Because Only Together We Can
Creating Opportunities, Inspiring Careers, Building Community
Who We Are
Meet our co-founders, Prachi Jatania and Tina Balachandran, authentic storytellers and creative leaders. Having personally encountered the challenges within the Canadian professional landscape, they bring a unique perspective to this initiative. Rooted in their own experiences, this journey is centred on building an inclusive community dedicated to empowering women. We aim to actively dismantle barriers and embolden every woman to forge her professional path with steadfast confidence and unwavering determination.
"True belonging does not require that we change who we are; it requires that we be who we are" - Brené Brown
Tina Balachandran & Prachi Jatania
What we do
Our Mission
Did you know that immigrant women who landed in Canada as adults are paid 29.5% less than Canadian-born men?
(data: Statistics Canada)
Over a career lifetime, that can mean millions of $$$ denied for equal work.
At Immigrant Women Initiative (IWI), our mission is to propel the professional pathways of immigrant women in Canada. We offer a safe, supportive environment where they can thrive, offering practical tools for successful career navigation and fostering an economically prosperous future. We are committed to addressing the unique challenges faced by immigrant women, such as reshaping professional identities and overcoming barriers related to gender, immigration status, and racial background. To that end, IWI provides a comprehensive hub of resources, networking, and mentoring to advance professional development and facilitate career success in Canada.
Our Vision
Our vision is a vibrant and inclusive Canadian professional realm where every immigrant woman unlocks her full career prowess. We aspire to foster an ecosystem that ignites economic prosperity for immigrant women across diverse sectors, acknowledging that about 84% are visible minorities. Through our united endeavours, we seek to spotlight and unlock the boundless potential and influence of immigrant women. This mitigates the economic deficit linked to underutilizing their talents in communities across Canada.
HOW WE DO WHAT WE DO
Community Support
This pillar is dedicated to cultivating a robust support network for women within the community. It offers valuable networking opportunities and assistance to help members navigate challenges, share and learn from each other's experiences, and thrive in both their personal and professional spheres.
Skills Enhancement
This pillar is committed to fostering the continuous growth and advancement of immigrant women by offering workshops and masterclasses led by subject matter experts. These sessions are designed to equip community members with valuable tools and skills essential for their career development. By providing access to training programs and specialized sessions, this pillar aims to enhance competencies and bolster employability among participants.
Diversity and Inclusion
This pillar promotes an environment of acceptance, respect, and equality for all members of the community, regardless of their backgrounds. It works to create awareness, foster understanding, and celebrate the unique perspectives and contributions of individuals from diverse cultural, ethnic, and social backgrounds.
Circular Mentoring Hub
This pillar cultivates a vibrant community culture where mentorship thrives, promoting a cycle where recipients evolve into mentors. It functions as a platform facilitating reciprocal learning and growth through mentorship connections between seasoned professionals and those seeking guidance. Collaboration, knowledge sharing, and personal development create a supportive network that encourages ongoing mentorship relationships.
Financial empowerment
This pillar is dedicated to empowering individuals to take control of their financial futures through a focus on financial literacy. Through engaging activities, personalized advice, and mock interviews, it equips community members with the knowledge and skills necessary to make informed financial decisions. By providing resources, workshops, and tools, it supports individuals in effectively managing their resources and working towards achieving their financial goals.
Resource Room
This pillar serves as a centralized hub of information and resources for community members. It offers access to various materials, such as job listings, educational materials, community events, and support services, to empower individuals and facilitate their personal and professional growth.
What our Community is saying
Become An IWI Member
Cohort To Be Announced Soon
IWI Catalyst
Criteria
- 5+ years of work experience
Benefits
- Access to IWI curated workshops at a discounted registration fee
- Access to IWI Leadership summit
- Access to a free One to One, exclusive deep dive session with IWI Knowledge partner (based on your professional need for Career Coach, Life Coach, Wellness Coach)
- Access to Mentors for One Free Deep dive on industry/sector specific mentoring
Pricing
CA$ 20 plus tax
Annual package CA $240 $215 plus tax
IWI Accelerate
Criteria
- Recent graduate, less than 2 years of work experience, newcomer with less than 6 months.
Benefits
- Access to 1 Mentor for professional guidance. Limited to select number of sessions
- Access 2 IWI workshops with discounted registration.
- 1 free Resume & LinkedIn session with Career Development Practitioner.
Pricing
CA$ 15 plus tax
Annual package CA $180 $165 plus tax
We invite you to engage with us
