Din’s journey to Abbotsford spans continents, careers, and cultures but it is in Abbotsford that Din found a job that aligned with his passions for humanitarian work at the Archway Food Bank through a chance encounter with the Archway Employment Mentors program.
Originally from Sudan, Din received his bachelor’s and master’s degree in business administration. Early in his career, he worked in the for-profit industry, but it wasn’t long before his passion for humanitarian work took over.
Din moved between countries like Qatar, Iraq, and the United Arab Emirates, working with non-governmental organizations (NGO). His dedication to helping others earned him a scholarship to pursue a master’s in humanitarian action in Geneva, Switzerland, a program reserved for those with experience in global development and relief efforts.
Din in Switzerland studying his master’s in Humanitarian Action
Did You Know?
The Employment Mentors program helps clients explore opportunities through one-on-one employment coaching, training for job seekers, and professional mentorship.
Din in Dubai working for a local NGO
A Chance Encounter
Seeking secure employment and better educational opportunities for his children, Din moved to Canada in 2023, initially settling in Alberta. He worked a variety of jobs – including leading a night shift and supporting an immigration consultancy, but a visit to friends in Abbotsford changed everything.
“I came just to visit,” Din recalled. “But the moment I arrived in Abbotsford, I liked it so much, I decided to stay.”
Through a chance encounter – offering translation support for a friend – Din was introduced to Archway. He was immediately drawn to Archway’s mission and values.
“Even before I joined any programs, I submitted my CV,” said Din. “I knew I wanted to work here. I liked the work that Archway was doing for the community.”
Shortly after, Din joined the Employment Readiness Series – a 12-hour workshop split over six days which covers resume and cover letter writing, job search strategies, and interview skills.
The workshop is hosted by the Archway Employment Mentors program which helps newcomers build connections for employment through one-on-one coaching, mentorship and workshops. The program supports immigrants in understanding Canadian workplace culture and equips them with practical tools for navigating the job market.
“The program was a refreshment for me,” Din said. “It reminded me of my knowledge and skills and helped me prepare for the job market in British Columbia.”
He especially appreciated the focus on adaptability, Canadian workplace norms, and employee rights.
“One thing I learned that was new to me was the Canadian employment law,” he explained. “The program gave me the tools to know what questions I don’t have to answer during an interview.”
“We teach newcomers about these laws because understanding your rights is the first step to feeling confident and empowered in the workplace,” explained Rupinder Jotlay, employment outreach specialist for Employment Mentors.
“Many newcomers come from countries where employment standards are very different, so we make sure they know what protections they have here in Canada.”
“The program was a refreshment for me. It reminded me of my knowledge and skills and helped me prepare for the job market in British Columbia”
“We teach newcomers about these laws because understanding your rights is the first step to feeling confident and empowered in the workplace”
Making a Difference
It wasn’t long after completing the program that Din came across a job posting at the Archway Food Bank. Thanks to the program’s networking and encouragement, he applied – and in October 2024, he started as client services program lead.
Today, Din leads a bustling floor operation where no two days are the same. He leads client services staff, builds fresh food hampers, supports volunteer scheduling, and provides language support in both English and Arabic.
“Din’s ability and readiness to connect with our Arabic-speaking clients has made a tremendous contribution to our goal of providing equitable access to food for everyone who comes to our doors,” said Lisa Laplante, Archway Food Bank supervisor.
“He has also provided valuable insights into the ways our newcomer clients experience our services, helping us make more informed decisions about how we provide those services.”
Looking ahead, Din is happy where he is and sees a future with Archway.
“I feel like I’m doing something good for the community. It’s more than a job – it gives me satisfaction,” said Din.
Din working at the Archway Food Bank