🌟Are you a #refugee or #protectedperson living in BC? The Beedie Luminaries RISE #Scholarship offers up to $44,000 in funding, plus #mentorship, workshops, and a supportive community. 🗓️ Applications open Nov 3, 2025. 👉 Learn more and apply: beedieluminaries.ca/rise-sch…

🇨🇦 Are you a Welcome to Canada or Virtual Career Coach user? Take our short survey for a chance to receive a surprise! 🎁 We are committed to creating digital tools that truly meet the needs of displaced and newcomer communities in Canada. Your feedback is invaluable in helping us enhance our services and provide better support for you and other newcomers. Thank you for participating in our survey and helping us improve! #survey #userexperience #techforgood

In 2024, we stayed closely connected with the needs of our newcomer community. Through over 1,000 in-depth interviews and surveys, we gathered invaluable insights to make our digital tools even better - ensuring they address what truly matters to newcomers. Every response reflects a unique experience, and we’re proud to design solutions grounded in this meaningful input. We’re incredibly grateful to those who shared their time, stories, dreams, and challenges with us, along with how @PeaceGeeks' tools have made their immigration journeys easier. Here’s a glimpse of some of the many improvements we made last year: - Added French translations for newcomer users in Ontario - Improved translations across other languages - Added content for new cities and provinces - Added a voice interview feature for practicing with voice and text - Introduced new job filters and autocomplete suggestions for easier searches - Improved keyboard navigation so users can access the site without a mouse ➡️ Are you a newcomer, or do you know someone who is? We actively engage with newcomers from diverse backgrounds to understand their needs and ensure our tools are practical and helpful. Join us and be part of shaping the future of newcomer support services. Send us a message or leave a comment! Learn more about us: welcome.peacegeeks.org #WelcomeToCanada #PeaceGeeks #ThankYou

As migration policies and global dynamics continue to evolve, the path for newcomers and migrants remains complex. At @PeaceGeeks , we’re taking a moment to reflect on what went well in 2024 - a year filled with progress, resilience, and milestones. 2024 was a year where thousands of newcomers made meaningful strides toward their goals, and we’re proud to have been part of their journey. 🚀 Reaching New Heights 162,000+ users worldwide accessed our platforms, including in Canada, Jordan, Poland, Pakistan, India, Morocco, the Philippines, and beyond. Supported newcomers as they build their lives and careers across Canada, from Ontario and British Columbia to the Yukon and Nunavut. We’re creating a brighter future for newcomers, wherever they come from and wherever they’re headed! 💼 Virtual Career Coach - AI-powered career tools for newcomers welcome.peacegeeks.org Launched in the summer of 2024 on Welcome to Canada, our Virtual Career Coach has supported 100,000+ unique users in navigating their career journeys in Canada within just a few months! Through tens of thousands of actions on our platform - from practicing interviews, exploring job opportunities, and searching NOC codes, to enhancing soft skills - newcomers took meaningful steps toward their career goals, and we’re honoured to support their journeys. 🤝 Scaling Impact: White-Label Career Coach for SPOs Established the Product Development Council and co-designed with four leading refugee and immigrant organizations in Canada and the US: Immigrant Services Association of Nova Scotia, Jumpstart Refugee Talent, International Rescue Committee, YWCA Metro Vancouver 💪🏾 Snapp – A Digital Mentorship Platform for Newcomers snapp.peacegeeks.org Collaborated with 13 service provider organizations across Canada 📢 Shaping the Future of Immigration and AI In 2024, our leadership team was at the forefront of critical conversations on the intersection of immigration, technology, and AI. From sharing insights on panels alongside global leaders like Accenture and Salesforce to engaging with IRCC and policymakers in Parliament, we championed innovation that addresses newcomer challenges. 💡 Innovation Partnerships - Collaborated with Accenture's Dock team on the award-winning design of Accenture’s Intelligent Service Support Agent (ISSA), an AI tool providing real-time crisis support. - Co-designed Butterfly, a financial literacy app for newcomers with Credit Canada. - And more partnerships driving innovation to support newcomers. 💬 Shaped by Newcomer Voices Conducted 1,000+ in-depth interviews and online surveys to gather feedback and refine our tools. Added French translations, new city/province content, and voice interview features, plus many other improvements. 👍🏼 Looking Ahead As we reflect on 2024, we’re inspired by the resilience of newcomers and the power of collaboration. Together, we’ll continue building a future where every newcomer has the opportunity to thrive in Canada and beyond. Learn more @peacegeeks.org/blog #PeaceGeeks #TechForGood #BuildingTheFuture

