We're thrilled to introduce Kristan Francis, the newest member of our Kababayan Multicultural Centre team! With over nine years of experience as an employment counsellor, Kristan brings a wealth of knowledge and an inspiring dedication to serving diverse communities, including youth, individuals with disabilities, those experiencing homelessness, the LGBTQ2S+ community, and newcomers to Canada. His work over the years has been driven by a passion for empowering individuals to achieve independence and a fulfilling life through meaningful employment.
Empowering newcomers toward stable, fulfilling careers
For Kristan, a career is more than just a job; it is a pathway to a better quality of life. He understands that newcomers face unique challenges as they transition to life in Canada, where gaining stable employment can be pivotal. Kristan's role as an Employment Counsellor is rooted in the belief that a supportive guide can be transformative, empowering newcomers to overcome obstacles, develop essential skills, and ultimately thrive in the job market.
"I aim to empower individuals by helping them identify their strengths, build essential skills, and confidently navigate the job market. For many newcomers and those facing employment barriers, finding a job is more than income; it’s about building independence and contributing meaningfully to the community." Kristan explains.
A passion for community support and Kababayan's mission
Kristan's admiration for Kababayan Multicultural Centre's work was a key motivator in joining our team. His previous experience with IRCC initiatives gave him insight into the vital role organizations like Kababayan play in helping newcomers build lives in Canada. He's eager to contribute his expertise to further our mission, empowering individuals through personalized support and impactful programs.
Overcoming challenges together
Kristan is familiar with job seekers' obstacles, particularly newcomers and marginalized individuals. From navigating Canadian work experience requirements to facing language barriers and systemic discrimination, he recognizes the complexity of these challenges.
“Many highly skilled newcomers struggle to gain employment in their fields, often leading to underemployment or career downgrades. Kristan aims to equip clients with practical tools to overcome these hurdles and thrive by offering customized job search strategies, language support, and culturally relevant guidance,” he says.
Providing a tailored, culturally sensitive approach
At the heart of Kristan's work is a client-centred approach, accommodating a multicultural community's diverse needs. By conducting individualized assessments, offering culturally relevant resources, and fostering community connections, Kristan helps clients build confidence and create a clear path forward. His support extends beyond job search tactics to encompass mentorship, skills development, and networking, recognizing that these resources are invaluable in overcoming employment barriers.
Building a solid foundation for success
Kristan encourages community members to fully engage with Kababayan's resources, from orientation sessions to language and skill-building workshops. He hopes clients leave each session with renewed clarity, confidence, and practical tools, like polished resumes and interview techniques, to move forward in their careers. Above all, Kristan wants clients to feel supported, empowered, and prepared to tackle their job search with resilience and determination.
Through his commitment to fostering a sense of belonging and self-worth, Kristan envisions each client overcoming obstacles and reaching new heights in their professional lives. With Kristan's dedication and expertise, we're excited to see how he will make a difference in the lives of our community members, helping them build successful careers and enriching our community's diversity and strength.
Welcome to the Kababayan family, Kristan!
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