Coast Capital Credentialing Program for Newcomer Women networking and graduation event
Over the last few years, the Coast Capital Credentialing Program for Newcomer Women has created an empowering space where skilled women professionals can find hope and support to build a thriving future in Canada in their field of expertise.
At a recent networking and graduation event for the program’s most recent cohort in February, DIVERSEcity welcomed Coast Capital’s Tara Walter, Social Purpose Ecosystem Manager, and Mamata Patil, Career Guidance Program Manager, to hear stories from some of the participants, and share more about Coast Capital’s commitment to improving career outcomes in the community.
“I remember when this program was just an idea between, my colleague, Tanya, and someone from DIVERSEcity about four years ago. And when I look at what this program is today, it’s pretty incredible. What this program has done to support women, including the women in this room today, it is truly, absolutely inspiring,” said Tara.
“I am looking forward to hearing from you today,” she added to the participants. “It’s these stories that I can take back to our team and say, ‘This is the program that we’re supporting, and this is the impact that we’re having.”
Alison Ireland, Senior Manager, Employment, DIVERSEcity concurred, sharing that the program has been a catalyst for newcomer women to use the full extent of their experience, training and skills they have brought with them to Canada. “It began as a grant program and it has evolved into a grant program with navigational support, too,” she said.
Several participants came to the podium to share their experiences, what they have had to overcome in their licensing journeys, and the gratitude they feel for the support from DIVERSEcity and Coast Capital.
Coast Capital program participants share their stories
Jazmin, from Argentina, spoke on the irony of Canada’s need for health care workers while putting up barriers to internationally trained professionals like herself. “When you try to get [into the system], it’s not that easy,” citing the cost and time in taking extra courses in Canada.
“Receiving this grant has helped me a lot to get closer to my professional goals,” said Jazmin. “I studied psychology and I am also an LPN (licensed practical nurse). My goal is to work in the health care system and help people with their mental and physical health.”
Sukhwant, who was a teacher from India, said: “This is the only program that has given me wings — given me hope. The [employment specialists] provided me with a good networking system. I made a lot of friends and I have gained experience. It’s given me feathers in my cap, while I built my hope and self-esteem. I am proud to now be a Canadian and see that I can do well here in Canada.” She is now close to completing her credentialing journey, having applied for her BC teaching certificate, and is waiting while the application is under review.
Adelola was a dentist for 10 years back in Nigeria. “I’ve been passionate about dentistry right from when I was young,” she said. At dentistry school, she met her husband and after 10 years of working in the field, the couple, along with their two kids, immigrated to Canada as permanent residents less than a year ago,
“That was in July 2025 and I got quickly introduced to DIVERSEcity through a friend who was also supported through the [Coast Capital] program,” she said. “I’m truly grateful for this opportunity. The knowledge we have gotten from this organization and the financial help has helped me in my journey and my dream to become a dentist here in Canada.”
Adelola isn’t a dentist yet, but she’s well on her way, sharing that she had to split up her journey into short term and long-term goals. Goal number 1? She’s working toward being a licensed dental assistant.
“The grant came in right at the nick of time. I came [to Canada] in July and the next certification exam’s [application] deadline was September. When you come into Canada, you have limited finances, so financially, we were focusing on survival and stability first. As soon as I got the grant, I applied to take the exam, just before the deadline!”
She took the written exam in December. “And I passed the written test,” she said proudly, to cheers from the audience. “Now I’m working as a chairside assistant in a dental clinic in Chilliwack. This is the first step. And in the long term, I plan to go back to school and study dentistry in Canada.”
Jazmin also added: “I am very grateful for this support, and I am ready to work hard to achieve my dream of becoming a licensed professional.”
Congratulations to the participants and thank you to Coast Capital
Congratulations to all the participants from the latest cohort of the Coast Capital Credentialing Program for Newcomer Women! And thank you to Coast Capital for creating this much-needed platform for skilled immigrant women to fulfill their full potential and contribute to Canada.