landing.peacegeeks.org/Toron… 🌟 Newcomers in #Toronto, did you know there are free upcoming hiring events happening across the city? These events are a great chance to connect with local employers! Whether you're new to Canada or planning your move to Toronto, we’ve got everything you need to get started! ➡️ Visit landing.peacegeeks.org/Toron… and take the next step toward your dream job in this dynamic city: 🔍 Toronto Job Insights: Discover key trends and in-demand skills to help you navigate Toronto’s job market with confidence. 🤝 Upcoming Hiring Events: Meet employers face-to-face and build your professional network at events across the city. 🌟 Jobs Near Me: Access tailored #job listings that match your skills and career goals. (Bonus: Each listing includes the NOC code to help with your PR application.) 🤖 AI Interview Coach: Practice your interviews anytime, anywhere, with real-time feedback to help you walk into your next #interview feeling confident and prepared. 💪 Soft Skills Quizzes: Master essential workplace skills valued in Canada’s job market. 💼 Canadian Career Kickstart: Gain insights and tools designed for #newcomers to launch a successful career in Canada. 🇨🇦 NOC Code Finder: Easily match your skills and past work experience to the right NOC code for your PR pathway. ➡ Don’t wait! Visit landing.peacegeeks.org/Toron… today and start building the future you’ve been dreaming of in Toronto. Share this with anyone you know who’s ready to grow their career in Canada! #WelcometoCanada #TorontoJobs #TorontoCareer #TorontoOpportunities

Looking for an easier way to kickstart your career in Canada? 🇨🇦 Say goodbye to endless website searches and hello to a stress-free, all-in-one platform! ✅ welcome.peacegeeks.org simplifies your job search and career planning with free tools designed just for newcomers: 🌟 #Jobs Near Me: Find up-to-date job listings tailored to your skills and career goals. Each listing includes the NOC code, making it easier to identify jobs that can boost your #PermanentResidency application points. 🤖 AI-powered #Interview Coach: Prepare for interviews with personalized feedback and tips available 24/7, ensuring you're ready whenever the opportunity knocks. 💪 #Softskills Quizzes: Understand the non-technical skills essential for success in the Canadian job market. 💼 Canadian #Career Kickstart: Get valuable insights and resources designed to help you confidently start your professional journey in Canada as a newcomer. 🇨🇦 AI-driven #NOC code finder: Planning to apply for permanent residency? Don't risk rejection! Use our smart tool to secure permanent residency points with the right job! Simply enter or paste a job title, description, or past work experience, and it will find the right one. It can also match your previous job in your home country to the Canadian one. ➡️ Start your journey with ease and confidence today at welcome.peacegeeks.org #welcometocanada #newcomersupport #careersuccess

🇨🇦 Starting a new life in a new country can come with its challenges, and job #interviews are no exception. Feeling unprepared can lead to stress, self-doubt, and even fear of trying again after a difficult experience. One of our newcomer users opened up about this: 💬 "There are people who have anxiety (about interviews) and constant regret after an #interview, and that regret even…completely shuts them off, they would never go for another one." But it doesn’t have to be that way. Our AI-powered Interview Coach is designed specifically to support #newcomers in preparing, practicing, and walking into interviews with confidence. You already have what it takes - with the right tools and support, you can overcome anxiety, grow with each experience, and take meaningful steps toward achieving your career goals! 💪 Don’t let fear hold you back. Build the confidence you need to succeed - one interview at a time! ➡️ Let's get started today with our free AI Interview Coach at welcome.peacegeeks.org Share this with your newcomer friends to support their journey! #welcometocanada #techforgood #newcomersupport #professionaldevelopment

