Women’s Enterprise Skills Training of Windsor Inc. (WEST)
Featured here are some success stories shared by our clients. If WEST has helped you, please share your Success Story by writing to info@westofwindsor.com
2008
Josephine Sempewo, a certified Radiographer with over 23 years experience in the field, migrated to Canada from Uganda in 2004. Josephine served as Head of the X-ray Department in Rubaga Hospital for several years and as an employee representative on the hospital board. A mother of four, Josephine took an active role in her home country; sitting on various community committees and championing for the rights women and girls.
Josephine's professional aspirations in Canada were diminished as she realized she would not be able to certify in the field of Radiography due to licensing requirements. Not deterred by this reality, Josephine, now a mature student, decided to take a Medical Office Administration course and graduated with honours. With her Canadian education behind her, Josephine was once again optomistic that she would be able to secure employment in Canada. However, she found out that her age was now a barrier as she did not receive any response to the countless resumes she sent out.
Frustrated, Josephine was referred to WEST by a friend, participated in computer training and became a Certified MS Word Specialist. Through a collaborative effort with WEST staff, Josephine was able to secure employment at a very reputable company in Windsor, Berkshire Securities Inc. Josephine's dtermination, positive attitude and tremendous effort assisted her as she continues to persevere on her journey towards success.
2008
Feng Chen, who was born and raised in China, completed her education and training in the field of Geographic Information System and Remote Sensing Application.
Feng and her family came to Canada in 2004, and in 2006 she took part in the Enhanced Language Training (ELT) Program at WEST. Through the 10-week volunteer placement, Feng was able to gain her very first career related work experience in Canada. From this, Feng successfully landed a job at Essex Region Conservation Authority in the Sourse Water Protection Project. She currently works at Town of Lakeshore as a GIS Technologist.
Feng is a reflection of the added value of a diverse workforce as she uses her international experience to present innovative ideas in her field.
1988
Itza Pinell was assigned her “on the job” training experience through WEST with the Windsor Police Service where she continues to work today. Living in Nicaragua, Itza’s memories of the Police were those of corrupt and powerful individuals that were feared rather than endeared. She reminisces about how she would actually shake when she came into the Police headquarters until her new experiences began to push aside old fears. Itza currently serves as a member of the WEST Board of Directors where she ensures participants’ needs are being addressed in policies, programs and services offered at WEST.
1989
Aida Cabrera, Manager of Administration at the City of Windsor, was a participant of the WEST program in 1989 and is a lifelong supporter of WEST services and participants. She has been a mentor and a role model for women seeking opportunities to find new careers and opportunities in Canada.
1992
Peruth Kalisa fled her home country of Rwanda in 1992, shortly after the Rwanda Genocide occurred. She lost more than 30 family members including both parents and 5 siblings. It is through WEST that Peruth saw and touched a computer for the first time and learned to type. As a result, Peruth developed an interest in computers and is currently employed by the Greater Essex County District School Board as a School Support Technician.
1995
Maha Hakim received six moths of in-class training at WEST and was then placed at Forest Glade Fireplaces as a Bookkeeper. Maha’s journey began when the owner decided to keep her as a part-time bookkeeper and later hired her full-time.
1999
Ruba Bhattacharjee participated in a volunteer placement with the University of Windsor -Leddy Library where she was later hired as a Part-time Shelver. During this time, Ruba completed additional upgrading courses in order to attend the Business Administration program at University of Windsor. To date, Ruba has completed 10 business courses towards her undergraduate degree and, as of 2005, works full-time as a Library Clerk at the University of Windsor
2001
Sally Zeng had to make a difficult decision when she received a job offer for temporary employment, which would provide some Canadian work experience. Sally could either take the job or continue seeking a volunteer position in her field through WEST. Sally chose to volunteer. She was placed at the City of Windsor’s Park and Recreational Department, and as of 2005 is a full-time Intermediate Clerk at the City of Windsor.
2006
Marcia Atkins was out of school for over 26 years when she took up the challenge of participating in the high school equivalency (GED) program at WEST. After 6 months and one re-write, Marcia attained her Graduate Equivalency Diploma on June 10, 2006.
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Women’s Enterprise Skills Training of Windsor Inc. (WEST) |