On October 16, Windmill Microlending celebrated a major milestone with the official launch of Potential to Prosperity – our national campaign to empower 12,000 skilled newcomers to restart their careers and strengthen Canada’s economy by 2027.
Supported by The Earle & Janice O’Born Family Foundation, Windmill’s campaign launch event hosted at The York Club in Toronto brought together our alumni, donors and partners to celebrate two decades of impact. And, to rally behind Windmill’s vision of unlocking newcomers’ potential as a driving force in Canada’s future prosperity.
Our CEO Claudia Hepburn reflected on our organization’s journey – from Dr. Maria Eriksen’s grassroots founding of Immigrant Action Fund (IAF) in 2005 – to Windmill Microlending, the national organization she’s led to growth and social impact since 2017.
“Windmill was founded on a simple idea: when immigrants can use their skills, Canada prospers,” said Claudia. “Every loan we make creates a ripple of prosperity that extends far beyond one individual.”
Shared vision, proven impact
The event began with welcome remarks from emcee and Windmill alum Nadia Nembhard-Hunt. Her story – from teacher in Jamaica to school principal in Ajax, ON, with Windmill’s support – captured the resilience of skilled immigrants and refugees who are at the heart of Windmill’s mission.
“The day we set foot on Canadian soil was more than just an arrival — it was an explosion of hope,” said Nadia. “Thank you, Windmill, for changing our trajectory.”
Windmill’s campaign builds on two decades of proven impact and its unique model combining affordable loans with wraparound supports like coaching and mentorship.
“Potential to Prosperity will empower thousands more newcomers to restart their careers, support their families and strengthen the communities where they live and work,” said Claudia.
John Montalbano, Principal of Tower Beach Capital Ltd. and Windmill’s Campaign Chair, sees Potential to Prosperity as, “an opportunity to invest in newcomers at a time when Canada needs them most.”
“Windmill’s model is proof that a small loan can unlock extraordinary returns — for individuals and for the country,” he continued.
“A cycle of opportunity”
The evening also featured a keynote address from Dr. Ajay Virmani, Founder and CEO, Cargojet, and introduced by Dr. Kieran Murphy, Clinical Scientist and Physician, University Health Network (UHN) and Windmill campaign cabinet member.
Dr. Ajay’s immigrant story echoed those of our clients’ journeys and demonstrated that investing in newcomers transforms entire communities.
Janice O’Born, Chairman of TPH Charitable Office and Windmill’s Campaign Event Chair, spoke about how it was her personal connection to Windmill that motivated her to get involved beyond traditional philanthropic support.
“Windmill’s model creates a cycle of opportunity,” said Janice. “One person’s success creates momentum for the next.”
“Potential to Prosperity is about moving people from survival to success,” added Claudia. “When we invest in newcomers, we invest in Canada’s prosperity.”
As the evening closed, the room buzzed with gratitude, optimism and a shared belief in what’s possible when Canada invests in the potential of skilled newcomers.
With $29 million already raised, Windmill’s $50-million goal will enable the organization to reach 12,000 more skilled newcomers over the next two years.
Backed by a 95 percent loan repayment rate, Windmill’s model ensures that every dollar donated recycles to help more clients every four years, extending our impact to another 24,000 skilled newcomers over the next decade.
Windmill’s future-forward Potential to Prosperity campaign builds on a 20-year history of impact and proof that small investments in newcomers’ potential can lead to transformative change for our clients, their families and communities – and for Canada.
To learn more about Potential to Prosperity or donate to Windmill Microlending, visit www.windmillmicrolending.org/prosperity
Special thanks to our supporters
Windmill extends our deepest thanks to our event sponsors for making our milestone event possible:
Photos from Windmill’s Potential to Prosperity event in Toronto on October 16, 2025
Claudia Hepburn, CEO, Windmill Microlending with Earle and Janice O'Born. (Photo by George Pimentel Photography)
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Tony S. Fell, former Chairman, RBC Capital Markets; Dr. Ajay Virmani, CEO, Cargojet and Windmill's keynote speaker; Monica Virmani; Claudia Hepburn; Dr. Kieran Murphy, Clinical Scientist and Physician, UHN and member of Windmill's Campaign Cabinet. (Photo by George Pimentel Photography)
Peter Hwang, Founder and CEO; Nabila Tisha, CXO; Angela Solarz, Head of Marketing, Tre’dish.
Windmill’s alumni in attendance (from L to R): Ron Almario, IT professional; Elda Almario, RP, psychotherapist; Margie Rajeshree, physiotherapist; Bess-Joan Ogome, pediatric resident physician; Claudia Hepburn, CEO, Windmill Microlending; Muhammad Awais Virk, pharmacist; Valerie Mae Buaquen, CPA; Nadia Nembhard-Hunt, Principal, Durham District School Board and Windmill’s emcee. (Photo by Team Windmill)