💬“@WelcometoCAN gave me everything I needed in one place. It didn’t make me take 10 steps to find what I was looking for.” For Karthik, a computer science graduate from India, starting fresh in Canada was a leap into the unknown. With dreams of pursuing a master’s degree and building a meaningful career, Karthik faced challenges that could have felt overwhelming. But his determination, along with the right support, helped him overcome those hurdles. From exploring opportunities with the Cities Comparison Tool and the newcomer-friendly Job Board to enhancing his skills with the AI-powered Interview Coach, our Welcome to Canada platform became a trusted companion on his journey. It boosted his confidence, prepared him for life’s next big step, and turned uncertainty into opportunity. Karthik’s story shows how the right support can transform challenges into stepping stones for success. Read his story and see how @PeaceGeeks' technology is supporting newcomers to thrive in Canada! peacegeeks.org/blogs/from-ba… #PeaceGeeks #WelcometoCanada #NewcomerSupport #TechForGood #BuildingFutures #ImmigrantStories

peacegeeks.org/blogs/staff-s… 🌟 Meet the Hearts and Minds behind @PeaceGeeks At PeaceGeeks, we design tools with one goal in mind: to truly serve the needs of displaced communities and newcomers. As the User Research Lead for the Virtual Career Coach on @WelcometoCAN, Kimiya Missaghi brings a deep personal connection to the mission of supporting newcomers, refugees, and settlement workers. Her own journey as part of a refugee family that fled religious persecution and as an advocate for her stateless brother, has profoundly shaped her commitment to making a tangible difference in the lives of displaced individuals. 💬 “I have lived experience of some of the challenges many newcomers face, giving me a unique perspective on the cultural, social, and systemic factors that influence their decisions and behaviours,” she shares. These experiences drive her passion for designing tools that are not only practical but deeply reflective of newcomers’ realities. By connecting her personal journey with her professional expertise, Kimiya ensures our tools are not only practical but also deeply relevant. Her work ensures every feature of the Virtual Career Coach feels intuitive, inclusive, and tailored to newcomers’ lives. Curious about how we design tools that truly meet the needs of the communities we serve at PeaceGeeks? Learn more about Kimiya’s story here: peacegeeks.org/blogs/staff-s… #PeaceGeeks #AIForGood #BuildingFutures

#AI applications in #immigration often focus on selection and screening, primarily serving states and authorities. This raises concerns about their understudied reliability and significant impact on immigrants' lives. Our Continuous Discovery Lead at @PeaceGeeks, Kimiya Missaghi, along with authors from @NRC_CNRC National Council Canada and @Mila_Quebec MILA - Quebec Artificial Intelligence Institute, Isar Nejadgholi, Maryam Molamohammadi and Samir Bakhtawar, emphasize the potential of AI in Canada’s immigration settlement phase - a critical stage where access to information is crucial, and service providers face overwhelming demands. By highlighting the settlement sector as an ideal candidate for reliable AI applications, the authors demonstrate its unique ability to empower immigrants directly, an area that remains under-explored in AI research. The paper presents a vision for human-centred and responsible AI solutions that support #newcomer integration. It also calls on AI researchers to build on this work by engaging in multidisciplinary research and collaborating actively with service providers and government organizations to develop AI tools that are empowering, #inclusive, and safe. ➡ Get the full insights now: peacegeeks.org/blogs/human-c… #HumanCenteredAI #AIForGood

