Celebrating Our Volunteers: Caroline Blair-Smith

Caroline Blair-Smith has been a mentor to many through our Professional Mentorship Program. She has been volunteering with our Practice Interview Program for more than 10 years and has been instrumental in helping newcomers navigate government job interviews. We asked Caroline to tell us a bit about about why she volunteers with ISANS and what volunteering means to her.

Caroline says,”I believe immigration is good for the economy, the municipality and our communities. I really think that the cultural diversity newcomers bring with them adds vibrancy to everyday life in Halifax, and helps break down barriers to acceptance. I’m proud to contribute in any way to helping newcomers get established in Canada.

My mentees have all been incredibly brave and caring individuals. Each one has been memorable. They are professionals who are grateful for help and are ready to jump in and give things a try. They’re genuinely excited to get involved in the community.

It’s been my pleasure to work with ISANS, and as a public servant it allows me to give back to my community well beyond my job description. It’s been fun and challenging and I hope that I’ve been able to make a difference for my mentees by making them feel welcome in our city and showing them they help the city better understand and create value for all the people we serve.”

Thank you, Caroline, for all that you do!