Our Media Coverage

  Moncton Cares continues to redefine what it means to support newcomers—not just with resources, but with access to real people, real stories, and real opportunity. The recent IT Networking Night was a shining example of that mission in action. Held in Moncton with a room full of tech-minded immigrants and jobseekers, the event featured two respected leaders: Thomas George, Vice President at Medavie Health Services NB Anita Ashrit, Director, Project Management at IGT (International Game Technology)   It was an evening rich in insight, humility, and practical advice—focused not on theory, but on what actually works when trying to build a career in Canada’s tech space.       Thomas George: Adaptability Over Titles With years of experience hiring and managing diverse tech teams, Thomas George offered an honest look into what employers are really looking for—and it’s not just technical certifications. “When I review résumés, I don’t just look at what tools you know or what job titles you’ve held,” he said. “I look at adaptability, and I look for signs of longevity—people who are committed, flexible, and willing to learn.” Thomas encouraged attendees to get involved in events, volunteer, take short-term roles, and look for unconventional ways to break in. “Sometimes, it’s not the perfect résumé but the right attitude and exposure that opens doors,” he said. “Being seen and showing up matters.”       Anita Ashrit: Volunteering Her Way into Leadership Now the Director of Project Management at IGT, Anita Ashrit‘s professional journey began with humble steps. Before landing formal employment, she volunteered extensively—something she credits as a turning point. “Volunteering gave me confidence, references, and experience,” she shared. “It helped me understand the Canadian workplace, improve communication, and build a network that would later open doors.” Anita stressed that volunteering is not unpaid work—it’s strategic growth. And when reviewing resumes today as a senior leader, she still looks for that same hunger to grow, contribute, and learn. She also reminded the audience: “Your résumé should speak to what the company is looking for, not just what you’ve done. Sometimes, we have to unlearn and reposition ourselves for the new environment we’re in.”       Q&A and Candid Advice The event featured a dynamic Q&A session where attendees asked everything from “Which certifications matter most?” to “How do I explain a gap in my résumé?” Both speakers and Moncton Cares founder Ketan Raval offered heartfelt, practical responses. Ketan added a powerful reminder: “As a newcomer, your first job might be at Walmart or McDonald’s—but don’t look at it as a dead end. That person you’re serving might be your future employer. Always stay curious, keep networking, and look for opportunities in unexpected places.” He also stressed the current job market reality: “Moncton has grown by nearly 50,000 people in the last 6 years, but jobs haven’t grown at the same pace. That’s why going the extra mile—volunteering, showing up to events, building relationships—is not optional. It’s essential.”     Key Takeaways from the Night Tailor your résumé to each job—focus on employer needs, not just your skills Volunteering leads to visibility—it’s experience, not just goodwill Employers value adaptability and long-term mindset over job-hopping Don’t fear survival jobs—they can be stepping stones if you stay alert Networking in person matters—some of the best opportunities are never posted online Be ready to unlearn and relearn—you’re not starting from scratch, you’re starting from experience   More Than a Networking Night—A Community in Action For many attendees, this event was their first real chance to connect with industry professionals face-to-face. And for others, it was a critical reminder that they’re not alone—and they’re not starting from zero. Moncton Cares continues to host free, high-impact career networking events across sectors—from IT to healthcare, journalism to trades—creating one of Atlantic Canada’s most inclusive and actionable newcomer ecosystems.    Stay connected Follow Moncton Cares on Facebook and visit monctoncares.ca to join future events, workshops, and volunteer opportunities.   Would you like a visual LinkedIn post or carousel summarizing these insights for professional sharing?

