Chioma’s Full Circle – From Professional Newcomer to Empowering Others
For Chioma Jolly the journey to Canada was about more than just a change of scenery; it was a transition fueled by a decade of senior banking management and a deep passion for education. Arriving in Regina with a Master’s degree, professional certifications, and a wealth of international experience, Chioma was ready to contribute to her new community. However, like many skilled newcomers, she quickly realized that navigating a new professional landscape required more than just an impressive resume; it required a bridge.
Chioma’s path led her to the Regina Open Door Society (RODS), where she enrolled in the Career Bridging Program. This connection proved to be a pivotal moment, offering her a space to “unlearn and relearn” the nuances of the Canadian professional environment. Chioma recalls that arriving with extensive experience can sometimes be a hurdle if one isn’t willing to adapt. “I knew that I had to unlearn and then relearn how to live in this system,” she explains. “People don’t look at you in a condescending way here. They understand we are just coming into the system, and they are really able to tell you the steps you should take.”
The strength of the program lay in the dedicated support of the job developers and tutors who recognized Chioma’s unique blend of business acumen and heart. Even when a placement wasn’t immediately obvious, Chioma remained a source of encouragement for her classmates. “Don’t be afraid for me,” she would tell her peers. “I know something will turn up.” This positive outlook, paired with the program’s guidance, led to a high-stakes opportunity: a Business Advisor role at the South Saskatchewan Independent Living Centre (SSILC). With the clock ticking toward a midnight cutoff, Chioma worked with the speed and precision of a seasoned professional, submitting her application at 11:57 PM.
Today, Chioma’s journey has come full circle. As a Business Advisor under the Entrepreneurs with Disabilities Program (EDP), she is no longer the one seeking a bridge, she is the one building them. In her role, she provides specialized support to entrepreneurs navigating their own unique barriers, offering the same empathy and professional guidance that helped her find her footing. “It is fulfilling,” Chioma says of her work. “I’ve found a place where the human face comes first. You don’t work with great people and not want to put in more; that’s just the truth.”
Reflecting on her success, Chioma offers vital advice to those following in her footsteps. She encourages newcomers to remain open-minded and to lean into the support systems available.
“Be open to suggestions and ideas on how to move forward,”
she advises. “There is a culture here to make you feel relaxed and like you are already part of the community.” Her story is a powerful reminder that when we invest in the potential of newcomers, that investment ripples outward. As Chioma puts it: “I have discovered that because I derive pleasure in assisting people, I never lack. If you have something that isn’t beneficial to you right now, give it out. Help someone else.”
We extend our heartfelt thanks to RBC Future Launch for their kind and generous support for newcomer youth seeking employment and looking for avenues to improve their job readiness skills.
