NIEFS Wins 2025 Ambassador Award for Empowering Newcomers

URGENT UPDATE: The North Island Employment Foundations Society (NIEFS) has just been awarded the prestigious 2025 Ambassador Award for its exceptional leadership in empowering newcomers. This recognition highlights NIEFS’s unwavering commitment to fostering community engagement and inclusivity among new residents.

During a ceremony held on September 24 at the Maritime Heritage Centre in Campbell River, NIEFS Executive Director Shannon Baikie, along with staff members Dianne Hawkins and Natasha Prosser, accepted the award from the Immigrant Welcome Centre (IWC). The Ambassador Award is given to organizations that demonstrate outstanding leadership in creating welcoming environments for newcomers, celebrating their diversity and contributions.

“I am thrilled to recognize NIEFS for their remarkable leadership in welcoming newcomers,” stated Shams Alibhai, Executive Director at the IWC. “Their dedication to inclusion and community-building serves as an inspiration, and we are thankful for the positive impact they make in our community every day.”

NIEFS stands out as the top employment service in the North Island, offering critical programs designed to prepare individuals for work. Among their initiatives is the Skills Bridge program, which assists newcomers in gaining foreign credential recognition and connecting internationally trained professionals with job opportunities. Their services also guide individuals exploring careers in health care, child care, and social services, empowering newcomers with essential resources.

This award comes at a pivotal time as communities continue to navigate the challenges of integration and inclusion. NIEFS’s work not only strengthens the North Island community but also sets a benchmark for similar organizations across the region.

As NIEFS continues to expand its programs and outreach, the community can expect even greater initiatives aimed at improving the lives of newcomers and enriching the social fabric of the North Island. Stay tuned for more updates on how NIEFS will further its mission in the coming months.

This recognition is a clarion call to other organizations to follow NIEFS’s lead in creating inclusive environments that celebrate the contributions of newcomers. Share this news to inspire others to recognize the importance of community and diversity!