In the 15th annual Top 25 Canadian Immigrant Awards, presented by Canadian Immigrant magazine and sponsored by Western Union, Windmill Microlending and COSTI Immigrant Services, DIVERSEcity’s Dean Lin is named a recipient
Here’s Dean’s story …
When Taiwan-born Dean Lin started his career in Canada, he didn’t face many obstacles. After completing his business degree, and subsequent MBA, in BC, he was able to launch a varied career in logistics and then in international development work.
But, looking around at the experiences of other immigrants in his community, he was surprised to see the barriers they faced. “I was educated in Canada, so I didn’t encounter this problem myself. After witnessing the struggles of some of my relatives and friends in getting their credentials recognized here in Canada, it inspired me to shift my career and get into the training and employment field for newcomers.”
Dean now runs the social enterprise DIVERSEcity Skills Training Centre, which offers in-person and online short-term computer and customer service training. Profits from the Buy Social-certified social enterprise support the charitable work of DIVERSEcity Community Resources Society in Surrey, BC.
“We offer training courses to help immigrants and Canadian-born jobseekers improve their skills to increase their employability. When I see our learners secure employment, it makes me happy and affirms the work we do,” says Lin, who credits collaboration with the centre’s partners, such as WorkBC, for its exponential growth over the last few years.
Lin is also an entrepreneur and community builder. He manages residential properties for his family business and runs a rental website for landlords and renters in Hope, B.C., where he lives part time. He is also a board member of the Hope Business and Development Society (a.k.a. AdvantageHope).
“I am passionate about volunteering for AdvantageHope because I am trying to make my town of Hope more vibrant. I would like to attract more businesses to invest and create more job opportunities here, while attracting more newcomers, too,” says the multi-talented Lin, who also volunteers with newcomer groups, hosting book club sessions and teaching yoga!
“I believe we can all make a difference in our community regardless of what you do or how much influence you have, as long as we are willing to do our part.”
Along with Dean, other winners in this year’s prestigious national awards include film and TV star Mena Massoud, of Aladdin fame, Toronto Argonauts MVP Hénoc Muamba, comedian Ann Pornel, plus SFU’s AVP of External Relations Sobhana Jaya-Madhavan and many more! See all of this year’s Top 25 Canadian Immigrants here.
Dean Lin’s Top Tip:
“Be open minded, don’t be afraid of trying new things, don’t give up and get out there to find your support. There are many resources out there, so find ones that work the best for you.”