Atinuke, a Nigerian immigrant, pivoted from project management to cybersecurity with support from Windmill's loan and mentorship program. Mentored by Harinee, a Technical Product Manager at Amazon, she gained the confidence and tools to succeed in her new career.
January 6, 2025
January is National Mentoring Month in Canada—a time to celebrate the transformative impact of mentorship. Since 2019, Windmill’s mentorship program has empowered clients by matching them with industry professionals who provide insights into working in their field in Canada and offer guidance toward achieving their career goals. We’re always seeking individuals who are interested in becoming mentors and passionate about making a difference, visit this page to learn more.
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Atinuke, a Windmill client, never imagined how drastically her life would change when she arrived in Canada three years ago from Nigeria, armed with an engineering degree and a solid background in logistics and project management. Her first job as a Project Coordinator in Calgary felt like a promising start, but a sudden layoff ten months later left her at a crossroads. Facing an uphill battle to re-enter the project management world, Atinuke made a bold choice: she decided to pivot into the field of cybersecurity, determined to create a new path for herself.
It was a daunting transition, but Atinuke leaned into the challenge. Enrolling in the Rogers Cybersecurity Program at Toronto Metropolitan University, she soon realized that financial barriers threatened to halt her progress. That’s when Windmill came through, providing a crucial loan to fund her education and open doors to new possibilities. Even so, Atinuke knew she needed more than financial support. To successfully enter a competitive industry, she needed someone to guide her—someone who understood the Canadian job market and could help her navigate its intricacies.
Enter Harinee (pictured), a Technical Product Manager at Amazon and a volunteer mentor for Windmill. Harinee’s own immigrant journey had given her firsthand knowledge of the obstacles newcomers face. She was eager to make a difference, motivated by a deep desire to help others transition into a new country and career. Harinee’s passion for diversity, equity and inclusion made her an ideal mentor, and she brought a heartfelt understanding of the struggles women often encounter as they try to balance career aspirations with family responsibilities.
From their first meeting, a connection blossomed between Atinuke and Harinee, anchored in shared experiences and mutual respect. Harinee quickly realized that Atinuke’s ambition and drive needed to be matched with practical advice and unwavering support. One of their early successes was refining Atinuke’s resume. Harinee’s meticulous feedback helped transform a good CV into a great one, reframing Atinuke’s experience in a way that resonated with Canadian employers. The impact was immediate, giving Atinuke a renewed sense of confidence as she prepared for job interviews in her new field.
But Harinee’s support didn’t stop at technical guidance. Her understanding of cultural transitions was crucial. Harinee was a supportive listener and ally, helping Atinuke navigate not just professional hurdles but also the emotional rollercoaster of adapting to life in a new country. Their mentorship sessions were full of candid conversations about overcoming biases and barriers, and Atinuke cherished having someone who believed in her potential so wholeheartedly. When Harinee referred Atinuke for positions within Amazon, it demonstrated her sincere investment in Atinuke’s future.
For Harinee, mentoring Atinuke was equally transformative. Guiding her mentee challenged Harinee to question her own assumptions and made her a more empathetic and patient listener. The experience highlighted how far-reaching the Canadian job market’s emphasis on "Canadian experience" can be, sparking a deeper commitment to advocate for newcomers. Harinee found joy and fulfillment in seeing Atinuke’s growth and was inspired to push for more inclusive hiring practices in her professional network.
Today, Atinuke is on the verge of graduating from her cybersecurity program, filled with hope and a sense of accomplishment she once thought out of reach. With Harinee's guidance, she has embraced the power of mentorship. Their story is a testament to the impact of compassion, support and determination to break down barriers and build a brighter future.
Windmill thanks Amazon for supporting skilled newcomers and refugees. Their financial contribution and employee engagement efforts have a meaningful impact, particularly on our mentorship program.
