunteer opportunities.