“Resilience is the bridge between who we were and who we become.” These words echoed through the hall at the recent Careers in Healthcare event hosted in Moncton, where five remarkable immigrant doctors opened up about their journeys—raw, inspiring, and grounded in reality. Each of them had once held the prestigious title of “Doctor” in their home countries. But upon arriving in Canada, they found themselves standing at the bottom of a mountain—uncertainty, rejections, financial strain, and emotional hurdles towering above them. The event, organized by Moncton Cares and shared on Eventbrite, brought together an audience of newcomers and aspiring healthcare professionals. It became a much-needed mirror of hope, truth, and determination.   The Story of Dr. Richardson Udaze: A Family Physician Born Twice Dr. Richardson Udaze is now a practicing family physician at Moncton Hospital. But his road to get there was anything but easy. Originally trained and certified in Nigeria, Dr. Udaze arrived in Canada with hopes that his extensive clinical experience would speak for itself. But reality hit hard. He applied for over 900 jobs—yes, 900—and didn’t receive a single interview. He worked in warehouses. He took odd jobs just to keep the lights on. But he never stopped studying, learning, and preparing for the Canadian medical licensing exams. Today, his white coat bears not only the mark of a physician but the imprint of resilience, sacrifice, and sheer willpower. “The system is hard,” he said during the panel, “but not impossible. And every rejection was just a redirection.”       Dr. Ronak Patel and Dr. Seema Odd: Choosing a Different Path For Dr. Ronak Patel and Dr. Seema Odd, the journey meant choosing a new path within the healthcare ecosystem—becoming Registered Nurses (RNs). Both were trained doctors in India, and both knew the amount of time, money, and emotional effort needed to requalify as physicians in Canada. So, with a practical mindset and the bigger picture in mind, they shifted gears. Dr. Ronak shared candidly about the stigma some immigrants face when changing professions: “People say, ‘Why become a nurse when you were a doctor?’ But surviving matters more than status. Until you get PR, you need to do what you need to do. Keep one or two jobs if needed. Stay afloat, stay focused.” Dr. Seema, meanwhile, works at McDonald’s. That’s right—a trained doctor now serving burgers and fries. But she doesn’t say it with shame. In fact, she says it with pride. “This job teaches me customer service, adaptability, and how to connect with people—skills that are critical in healthcare. Everything is a stepping stone.”     Dr. Rutuv Sevak: Failing Forward in Dentistry For Dr. Rutuv Sevak, the transition from being a practicing dentist in India to qualifying in Canada involved not just academic rigor but emotional resilience. He failed one of his licensing exams—a devastating moment for anyone, especially someone who had already once worn the crown of clinical expertise. But he didn’t stop. “Failure isn’t the opposite of success—it’s part of it,” he said. Retaking the exam, studying while working, managing finances, and keeping morale high was no easy feat. His message to newcomers was clear: “Dedication and support are key. Lean on your community. It’s hard—but it is doable.”     Dr. Vidhi Sevak: The Power of Positivity Dr. Vidhi Sevak emphasized the importance of attitude. “You must learn from others. Everyone’s path is different, but there’s always something you can take from another person’s journey,” she said. Her positivity and openness resonated deeply with attendees. She didn’t sugarcoat the struggle, but she reminded everyone that staying optimistic in the face of uncertainty is an underrated superpower. Vidhi encouraged networking, mentorship, and community support. “Don’t isolate yourself. Join groups. Attend events like this. Someone else’s advice could be your shortcut.”     A Community of Hope and Realism This event wasn’t just about career advice. It was a shared experience—a space where attendees laughed, cried, and applauded each other’s journeys. From doctors to students, from working professionals to newcomers still navigating the job market—everyone left with a little more hope and a lot more clarity. Moncton Cares, the organizing not-for-profit, has long been an advocate for newcomer integration. But events like this go beyond information sharing—they offer connection, validation, and perspective. Whether it’s understanding Canadian healthcare pathways, evaluating whether to requalify or pivot, or just needing someone to say “You’re not alone,” this event provided all that and more.       Key Takeaways from the Panel: Be Practical: It’s okay to take alternative healthcare roles or temporary jobs while working toward your dream role. Be Resilient: There may be 900 rejections before that one “yes.” Keep going. Be Open-Minded: Success doesn’t have to look like what it used to. Your value goes beyond your title. Be Connected: Learn from others, ask for help, join communities, and pay it forward. Be Patient: The path is long, but every step forward counts.   Why This Matters Canada’s healthcare system is in dire need of skilled professionals. Yet, countless immigrant doctors, nurses, and specialists are sidelined by long licensing processes, unclear pathways, and systemic barriers. Events like this challenge that status quo. They humanize the headlines and bring statistics to life through real stories. And perhaps most importantly, they inspire a new generation of immigrants not to give up, even when the journey feels impossible.   In Conclusion For anyone standing at the starting line of their Canadian healthcare journey, know this: you are not alone. There are others who’ve walked the same uphill path—and while their boots are worn, they are full of wisdom and compassion. Dr. Richardson. Dr. Ronak. Dr. Seema. Dr. Rutuv. Dr. Vidhi. They remind us that no matter where you start, it’s where you’re going—and who you become—that matters most.