Unlocking Opportunities: My Journey from Volunteer to Community Liaison

Oksana Dmytriv currently works as a Community Liaison at Immigrant Services Calgary (ISC). However, this was not always the case; she previously faced challenges finding a job.

Oksana immigrated to Calgary from Ukraine in September 2022. Like many other immigrants, she was eager to start a new life, but she found it difficult to adjust to a new culture and find a job.

Her friend encouraged her to seek settlement support from ISC. Oksana followed this advice and secured an appointment with a Gateway Newcomer Planner at ISC, who suggested that she volunteer to gain Canadian experience and build her professional network.

Shortly after, Oksana came across an ISC post seeking volunteers for the 2022 Immigrants of Distinction Awards and signed up. After completing the onboarding process, she had her first volunteering experience by co-hosting the VIP reception at the event with two other volunteers.

When a Community Liaison position became available at ISC, her Gateway Newcomer Planner encouraged her to apply. She underwent the recruitment process and joined the organization as a full-time employee in December 2022.

As a Community Liaison officer, Oksana represents ISC in the community, supporting newcomers. “I am now proud to work at ISC, helping newcomers as I was helped,” she said.

Oksana at community events

On this International Volunteer Day, celebrated on December 5 every year, we celebrate ISC’s volunteer base of 1,595 individuals who support the organization in connecting newcomers to exemplary service at the right agency every time.

Volunteering has numerous benefits, including giving back to society, expanding one's network, and potentially landing a job, as Oksana did.

Consider volunteering today.

About the Author

Damilola Kadiri is an international communications professional and author. She currently works as the Communications Lead at Immigrant Services Calgary. Outside work, she enjoys spending time with her family, reading, listening to gospel music, and learning new things.

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