In 2015, Masha and her family embarked on a new chapter when they immigrated to Canada from Israel. When Masha gave birth to her third child, the time and travel requirements of a career in Pharmaceutical and Food Ingredient Sales was no longer going to work for her young family.
Masha began her job search journey at JVS Toronto with the EMETemployment program where she worked with an employment specialist to create a new resume and LinkedIn profile that would help her change careers. She was successfully employed in a medical aesthetics devices company when COVID-19 hit. Hers was one of the 2 million jobs lost in Canada that year. Unemployed and in lockdown with three children, Masha returned to JVS Toronto for help.
Fuelled by the desire for a new start and a new career challenge, Masha actively participated in workshops, one-on-one counselling, and explored new career paths. Though some doors didn’t open immediately, her perseverance endured, and with the help of her employment specialist, Masha made the decision to pursue post-secondary education. She enrolled in Immigration and Citizenship Law at Queen’s University.
To ease the financial burden brought on by the pandemic, Masha accessed funding to support her education through a COVID relief program funded by UJA Federation of Greater Toronto. Without this support, this mother of three would not have been able to return to school. JVS Toronto’s collaborative relationships with diverse service providers across the GTA enables people in need to access a variety of vital supports through referrals within a diverse network of organizations.
Today, Masha is a Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant and CEO of her own company. This role allows her to support her fellow newcomers and she is thrilled to have built a new and fulfilling career.
Working with JVS Toronto was the most pleasant experience I have had since we moved to Ontario. I was lucky to have a great counsellor. I am grateful to her and JVS Toronto for your dedication and assistance in my journey.” – Masha
