The Cultural Ambassador Program, a cornerstone of Impakt's community engagement strategy, employs individuals from targeted demographics as ambassadors. These ambassadors, acting as community liaisons, share relatable stories and positive experiences to actively involve potential participants. Beyond its primary goal, the program offers a dual benefit by providing participants with valuable Canadian work experience. This not only enhances their personal development but also significantly boosts their employability, addressing barriers newcomers often face in accessing meaningful employment.

• Empowerment through Employment: Offering fair wages significantly above the minimum ($25 per hour) to acknowledge the value and expertise of Cultural Ambassadors.

• Inclusive Professional Development: Providing tailored training sessions focused on professional skill development, including advanced group facilitation techniques, public speaking, project management, and cultural sensitivity training, to equip Ambassadors with the tools needed for leadership roles within their communities and beyond.

• Board Mentorship: Tapping into the expertise of board members to guide Cultural Ambassadors in their personal and professional development. This initiative pairs each Ambassador with a mentor whose professional background aligns with their interests, facilitating a tailored learning experience. A key aspect of the mentorship involves Ambassadors co-designing and presenting workshops with their mentors, targeting relevant topics for newcomer communities. These workshops not only serve as educational platforms but also reinforce the Ambassadors' roles as community leaders. Following their mentorship, Ambassadors are encouraged to become peer mentors, sharing their knowledge and experiences to foster a culture of empowerment and education within their communities, thus enhancing the program's impact and fostering a stronger sense of community and belonging.

• Participatory Program Design: Involving Cultural Ambassadors in the co-creation of Impakt's programs, ensuring that these initiatives are truly reflective of the needs, challenges, and aspirations of newcomer communities.

• Advocacy and Community Engagement: Facilitating a two-way communication channel where Cultural Ambassadors serve as advocates for Impakt's programs within their communities and bring back invaluable insights to shape our organization's strategies and initiatives.

• Comprehensive Evaluation and Impact Assessment: Engaging Ambassadors in the development and implementation of detailed program evaluation frameworks, including the design of assessment tools and the collection and analysis of data, to measure the effectiveness and impact of our initiatives.

  Enhancements in the Comprehensive Program:

• Cultural Exchange Workshops: Hosting workshops and events that promote cultural exchange, fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation of diverse cultures within the Impakt organization and the broader community.

• Mentorship and Support Network: Establishing a mentorship program where Ambassadors are paired with experienced professionals in their fields of interest, providing guidance, support, and networking opportunities to facilitate career advancement.

• Well-being and Support Services: Offering access to mental health support, financial counseling, and legal assistance to ensure the well-being of Ambassadors and their families, recognizing the complex challenges they may face as newcomers.

• Sustainability and Growth Opportunities: Creating pathways for Ambassadors to transition into more permanent roles within the Impakt organization or with partner entities, ensuring the sustainability of their employment and growth in their chosen fields.