Last night's Newcomer Recognition Awards proved to be a very exciting evening for The Centre, as three of our staff and one client were honoured by The Halton Newcomer Strategy.
The Halton Newcomer Strategy annually recognizes immigrants who have provided significant contributions to the Halton community and brings awareness to success that immigrants can achieve.
Nominated in the Business/Culturally Diverse Workforce or Employer, Service Delivery Manager Raluca Lazar won for achieving success in business development during her diverse experience at The Centre. Moving to Canada from Romania in 2002 and having worked for The Centre for the past 15 years, Raluca's ability to leverage opportunities is evident through her success in solidifying new funding for our programs, building partnerships to enhance client services, and drive to make a positive difference in the community.
Maria Brzeska, Settlement Information Specialist of The Centre, first arrived in Canada in 1998 from Poland. Her dedication, knowledge, and sensitivity to the challenges of being a newcomer, has led her to be a strong voice and advocate of newcomer settlement services and enhancement of newcomers' integration into Ontario. Maria won the Community award, representing an immigrant who strengthens community awareness and advocates for newcomer equity.
Hector Vasquez, one of The Centre's Job Developers, moved to Ontario in 1988 under refugee status. Having worked in the Halton region for over 17 years, and advocating for employment opportunities for newcomers, Hector continues to build an impressive network of business contacts to provide opportunities for individuals to begin their skills development in Canada, and he does so in an empathetic, caring and positive manner. Hector also won a Community award.
Raghad Alkhatib, a previous client of The Centre, moved to Canada in 2015 from Jordan. In less than nine months, Raghad established a company called Lomi Platform Inc. within the technology and health sector. Lomi Platform Inc. focuses on the diversity of Canada's population with special emphasis on dietary needs. This focus includes professionals from different linguistic and cultural backgrounds and facilitates the crossing of cultural borders bringing together quality health professionals and clients from various cultural backgrounds, addressing the unique dietary needs of such a diverse population. Raghad won a Business/Culturally Diverse Workforce or Employer award.
Congratulations to all four of these Newcomer Recognition Award recipients on their achievements. We are grateful for their meaningful contributions in our community.
