For newcomers to Canada, the process of building a new life is exciting—and filled with unexpected challenges.
Adjusting to a new country means navigating unfamiliar systems—financial, professional and cultural—all while trying to establish a sense of belonging. Maj Dafinone, Leader of Product Management at Interac Corp., knows this journey well. When she emigrated from the United States to Canada in 2018, she arrived with an impressive résume and years of professional experience. Yet, like many newcomers, she found that breaking into the Canadian job market required more than just qualifications—it required networks, mentorship and an understanding of the “unwritten rules” of Canadian hiring practices.
According to a recent survey by Interac, 85% of newcomers report facing at least one economic barrier that impacts their financial confidence. These hurdles can be compounded by the emotional toll of starting over in an unfamiliar environment.
Part of Dafinone’s success was her connection with ACCES Employment, a workforce development organization dedicated to helping jobseekers from diverse backgrounds integrate into the Canadian labour market. Over the past six years, ACCES and Interac have worked together to connect newcomers with programs and resources to help them build confidence and achieve their goals. The organization helped Dafinone start out on the right foot; today, as a leader within Interac, she’s brought that connection full circle by serving as a mentor for other newcomers through ACCES.
We spoke with Dafinone and Layla Harrison, Director of Sponsor and Volunteer Engagement at ACCES, about the experience of newcomers and how partnerships like the one between Interac and ACCES can help open doors, help them build financial literacy and navigate challenges.
Q: What was your biggest challenge as a newcomer to Canada?
Maj Dafinone, Interac: I thought I was prepared. I had lived in five different U.S. states and visited several Canadian cities before deciding to settle in Toronto. But once I arrived, I felt culture shock that I hadn’t anticipated. Despite my qualifications and experience, I quickly realized that the Canadian job market operated differently than what I was used to. It wasn’t just about having an impressive résume—it was about building the right networks and understanding the unspoken rules. That was the hardest part for me.
Layla Harrison, ACCES: Many newcomers face similar challenges. As the child of immigrant parents, I was inspired to support individuals in overcoming barriers as this is something my own family had to struggle with. At ACCES, our work has the power to positively impact an individual’s journey, which in turn can influence the lives of their families and communities. In my role, I’ve witnessed firsthand the challenges underserved jobseekers and newcomers face. They are equally capable and skilled but often lack access to opportunities. I take pride in being able to help create those opportunities and contribute to their success.
Q: Maj, how did you find support through ACCES Employment?
Dafinone: I first heard about ACCES through a Columbia Business School alumna who connected me with their team. I enrolled in the Empowering Women program, which turned out to be a game-changer. It was a one-week intensive program focused on building confidence, networking and practical skills like résume writing. But beyond the technical skills, it gave me a sense of community. I was surrounded by women from all over the world who were going through similar challenges, and we supported each other every step of the way.
Q: How did ACCES Employment prepare you for success in the Canadian job market?
Dafinone: The program helped me tailor my approach—including my résume and LinkedIn profile for the Canadian job market. ACCES also helped expand my network through events with financial institutions, and organizations like The Canadian Association of Urban Financial Professionals (CAUFP). The more connections I made, the closer I got to landing an interview and job offer. Although I didn’t land my first job directly through ACCES, the connections I made there were instrumental in building my professional network.
Q: Layla, can you share a bit more about the work ACCES is doing to uplift diverse communities?
Harrison: What we do at ACCES is all about empowering individuals through our programs can spark meaningful change—not only in their own lives, but also in the well-being of their families and their communities.” One of our latest initiatives is the ACCES Street Fleet. This mobile unit helps us to break down barriers by bringing our employment services directly into communities where jobseekers face the greatest challenges. The Street Fleet represents a community-driven approach that allows ACCES to meet and support jobseekers where they are, ensuring that no one is left behind. By working alongside local community partners and service providers with Street Fleet, we are building a network of comprehensive support that extends beyond employment coaching. This includes access to essential services that contribute to long-term success.
Q: Why are partnerships like the one between Interac and ACCES so important?
Harrison: ACCES would not be able to serve our clients or achieve our goals without the support of our incredible partners and volunteers. Collaborations like ours are especially powerful because they create meaningful pathways to success for jobseekers while championing diversity and inclusion in the workforce. Interac brings valuable industry expertise and opens doors to opportunities, while ACCES provides the talent, support, and training needed to help individuals become job ready. Together, we send a strong message about the importance of inclusive hiring and the value of investing in underrepresented communities. Most recently, Interac became a co-sponsor of our Cybersecurity Connections program which supports internationally trained IT professionals in securing employment in their field within Canada. Participants gain a deeper understanding of Canadian workplace culture, cybersecurity concepts, and industry best practices related to information security.
Dafinone: At Interac, I feel empowered to go beyond my work and get involved in the community. I’ve been able to mentor other women and newcomers, both through Interac Women’s Employee Resource Group and our partnership with ACCES. It’s incredibly rewarding and allows me to pay forward the guidance and support I received as a newcomer.
Q: What role does financial literacy play in empowering newcomers?
Dafinone: Financial literacy is critical for anyone, but especially for newcomers who are adjusting to a new financial system. At Interac, we’re passionate about helping people take control of their finances. Through initiatives like the Mindfulness and Money program, we provide practical tools to help newcomers manage their money, avoid fraud and build financial confidence. Personally, I’ve seen how financial literacy can transform lives—it’s not just about the numbers; it’s about the empowerment.
Harrison: Our partnership with Interac enables ACCES clients to gain exposure to top-tier industry professionals through mentoring and networking opportunities. We’ve hosted Speed Mentoring sessions that allow clients to engage face-to-face with Interac professionals. During these sessions, clients participate in up to six one-to-one meetings, each lasting 10 minutes, where they receive personalized feedback on their résumés, interview skills, and job search strategies. As Maj mentioned, Interac delivers a unique Mindfulness and Money program built in partnership with Conscious Economics for our newcomer clients. This has come to life through numerous events we’ve done including our annual Financial Confidence Summit.
Maj’s financial cheat sheet:
- Budgeting basics: Financial Consumer Agency of Canada’s budget-building tool
- Savings solutions: Government of Canada’s guide to savings and pension plans
- Employment essentials: e-ACCES online resource for job-search success
Q: What advice would you both give to newcomers looking to build a career in Canada?
Dafinone: Don’t underestimate the power of networking! Reach out to alumni, attend industry events and don’t be afraid to ask for coffee chats. Building genuine connections is key to unlocking opportunities.
Harrison: I agree! My advice to newcomers looking to break into the Canadian job market is to network, network, network! Many employers recognize the value that a diverse workforce brings to their organizations. In today’s world, having a workforce that reflects a range of backgrounds is not only imperative, but also a strategic advantage. Newcomers should be proactive, stay open to learning, and focus on building connections. While having the right skills and experience is important, networking plays a critical role in the job search here in Canada. Many opportunities are found through word–of-mouth or referrals, so it’s essential to connect with professionals in your field.
Learn how to build your financial literacy through the expansive portfolio at Interac.
