The Starting Point

I applied to the Advanced Leadership Program (ALP) because I wasn’t quite sure what I wanted to do next in my career. I had previously moved to Ottawa for a year, for a job I loved. However, during the lockdown, I became really isolated and in need of a sense of community. I decided to move back to Toronto, and consequentially, I couldn’t keep my job, so I enrolled in the Advanced Leadership Program to occupy my time.

I came to Canada in December 2019 as an international student. In my time volunteering with Leading in Colour, I had the opportunity to connect with Sara Asalya, Executive Director of Newcomer Women’s Services Toronto (NEW), who continuously encouraged me to explore their programs. Since I was already working in 2 different jobs at the time, I didn’t think much of it. But after my decision to leave Ottawa and return to Toronto, the Sister2Sister ALP offered me the sense of community and support I was searching for.

RAECHELLE-FAITH’s ALP Experience

I had an amazing time with the program. It provided me with the chance to delve into project management, which had been a personal interest of mine for a while. Moreover, I was able to connect with a group of women who could readily empathize with my own experiences as a racialized, immigrant woman. In addition to this, the NEW staff was so kind, caring, and supportive, and my mentor completely revamped my CV and coached me in preparing for some of my dream roles.

Career Post-Completing ALP

6-7 months after completing ALP, I applied the coaching I received and successfully secured a position as a Development Manager at the Community Housing Transformation Centre. Although I did not complete my internship, as I received a job offer around the same period, I was placed with a housing organization that I’m sure I would have enjoyed working for. The career-readiness workshops significantly equipped me for my desired roles. Now, I am currently a Government Relations and Project Management Specialist. 

The Surprise Bonus

Since completing the program, I have been able to assist and guide other young, immigrant women in the same manner that I received support from ALP. Additionally, I have judiciously referred several individuals to the program each time NEW publishes a call for applications. Furthermore, I have been able to apply the knowledge gained from my certification and training at Schulich Business School and ALP to my current position as a development manager.

What’s Next for Raechelle-FAITH?

Regarding my future, I intend to dedicate my full-time efforts towards working with non-profit organizations that serve the Black community in the housing sector. My main objective is to utilize my expertise in project management and government relations to craft policies and manage relationships that will yield positive outcomes for African, Black, and Caribbean communities in Canada.

We thank RaeChelle-Faith again for sharing her journey with the ALP Alumni network. To learn more about Newcomer Women’s Services Toronto (NEW) and the Sister2Sister Advanced Leadership program, you can read about it here.