S.U.C.C.E.S.S. Tri-Cities Local Immigration Project and City of Coquitlam launch mentorship pilot project to support diverse professionals

December 11, 2023

Coquitlam, B.C. – The City of Coquitlam and S.U.C.C.E.S.S.’ Tri-Cities Local Immigration Partnership are launching a mentorship pilot project to improve diversity, equity and inclusion for local professionals.

This new pilot project is designed to foster professional growth among City staff and professionals from equity-deserving backgrounds[1] through an inclusive mentorship experience. Equity-deserving groups are communities that experience significant collective barriers to participating in society, such as historic, social and environmental barriers to equal access, opportunities and resources, or discrimination based on age, ethnicity, disability, economic status, gender, race, sexual orientation, and other grounds.

This initiative pairs City staff as mentors with local professionals who will benefit from guidance in career development, gaining insights into the local government sector and expanding their professional networks. The goal is to foster professional growth of both participants and city staff. TCLIP will support the pilot program by connecting the City with local professionals, co-developing the program using an inclusive design framework, assessing the project’s outcomes and sharing best practices with community groups.

Mentees can expect to gain invaluable insights into local government, uncover potential careers, and connect with local employers and agencies. City mentors will be trained how to support newcomers and other equity-deserving individuals, enhancing their understanding of challenges faced by these groups. This initiative builds on the momentum of the recent Growing Together Employment Forum.

Participants must be from equity-deserving backgrounds and commit two hours per month over four months. The ideal candidate should possess a Canadian English Language Benchmark Level 6. Applications are now open, and eligible individuals are encouraged to apply before Jan. 14, 2024. Learn more and apply on the Tri-Cities Local Immigration Partnership webpage.

For more information
Elaine O’Connor
Director, Strategic Communications and Partnerships
S.U.C.C.E.S.S.
[email protected]

Manisha Dutta
Manager, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion
City of Coquitlam
[email protected]

About S.U.C.C.E.S.S.
Founded in 1973, S.U.C.C.E.S.S. is one of the largest social service agencies in Canada. Our multicultural, non-profit charitable organization offers a wide range of programs and services that promote the belonging, wellness, and independence of people at all stages of their Canadian journey. Programs and services are offered in the areas of newcomer settlement, English language training, employment and entrepreneurship, family, youth and seniors programming, health education, community development, seniors care and affordable housing. Learn more at successbc.ca.

About Tri-Cities Local Immigration Partnership

The Tri-Cities Local Immigration Partnership’s (TCLIP) mandate is to foster a more welcoming and inclusive community and improve the integration & inclusion of newcomers. TCLIP does this by supporting collaboration, coordination and planning at the community level to foster a more welcoming and inclusive community and improve settlement and integration outcomes for newcomers and the community at large. As well as sharing promising practices and information on issues, strategies and trends related to immigration for organizations, government and service systems.

About the City of Coquitlam’s commitment to Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion

The City of Coquitlam is committed to fostering a community where equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) are paramount. EDI principles are integral to the City’s operations, influencing policies and decision-making across all sectors. Coquitlam’s journey towards greater inclusivity ensures that every individual, regardless of their diverse backgrounds, can thrive in a safe and supportive environment. More information on the City’s EDI efforts can be found at coquitlam.ca/edi.

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[1] Queen’s University Human Rights and Equity Office, “Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Indigenization.” 2020: https://www.queensu.ca/hreo/sites/hreowww/files/uploaded_files/20201210KeyEDIIterms.pdf