💬 “I have used a lot of AI tools, the #interview feature was very impressive, very structured. It did feel like what it would be like in an actual interview.” - A newcomer from India. Master Canadian-style #interviews with our AI-powered Interview Coach: - Instant, personalized feedback - Practice anytime, anywhere - Structured like real interviews 🌟 Trusted by 100,000+ users worldwide! Perfect for newcomers preparing to enter the Canadian #job market. ✅ Try it out now and step into your interview with confidence! FREE at bit.ly/3zDJoJl #WelcometoCanada #NewcomerSupport #DigitalSolutions #BuildingFutures #NewcomerSuccess #Employment

💬 “If I hadn’t found the Welcome to Canada app, my life right now would look very different - and not in a good way.” For Bryan, a newcomer from the Philippines, our Welcome to Canada app and the Virtual Career Coach features became a catalyst in finding stability and a career in #Canada. From navigating life’s basics with his wife to landing a career in his field, Bryan’s story is proof of how transformative the right resources can make all the difference for newcomers. ➡ Read his inspiring story and see how @PeaceGeeks' technology can assist the newcomers you’re dedicated to supporting every day! 😊 bit.ly/3YTOQl3 #NewcomerSupport #DigitalSolutions #TechForGood #BuildingFutures #Career #NewcomerSuccess

Starting a new life in Canada comes with exciting opportunities - but for many #newcomers, finding meaningful work is harder than it seems. According to Statistics Canada, the unemployment rate for newcomers is significantly higher than the overall Canadian population: - Overall unemployment rate in Canada: 6.4% (July 2024) - Temporary residents: 11% - Recent immigrants (arrived in the past 5 years): 12.6% Many newcomers face unexpected challenges along the way - like navigating unfamiliar job search practices, transferring credentials, or building networks from scratch - that make it difficult to find jobs matching their skills and experience. Here are some of the most common challenges: 1️⃣ Lack of Canadian Work Experience and Professional Networks - Canadian work experience is often required by employers, many newcomers find this requirement frustrating, as they cannot obtain Canadian experience without first being hired. - Limited professional networks also make it harder to learn about #job openings or secure referrals. 2️⃣ Credential Recognition and Skill Transferability - Newcomers’ foreign qualifications and degrees may not be fully recognized, especially in regulated professions (e.g., engineering, medicine, and nursing). - They often need to re-certify or pursue additional education in Canada, which can be costly and time-consuming. 3️⃣ Language Barriers and Soft Skills Gaps Even those newcomers with strong English or French skills may struggle with: - Industry-specific terminology - Workplace communication norms in Canada - Soft skills such as communication, teamwork, and interview preparation may differ from expectations in their home countries. 4️⃣ Discrimination and Bias in Hiring Practices - Some newcomers experience discrimination based on their accent, name, or immigration status. - Some employers may also favour Canadian education and experience, making it harder for internationally educated newcomers to break into their fields. 5️⃣ Limited Knowledge of Canadian Job Search Processes The insufficient access to accurate and comprehensive pre-arrival information is a significant challenge for many newcomers to Canada. This gap in knowledge can have far-reaching consequences on their ability to secure meaningful #employment and integrate successfully into the Canadian job market. ✅ These challenges are why many organizations and initiatives - like our free, comprehensive newcomer support platform, Welcome to Canada and its latest feature, the AI-powered Virtual Career Coach - aim to support newcomers by providing trusted and practical resources. From #interview coaching and soft skills quizzes to job boards tailored to newcomers' needs, we’re here to make the #immigration journey smoother and the job search easier. Check out our free job tools designed for newcomers today at bit.ly/3zDJoJl or share them with your newcomer friends to support their Canadian journey! 🇨🇦

