COQUITLAM, B.C., December 6, 2023 – Building on the momentum of the recent Growing Together Employment Forum, the City of Coquitlam and the Tri-Cities Local Immigration Partnership are excited to introduce a joint mentorship pilot project.
This initiative is designed to foster professional growth among City staff and professionals from equity-deserving backgrounds through an inclusive mentorship experience. A first of its kind for Coquitlam, this initiative strategically 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.
Project Goals: Fostering Professional Growth
This mentorship pilot presents mutual benefits, and aims to bolster the professional development of both City of Coquitlam staff and mentees from equity-deserving backgrounds.
Mentees in this program will gain invaluable insights into the local government sector, uncover potential career pathways, and foster connections with local employers and organizations. Concurrently, City mentors will be equipped with training focused on inclusive support for newcomers and other equity-deserving individuals, enhancing their understanding of the challenges faced by these groups.
Application Process Now Open for Mentorship Program
Applications are now open, and interested individuals from equity-deserving backgrounds are encouraged to apply before the January 14, 2024 deadline.
This program offers a unique opportunity for professional growth and networking within the local government sector. City of Coquitlam mentors, who will receive specialized training, will benefit from a deeper understanding of the challenges faced by equity-deserving groups. This initiative aims to not only advance Coquitlam's commitment to Equity, Diversity and Inclusion, but also enrich the professional lives of all participants.
Eligible applicants, who must be from equity-deserving backgrounds, are invited to commit two hours per month for a duration of four months to this enriching program. The ideal candidate should possess a Canadian English Language Benchmark level of 6.
Further details and the application to register are available on the Tri-Cities Local Immigration Partnership webpage.
Commitment to Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI)
This mentorship initiative underscores the City of Coquitlam's commitment to fostering a community where equity, diversity, and inclusion 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.
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.
Media contacts:
Manisha Dutta (she/her)
Manager, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion
604-927-3027
mdutta@coquitlam.ca
Thábata da Costa (she/her/ela)
Program Manager, Tri-Cities Local Immigration Partnership
604-468-6020
thabata.dacosta@success.bc.ca
We acknowledge with gratitude and respect that the name Coquitlam was derived from the hən̓q̓əmin̓əm̓ (HUN-kuh-MEE-num) word kʷikʷəƛ̓əm (kwee-KWET-lum) meaning “Red Fish Up the River”. The City is honoured to be located on the kʷikʷəƛ̓əm traditional and ancestral lands, including those parts that were historically shared with the q̓ic̓əy̓ (kat-zee), and other Coast Salish Peoples.