Getting a job is proving difficult for many who have immigrated to Canada, even for those professionally qualified. More needs to be done to ensure that new and immigrant professionals are given a platform to earn their keep, and the more diverse, equitable, and inclusive those environments are, the better!

In observation of Black History Month, and to help us dive deeper into this topic, we are joined by Nketti Johnston-Taylor for our new podcast episode of Leader Talks with Anne-Marie Pham. Nketti is the executive director of the Calgary Region Immigrant Employment Council (CRIEC), an organization that connects newcomer professionals to strategies that will lead to successful employment outcomes. After taking a brief look at the history of her home city of Calgary, we learn about her immigration story, how it ties into her professional background, and everything there is to know about CRIEC and the work that they do.

We discuss Nketti’s mindset during the early years of her immigration and her assessment of the cultural barriers that prevent immigrants from finding work in Canada. She also shares her advice for employers to create more hospitable workplaces, as well as some tips for international professionals on how to find work in a new country. Tune in for all this and more!

A huge 'thank you!' to Reliance Home Comfort for sponsoring this episode!

Key Points From This Episode:

• A brief look at the cultural history of Calgary.
• Dr. Nketti Johnston-Taylor's background and immigration story.
• Her mindset during her first few years of assimilating into Canadian culture.
• Why she struggled to find a sense of belonging when she first moved to Calgary. 
• The systemic and cultural barriers that prevent qualified immigrants from finding work. 
• What Canada can do to better support newcomers and internationally-trained professionals.
• Insight into CRIEC and its various initiatives. 
• Tips for international professionals who are struggling to find work in Canada.
• Advice for employers to create more diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplaces. 

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

• Nketti Johnston-Taylor on LinkedIn
• Nketti Johnston-Taylor on X
• Nketti Johnston-Taylor on Instagram
• CRIEC
• Making Changes
• Prairie Centre for Excellence in Mentoring
• Canadian Centre for Diversity and Inclusion
• Leader Talks with Anne-Marie Pham