Last month, we celebrated a major milestone: 100,000+ newcomers, refugees, permanent residents, international students, temporary foreign workers, and more have benefited from our free AI-powered Virtual Career Coach on Welcome to Canada! (bit.ly/3zDJoJl) 🎉 For many newcomers, securing employment that aligns with their skills and education can be challenging. The latest Labour Force Survey indicates that recent immigrants are less likely than Canadian-born workers to find jobs related to their field of study and are often overqualified for the positions they accept. These hurdles underscore the need for enhanced support and tools to connect newcomers' talents with meaningful job opportunities. That’s why our product is designed not just for newcomers, but with them. We actively engage with newcomers from diverse backgrounds to understand their needs and ensure our tools are practical and helpful. Thank you to everyone who has trusted us on this journey! Together, we’re creating solutions that support newcomers in thriving in the Canadian job market. We’re excited to keep learning, growing, and supporting newcomers in achieving personal and professional success in Canada. 🇨🇦 📸 Behind the scenes: In this candid moment, our designers Diego and Juan meet with Rodrigo, a newcomer from Mexico, during a user research session. Every conversation like this is vital as it helps us refine the Virtual Career Coach to better address the unique needs of newcomers in Canada. By listening, learning, and adapting, we ensure that our tools provide meaningful support for their immigration journeys. #PeaceGeeks #WelcometoCanada #VirtualCareerCoach #NewcomerSupport #TechForGood #ThankYou

🍁 October is Canada's #HealthyWorkplaceMonth - a time to reflect on what it means to create environments where employees feel valued and supported. At PeaceGeeks, we believe that a healthy workplace goes beyond just physical and mental well-being; it’s about flexibility, inclusion, and fostering a sense of trust and belonging. With that in mind, we’re proud to share some of the ways we’ve been cultivating a healthy and supportive workplace. 🗺️ With 90% of our team consisting of immigrants to Canada from multiple continents, PeaceGeeks understands firsthand the importance of embracing diverse perspectives, cultures, and experiences. We're committed to creating a healthy and safe workplace where everyone feels respected, supported, and valued. In line with our mission to promote safe and peaceful communities, diversity, equity, and inclusion are not just ideals we uphold but principles that strengthen us as an organization. Recognizing the importance of accommodating our team's diverse needs and preferences, we’re proud to offer: ✅ Work from anywhere: With the flexibility to work from wherever they feel their best - whether that’s at home, a cozy café, or even halfway across the world - our team has the freedom to do their best work and maintain better balance. ✅ Four-day workweek: In September 2023, we piloted the four-day week and gathered feedback through surveys and constructive discussions, which ultimately guided us in making Monday a permanent "flex" day. The results speak for themselves: 📊 75% reported higher job satisfaction 📊 93.8% maintained or improved productivity. A reduced flex schedule didn’t mean sacrificing hitting our targets. 💬 One of our team members shared, "Having a flex day each week gives me more time to recharge, pursue hobbies, spend time with family and friends, and take care of personal matters. It's made a real difference in reducing my stress and improving my overall well-being." At PeaceGeeks, this is more than just a scheduling change - it’s about staying true to our values. We believe in fostering a culture where everyone’s unique needs are acknowledged and respected. Whether it's our four-day workweek or the freedom to work from anywhere, we’re committed to giving our team the flexibility they need to balance work and life on their own terms. #PeaceGeeks #WorkplaceCulture #MentalHealth #WorkLifeBalance

🍁 Happy #Thanksgiving, Newcomers to Canada! 🍁 We are grateful to our diverse community of 100,000+ newcomers, refugees, permanent residents, international students, temporary foreign workers, Canadian citizens, and everyone who uses and has helped us improve our Virtual Career Coach! #WelcomeToCanada #PeaceGeeks #ThankYou

➡ Next week! Join us on October 7 as our CEO, Jen Freeman, speaks at #CatalystHonours, a premier event bringing together Canada’s most influential business leaders to address #genderequality, and build more equitable, diverse and #inclusiveworkplaces. 🎤 Jen will be sharing insights alongside trailblazing CEOs on "Leadership at the Intersection of AI and DEI: Shaping an Inclusive Future Through Gen AI.” As #AI and #GenAI reshape our lives, industries, and societies globally, this session will discuss the pivotal role of leadership in harnessing AI’s potential while ensuring equitable access, responsible use, and inclusive outcomes. 🤝 #PeaceGeeks #Leadership #AIforGood

