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As part of National Volunteer Week, we’re highlighting the dedicated mentors who make a lasting difference in the lives of skilled immigrants across Canada. Today, we’re proud to spotlight Preetha George, a Manulife employee and committed Windmill mentor.
For Preetha, Head of Real Estate Finance and Reporting, at Manulife, volunteering as a mentor to newcomers isn’t just about giving back—it’s also about personal growth and reflection.
“Mentoring newcomers has been an incredibly rewarding experience for me,” she shares. “It’s fulfilling to support someone during their initial years in Canada, helping them navigate challenges and encouraging them not to give up.”
Preetha first discovered Windmill through Manulife’s internal Impact Hub, a platform that promotes employee engagement and volunteer opportunities in the community.
“Manulife emphasizes giving back to the community through donation matching and promoting volunteer opportunities, and Windmill was highlighted as one of these opportunities on Manulife’s internal website" she explains.
Her experience as a mentor has provided a deeper understanding of the resilience required for newcomers to rebuild their careers in a new country.
“My mentee has shown extraordinary perseverance and determination. Despite having strong credentials from her home country, she faced hurdles aligning her experience with the Canadian job market. But she didn’t give up—she enrolled in courses, sought out relevant roles and actively worked to strengthen her skill set through the Windmill Mentorship Program.”
Thanks to this commitment, Preetha’s mentee recently added a CPA designation to her ACCA certification, a significant milestone in her journey toward re-establishing her career in Canada.
“Seeing her growth and celebrating her achievements has been incredibly meaningful. Mentoring reminds me of my own professional path and reinforces my confidence in how far I’ve come. It’s truly a two-way exchange.”
A shared commitment to career success
Manulife has generously contributed towards Windmill’s loan capital and career services since 2021, supporting skilled immigrants as they rebuild careers in finance and healthcare. This longstanding partnership reflects a shared commitment to fostering inclusive economic growth and empowering newcomers to thrive.
Through financial support and volunteer engagement, Manulife continues to play a meaningful role in building pathways to success for internationally trained professionals across Canada.
The Windmill Mentorship Program empowers skilled immigrants to navigate their professional transitions in Canada—thanks in large part to the dedication of volunteers like Preetha.
If you’re passionate about guiding others and have experience in fields like accounting, engineering or healthcare, we encourage you to consider becoming a mentor. Your journey could help shape someone else’s future. Join today at https://www.windmillmicrolending.org/mentorship
