MENTORSHIP INITIATIVE

Meet Our Team

  • Dr. Uche Okereafor

    ICAE PRESIDENT

    Led strategic planning and represented the project publicly. Ensured collaboration and aligned goals across all teams.

  • Anthonia Okpaegbe

    PROGRAM MANAGER

    Coordinated planning, timelines, and resources to meet project goals while supporting immigrant and employer needs.

  • Nnaemeka Nwaiwu

    IT SPECIALIST

    Managed digital tools and systems for workshops, mentor matching, and team communication with data security in mind.

  • Lisa Akanwa

    PROGRAM ASSISTANT

    Supported daily operations through logistics and recordkeeping. Helped organize workshops and prepare reports to ensure project success.

  • UCHE AGBO

    BOOK KEEPER

    Managed budgets, tracked expenses, processed payments, and ensured financial accountability.

  • Nnamelugo Okoye

    LEGAL ADVISER

    Provided legal guidance and ensured compliance with immigration regulations.

WORKSHOPS

  • The Canadian Tax System

    Explained Canadian tax types, deductions, and how newcomers can stay compliant and avoid penalties.

  • Navigating the Canadian Workplace Culture

    Taught workplace expectations, decorum, communication, and networking in Canadian organizations.

  • Building Financial Resilience

    Provided budgeting, debt management, and savings strategies to help newcomers secure financial stability.

  • Overcoming the Lack of Canadian Experience

    Showed how to present international experience, build soft skills, and succeed in interviews and networking.

  • Cross-Cultural Intelligence for Workplace Success

    Taught cultural awareness, communication skills, and inclusive teamwork strategies.

  • Developing an Entrepreneurial Mindset for Success

    Introduced problem-solving, adaptability, and entrepreneurial thinking for career and business growth.

  • Success Under Stress

    Shared strategies to manage stress, adapt emotionally, and build resilience in the face of immigrant challenges.

  • Canadian Workplace Essentials

    Explored workplace etiquette, emotional intelligence, and tips for professional success and integration.

  • Resume & Interview Workshops

    Provided resume writing and mock interview practice tailored to Canadian standards and expectations.

  • Taxes and Benefits

    Covered tax credits, government benefits, and scam awareness with guidance from CRA professionals.

  • Reimagining Life Savings

    Introduced investing fundamentals and tools for building long-term wealth and financial security in Canada.

  • Navigating the Economies

    Delivered practical strategies and motivation for economic self-reliance and financial empowerment.

  • Adaptability in the Knowledge Economy

    Promoted lifelong learning, skill development, and staying competitive in a fast-changing economy.s here

  • Volunteering as a Pathway

    Explained how volunteering helps gain local experience, build networks, and access professional opportunities.

SUCCESS STORIES

“Seeing my mentee finish her pharmacy certification and obtain a practice license makes me happy. Being a mentor in the community has been a true honor. It's a fulfilling experience.”

-Linda Harrison (Mentor)

ICAE's mentorship program provided me with unwavering support at every stage of my job search. From connecting with professionals in my field to refining my resume and interview skills, they were there supporting me at every stage. Thanks to ICAE, I landed a Policy Analyst role with the Government of Alberta.

I highly recommend the ICAE mentorship program for everyone who needs it, especially new immigrants

- Ifeoma Nneamaka (Mentee)

“With the help of my mentor, I was able to prepare for and pass the CBAP exam with flying colours.”

-Ruth Ojumu (Mentee)

As a lawyer and mentor in ICAE's recently ended mentorship program for newly arrived skilled immigrants of African descent, I found the experience to be incredibly impactful and meaningful. It was both personally and professionally fulfilling to help my mentee, a legal professional with international training, navigate the complexities of the Canadian legal system. The program's enormous worth was confirmed by seeing her develop and persevere, as she got accepted for her articling. In addition to closing employment gaps, this program creates genuine chances for long-term success and integration. I applaud the funders and organizers for investing in a program that genuinely improves lives and builds our professional community.

-Ifeoma Okoye (Mentor)