Women of Success: Empowering Immigrant Women in Their Professional Journeys An Interview with TRIEC Professional Networks (PINs) Association, Women of Success

Women of Success (WoS) is a non-profit Canadian corporation created by women for women. As an energetic group of local business owners and professional women, WoS is creating an environment where people and businesses will come together, providing a networking forum for its members. WoS is characterized by inclusiveness and diversity, networking, mentorship and consultation, and inspiring its members to move toward their personal goals. 

Can you share about Women of Success—its mission and vision and how it empowers immigrant women in their professional journeys? 

WoS is dedicated to supporting and inspiring women, helping them achieve both their personal and professional aspirations. The organization fosters a culture of well-being, openness, and support.
The vision of Women of Success is to see accomplished women enabling an interconnected community, where individuals uplift and empower one another.
The organization is guided by core values that align with its mission, including inspiration, diversity & inclusion, and optimism. 

What specific programs or initiatives does Women of Success offer to support immigrant women in advancing their careers in Canada? 

WoS provides a nurturing environment where immigrant women can flourish, build confidence, and receive personalized guidance through its Career Mentoring Program. This program is tailored to the specific needs of each woman, ensuring they receive the support necessary for their career growth. 

Can you provide some inspiring success stories where immigrant women have advanced their careers with the support of Women of Success? 

WoS has played a pivotal role in transforming the careers of many immigrant women, providing them with the guidance, mentorship, and resources needed to overcome barriers and succeed in their professional journeys. Here are a couple of inspiring stories:

Maria had a strong background as a Registered Nurse in Ukraine, but she needed to navigate the system in Canada to pursue a similar career. Through Women of Success, she received crucial support, such as a revised resume, mock interview practice, and her mentor told Maria about an opportunity to volunteer at a senior’s home. Most importantly, her mentor helped guide her through the Internationally Educated Nurse (IEN) Pathway, eventually leading to a position at Sunnybrook Hospital. 

Aree came to Toronto as an experienced marketing professional and was able to build on her expertise thanks to Women of Success. Through her mentor, she gained insight into networking and was able to secure a part-time role. Women of Success continued to help her refine her resume and coached her for interviews, ultimately leading to her current full-time role at RBC as a Customer Service Manager. 

In your opinion, what are the key challenges immigrant women face in leadership roles, and what steps does Women of Success take to address these barriers?

Immigrant women often encounter challenges such as language barriers, cultural differences in communication, and limited access to professional networks. Additionally, they may face unconscious bias or stereotypes regarding their abilities, leadership styles, or potential, which can hinder their opportunities for career advancement.

To address these challenges, Women of Success provides personalized mentorship to help women navigate workplace dynamics and career progression. The organization also hosts monthly networking events that connect women with industry professionals, offering them valuable exposure and opportunities. Volunteering opportunities within Women of Success come with empowerment and confidence-building components, ensuring women develop essential leadership skills. Furthermore, wellness events are organized to promote work-life balance, helping immigrant women manage their careers and personal well-being effectively. 

How does Women of Success support immigrant women build meaningful professional networks and fostering connections that help them thrive in their careers? 

WoS fosters professional networking through various channels, including mentor-mentee relationships, which pair immigrant women with experienced Canadian professionals. The organization facilitates connections on LinkedIn and organizes group discussions on platforms such as LinkedIn, Facebook, and WhatsApp. Additionally, WoS arranges networking events that provide immigrant women with opportunities to meet industry leaders, peers, and potential mentors. 

Partnerships with other nonprofit organizations further strengthen our networking initiatives by providing skill-building workshops, career coaching, and leadership training. These efforts help immigrant women develop meaningful professional connections and access resources that contribute to their career success. 

What initiatives or resources does Women of Success offer to ensure continuous learning and professional development for immigrant women? 

Women of Success prioritizes continuous learning and professional development through its individual mentoring program, which includes ongoing onboarding and tailored support. Monthly networking events offer a space for immigrant women to exchange insights and expand their knowledge base. Additionally, volunteer opportunities within the WoS community allow women to gain hands-on experience, enhance their leadership abilities, and contribute to a supportive network of professionals. 

How has being a part of TRIEC’s PINs network benefited Women of Success and its efforts to support immigrant women professionals?  

WoS has greatly benefited from being part of TRIEC’s PINs network, as this collaboration has facilitated access to a wealth of resources. Through the PINs network, WoS can easily connect with mentors from various industries and invite guest speakers for networking events. 

Additionally, TRIEC’s PINs network provides weekly job listings, which serve as a valuable resource in helping immigrant women explore career opportunities and stay informed about job market trends. This partnership enhances WoS’ ability to support and encourage immigrant women in their professional journeys. 

What advice would you give to immigrant women on overcoming cultural and professional barriers to succeed in their careers in Canada, and how can they access the support they need?  

Immigrant women looking to succeed in their careers in Canada should embrace the power of networking, as building strong professional relationships can open doors to new opportunities. They should also leverage their unique backgrounds and skills, recognizing that their diverse experiences bring valuable perspectives to the workplace. Seeking mentorship, both formal and informal, can be instrumental in navigating the Canadian job market and workplace culture. Additionally, continuous learning is key to staying competitive and adaptable. 

Inspired by the impact of Women of Success? Explore the PINs Associations directory, which includes Women of Success and many other associations that support immigrant professionals in their career journeys. Learn how you can get involved: https://triec.ca/pins/directory/