🍁 Happy October, Newcomers to Canada! 🍁 New month, new opportunities! If you're ready to take the next step in your #career, don't miss these in-person #hiring events happening this October. 👀 Looking for extra support in your job search? Try our free Virtual Career Coach (bit.ly/3zDJoJl), designed specifically for newcomers like you! Get personalized job matches, enhance your soft skills, and practice for #interviews - all in one place! Join our growing community of over 100,000 newcomers and take control of your career journey today! 🚀 #WelcomeToCanada #PeaceGeeks #JobSearch #JobOpportunities #ProfessionalDevelopment

We’re thrilled to share that our Virtual Career Coach (bit.ly/3zDJoJl) has reached a major #milestone! Since its launch this summer, 100,000 unique users have now used Welcome to Canada's Virtual Career Coach! 🙌 Whether it’s practicing interview skills, finding the right NOC code, or exploring local job opportunities, our free AI-powered career coach is here to support newcomers to get #jobs. Thank you to everyone who has loved the Virtual Career Coach and shared it with your network! We have exciting features and partnerships coming, stay tuned for the next milestones we hit! 🚀 #PeaceGeeks #WelcometoCanada #VirtualCareerCoach #NewcomerSupport #TechForGood

You've found a job you want to apply for on our newcomer-friendly job boards, polished your resume with tips from our Canadian Career Kickstart, and enhanced your interview skills with our free AI-powered career coach. Now you're ready to make a strong impression! But when the final question comes - "Do you have any questions for us?" - are you prepared to shine? ✨ This moment is your opportunity to stand out and learn more about the role and company. Asking insightful questions not only demonstrates your genuine interest in the role but also gives you a deeper understanding of what lies ahead. Here are some thoughtful questions to consider: ➡ About the Role: What are your expectations for a new team member in this role? Can you provide more details about the projects I’ll be working on? What challenges is the team currently facing? ➡ Career Growth: What professional development opportunities does the company offer? How does the company support long-term career growth? Are there clear paths for advancement within the company? ➡ About the Company: Can you tell me about the team I'll be joining? What do you enjoy most about working here? What are the company's current goals? ➡ Company Culture: How would you describe the company culture and core values? Does the company offer any team-building activities? How does the company support work-life balance? ➡ Additional Insights: What is one thing you would like the new hire to prioritize? How will my performance be evaluated? ⭐ Pro Tip: Research the Company! Before your interview, take the time to learn about the company on LinkedIn and the company’s website. Mentioning your findings can show you've done your homework and are serious about the opportunity. Haven't tried our Virtual Career Coach? Visit bit.ly/3Xg3Yr9 to take advantage of our comprehensive suite of job tools, designed specifically for #newcomers to build a successful career in Canada - all for free! Our powerful features include: 🌟 Jobs Near Me (NEW!): Find up-to-date job listings tailored to your skills and career goals. Each listing includes the NOC code, making it easier to identify jobs that can boost your #PermanentResidency application points. 🤖 AI-powered #Interview Coach: Ace your interviews with personalized, instant feedback and tips, available 24/7 to help you prepare anytime. 💪 #Softskills Quizzes: Assess and enhance your soft skills to stand out to employers. 💼 Canadian #Career Kickstart: Get valuable insights and resources designed to help you successfully navigate the Canadian job market as a newcomer. 🔍 #NOC Code Finder: An AI-driven smart tool to help you secure permanent residency points with the right jobs. Try our free tools today and kickstart your career in Canada! 🚀 Or share this with your newcomer friends to support their Canadian journey! bit.ly/3Xg3Yr9 #WelcomeToCanada #PeaceGeeks #CanadaImmigration #NewToCanada #InterviewTips #CareerGrowth #ProfessionalDevelopment #JobSearch