Tatjana Lalkovic is the SVP & Chief Technology Officer, Technology Solutions at Definity. Definity is a generous donor to Windmill supporting our affordable loans and financial literacy coaching for clients. Tatjana is also a valued member of Windmill’s volunteer Board of Directors. Originally from the former Yugoslavia, she has made her mark on Canada as a digital transformation leader with global impact.
In this interview, Tatjana looks back on her immigration journey and tells us why she’s committed to supporting other newcomers.
Tatjana, you’re not just a supporter of immigrants to Canada, you’ve lived the story. Please tell us about your journey to Canada and integration into Canadian life.
I immigrated to Canada right after completing university. Coming from Yugoslavia, I saw an opportunity in Canada to not only expand on my experience but also to establish my career. At that time, Yugoslavia was in the midst of a civil war, which also influenced my decision to leave with my husband for our safety.
At the time, I held degrees in math and computer science, and I had a dream that I would step off the plane in Canada and there would be a job waiting for me. I soon realized that job was not readily available and there was no clear path for me to integrate into the workforce. I continued to hear I would need “Canadian experience,” but there was no defined way to get it.
I remember calling my brother one day shortly after immigrating and bursting into tears, I was so worried I would run out of money and would never find a job.
Fortunately, I got my first job after six weeks at a very small software company owned by a German immigrant who understood the high calibre of education in central Europe. He would hire people with that background to provide the Canadian experience they needed, which I remain very grateful for.
What do you think is most challenging for those immigrating to Canada today, and how does that remind you of your story?
I think the most challenging part of the immigration process is the lack of a clear path. Whether that’s a clear path careerwise, support for integrating into Canadian society, or recertifying credentials when we think of lawyers, doctors and other highly qualified professionals.
When I reflect on how hard it was for me, I think about the small budget I came to Canada with, and the huge pressure to figure out how to integrate into the workforce. While the University of Toronto immediately recertified my degree, others may face a longer path to recertification. I think about young families who come with children who must start working right away, not necessarily in their field either, while also studying for complex exams. All of that is immensely challenging.
Definity believes in creating a just and equitable society. How do you feel Definity’s investments in Windmill are part of that mission?
Definity’s partnership with Windmill demonstrates our purpose of building a better world by helping our clients and communities adapt and thrive. Windmill’s mission is very much aligned with this, helping to address systemic barriers that prevent certain members of our society from fulfilling their potential, so it was a natural fit for us to invest. The partnership also offers exciting opportunities for our employees, many of whom are immigrants themselves, to lend support through volunteer mentorship of Windmill clients.
Why do you lend your service to our Board of Directors, and what impact do you feel we’re making together?
It sometimes feels like there is very little time in life between family and my career, and I chose to volunteer with Windmill because I wanted to be intentional with my impact. When I met Claudia [Hepburn, Windmill's CEO], her description of the mission resonated deeply with me. Claudia has such a big passion for her work, and her fundraising capabilities and her connections to the private and public sector inspired me. Serving on the Client Success and Growth Committee of the Board, I can leverage my customer engagement and technology background to support Windmill and provide guidance to the management team.
When I arrived, I was so worried about finding a job and I often think about the day I called my brother feeling so discouraged. Now, my brother jokes when I move into a more senior role saying with a wink, “remember, you will never get a job here.” If I can help turn someone’s tough moments in life into something great, then I want to do that. I am so fortunate to get so much out of this partnership. It’s so rewarding.
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Definity Financial Corporation is the parent company to some of Canada’s most long-standing and innovative property and casualty insurance brands and companies. Windmill thanks Definity for its generous support enabling skilled newcomers to realize their career goals.
