Newcomer Career Conference

We invite you to join us for our 2025 Newcomer Career Conference, an event dedicated to helping internationally trained professionals establish their careers in Canada (but everyone is welcome to attend!). This event offers valuable insights, networking opportunities, and direct connections with local employers and community services.

Free Entry (limited seats available) REGISTER NOW

Event Schedule:

9:30 a.m.: Registration
Sign-in and collect event materials. Light breakfast and beverages available

10:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.: Panel Discussion 
Panelists:

• Danial Rooyani,  Vice President, Business Analytics and Excellence AVL Manufacturing Inc.
  Danial Rooyani, P.Eng., PMP, and Lean Six Sigma Black Belt, holds a PhD in Engineering Systems and Computing, with an MSc and BSc in Industrial Engineering. With more than 20 years of experience in project management, quality, and process improvement, he now serves as Vice President at AVL Manufacturing.
   
• Manjusha Pradhan, Manager, IT Portfolio and Project Management, City of Guelph
  Manjusha Pradhan is the Manager of IT Portfolio and Project Management at the City of Guelph, where she has led strategic initiatives for over 12 years. With a background in Electronics Engineering and an MBA, she is PMP- and Scrum-certified. Manjusha oversees a team of IT Project Managers and Business Analysts, driving organization-wide impact through strategic project delivery and effective business requirements gathering. She is passionate about mentoring emerging leaders and fostering innovation through collaboration.
   
• Jeff Smith, Manager, Bridges & Civil Structures WSP
  Jeff Smith is a licensed Professional Engineer with over 20 years of professional experience in transportation engineering consulting. He manages a group of over 30 staff working on bridge and civil structure design and has managed the design of several award-winning bridge projects. Jeff also has over 30 years of volunteer experience, including governance, volunteer management, and fundraising, gained through work with Kindle Communities in Guelph, the Canadian Red Cross, Bridging the Gap Africa, and Engineers Without Borders. Jeff and his wife and two sons live in Guelph.
   
• Benafsha Wahab, Assistant Branch Manager, Scotiabank
  Benafsha Wahab graduated from Conestoga College in Business and Accounting in 2018. She joined Scotiabank as a contract employee in the call centre, progressed to Financial Advisor for three years, then Senior Financial Advisor for two years, and is now an Assistant Manager. She has been part of leadership teams in two branches across the Guelph market and has been in a leadership role for 18 months. Her passion is to build and lead strong teams that put clients first, with the financial well-being of all clients as the top priority. She believes in an inclusive work environment where every voice matters.
   
• Erica Melarangeli, Guelph Express Employment Owner and Corporate Developer, Express Employment Professionals
  
  Erica Melarangeli is the Owner of Express Employment Professionals - Guelph and Corporate Developer for Ontario and the Maritimes. With over 20 years in staffing and recruitment, she is known for building high-performing teams, driving growth, and building workforces for businesses of all sizes. She mentors franchise owners, leads local hiring initiatives, and champions community programs such as food drives and Brand It Blue, positioning Express Guelph as a trusted partner in workforce and civic leadership.

11:30 AM – 12:30 PM: Networking Session with Employers and Community Partners. During the Networking Session, a light lunch will be provided for participants.

Confirmed Companies for the Networking Session:
 

Community Partners:

• 2nd Chance Employment Counselling
• Guelph Public Library
• Office of Mike Schreiner, MPP

During the event, participants will have the chance to connect with local employers, learn about job opportunities, and gain insights into hiring practices and company culture. It’s not a job fair but a unique opportunity to meet key players in the community.

What’s Included:
Light breakfast (coffee/tea & pastries) from 9:30 to 10:00 a.m.
During the Networking Session, a light lunch will be provided for participants.
 

This is a free event with limited seats available, so register early to secure your spot!

REGISTER NOW