Awards recognize talent

The Career Edge Organization’s 2009/10 Achievement Awards took place on Wednesday, February 24, 2010 at the Toronto Board of Trade, recognizing winners in various categories

March 1, 2010
Canadian Immigrant

Staff writer

The Career Edge Organization, which offers three paid internship programs – Career Edge (for recent graduates), Ability Edge (for graduates with disabilities) and Career Bridge (an internship program for internationally qualified professionals) – gathered host employers, intern alumni, partnering settlement agencies, and public and private supporters of the organization, to celebrate “real people, real talent and real success,” recently.

The Career Edge Organization’s 2009/10 Achievement Awards took place on Wednesday, February 24, 2010 at the Toronto Board of Trade, recognizing winners in various categories. More than a hundred guests had gathered to witness the awards ceremony.

A proud John King, executive vice president and chief administrative officer of St. Michaels Hospital received the first presentation of the night, the Leadership Award. “We applaud John’s commitment … and his recognition that Career Bridge internships offer a strategic option to tap into the skills and experience that international qualified professionals can offer,” said Anne Lamont, president and CEO of Career Edge said making the presentation.

Andria Azevedo, branch manager at RBC Insurance received the RBC Mentor of the Year. Shahzad Ali, an internationally trained customer assistance officer and a Career Bridge intern, nominated her for the award because of her effective mentorship. “She always tries to deliver maximum knowledge and training to make sure I am equipped with maximum skills in a short period.” He adds, “Andria offered some networking tips and opportunities that I could access to help me excel in my role as an intern,”

Filipino-born Richard Ballesteros was awarded Manulife Financial Intern of the Year Award. He was recognized for implementing actions that improved the condition of St. Michael’s Hospital’s clean and utility rooms, while saving approximately $6,000 annually in transaction costs.

Three other individuals and five organizations were also honoured for their valuable contributions to their work environment.

The organization paid tributes through inspirational videos and experiential slideshows as well as through showcasing stories and visuals displayed throughout the room. Click here to find out more about the winners.

Reference: Canadian Immigrant