TRIEC Mentoring Partnership Celebrates Legacy of Impact at TMP Impact Awards 2025, Co-Hosted by CIBC

Toronto, Ontario – On July 9, 2025, the Toronto Region Immigrant Employment Council (TRIEC), in partnership with CIBC, proudly hosted the TRIEC Mentoring Partnership Impact Awards 2025 at CIBC Square in downtown Toronto. The event brought together over 200 guests—including mentors, newcomers (mentees), employer partners, community partners, and government representatives, for an inspiring afternoon celebrating the transformative power of mentorship. 

This year’s event marked a historic milestone, with the TRIEC Mentoring Partnership (TMP) surpassing 27,000 skilled newcomers supported through the program. For over two decades, TMP has played a vital role in shaping a stronger and more thriving workforce by helping newcomers fast-track into careers, not just secure jobs, expand their professional networks, and unlock their full potential to contribute to Canada’s economic growth and globally competitive economy. TMP is more than a program; it is where impact becomes an investment in Canada’s future. By connecting skilled newcomers with established professionals in their specific occupations, TMP helps build stronger economy, future-ready leadership, and workplaces that reflect the diversity and dynamism of our country. 

The event brought together employers, immigrant-serving agencies, leaders of immigrant associations, government representatives, and program mentors. Among the distinguished guests were representatives from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), including Assistant Deputy Minister Catherine Scott, Esther Tauhid, Manager of the Settlement Network, and Vathsala Illesinghe, Integration Program Officer. From the Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development (MLITSD), we were honoured to welcome Yvonne Ferrer, Director of the Settlement Services Branch, and Elisete Bettencourt, Manager of Program Operations, attending on behalf of Assistant Deputy Minister Gloria Lee. Their presence underscored the strong and continued support from all levels of government for the work we do and the impact of this program.

Also in attendance were key champions from the corporate and community sectors, including Gayatri Sriram, Head of Financial Planning & Analysis, Manulife Investment Management at Manulife, and Anupma Sharma, Community Investment Manager, Inclusive Employment at United Way of Greater Toronto, alongside Frank Guse, Senior Executive Vice President and Chief Risk Officer, CIBC, highlighting the importance of working together to build more equitable pathways for newcomer professionals.

An Afternoon of Recognition, Reflection, and Inspiration. 

The event featured a dynamic program of storytelling, recognition, and leadership insights: 

• A compelling fireside chat titled “Turning Potential into Progress” featured the inspiring journeys of former TMP mentees Raunica Ahluwalia and Ramy Bakir. Raunica, who began her career as a newcomer, is now a respected Professor at the School of Marketing, Seneca Polytechnic, shaping the next generation of leaders. Ramy has advanced to become a Senior Team Lead in Design and Research at Syllable Inc., driving innovation in his field.  

Moderated by Shruti Awasthi, Director of Open Banking Strategy at CIBC, their conversation powerfully illustrated how mentorship opened doors, built confidence, and transformed untapped potential into real career progress. 

• Over 60 mentors were honoured for reaching significant milestones, demonstrating extraordinary commitment to newcomer success. Mentors were honoured for reaching remarkable milestones—10, 15, 20, 25, and 30 matches, with a special tribute to one exceptional mentor, Veronic Seeto who has supported 45 newcomers on their career journeys! 

• Loblaw and CIBC received Employer Partner Milestone Awards in recognition of their exceptional dedication to mentorship. Loblaw has achieved an impressive 100 mentoring matches, while CIBC has surpassed a remarkable milestone of 2,000 matches. Their unwavering leadership has set the benchmark for advancing newcomer success and fostering a more inclusive and equitable workforce in Canada.  

• Remarks from Vincent Lee, Managing Director, FX Sales, CIBC & Chair, TRIEC Board of Directors and Brent Chamberlain, Vice President, Inclusion elevated the impact and purpose of the event. 

• Community partners and employer champions were recognized for their vital role in sustaining and growing the TMP ecosystem. 

“Mentorship is not simply an act of support — it is a transformative solution to one of Canada’s most urgent priorities: integrating global talent into the workforce to drive innovation, prosperity, and long-term economic resilience. The TRIEC Mentoring Partnership proves that when we connect potential with opportunity, we build a stronger future for everyone” said Simon Trevarthen, Chief Executive Officer, TRIEC.  

“Mentorship plays a key role in helping people to realize their career ambitions while it strengthens an organization’s culture, reinforces inclusive leadership, and positions us to face the future with greater resilience. Here’s to many more careers, connections, and futures transformed” said Frank Guse, SEVP and CRO, CIBC

As Canada continues to welcome skilled immigrants, the need for guided pathways that support long-term career growth has never been more critical. The TMP Impact Awards serve as both a celebration and an invitation for more organizations, leaders, and professionals to join this movement and help shape a future where everyone can thrive. 

About TRIEC  

Toronto Region Immigrant Employment Council (TRIEC) champions the talent and experience that immigrants bring to Canada. TRIEC helps fast-track newcomers into careers, and help newcomers expand their professional networks and understand the local labour market; while helping employers unlock their full potential aligned with the evolving labour market needs. Through collaboration with leaders and organizations, TRIEC drives systemic change to build a Greater Toronto Area where immigrant professionals can fully contribute and reach the summit of their potential. 

For interview requests and additional details, please contact: 
Arushi Phillips, Senior Manager, Strategic Communications 
aphillips@triec.ca