Kelowna, BC – On Saturday, June 21, 2025, the Eldorado Resort’s Manteo Waterfront Room filled with pride, emotion, and hope as the fourth cohort of OCCA’s Job Connect for Future (JCF) program graduated in front of family, friends, dignitaries, and community supporters.
Graduates of OCCA’s JCF Cohort 4 (Photo credit: Nicole Richard and Robert Conchie, Wax Pencil Imagery)
OCCA’s JCF Cohort 4 graduates with alumni from previous cohorts (Photo credit: Nicole Richard and Robert Conchie, Wax Pencil Imagery)
This year’s ceremony was especially significant. Taking place in OCCA’s 15th year of service, it reflected the organization’s ongoing commitment to supporting newcomers through tailored, impactful programs grounded in lived experience and deep community care.
Funded by the Government of Canada, the Province of British Columbia, RBC Foundation, Central Okanagan Foundation, and TELUS Friendly Future Foundation, and delivered in collaboration with Okanagan College, the JCF program was created by immigrants, for immigrants. Participants receive holistic support to overcome multiple barriers to sustainable employment and confidently integrate into Canadian society.
Since Cohort 1 in January 2024, the JCF program has supported over 50 participants in just a year and a half. With growing contributions from community foundations and partners, the program is expanding to reach even more equity-deserving individuals across the Central Okanagan.
OCCA Executive Director Fei Liu opened the ceremony with a land acknowledgement and heartfelt remarks. She reflected on empathy as the core of the JCF program, reminding supporters that it was founded by immigrants and people with lived experience—individuals who understand firsthand the challenges of building a new life in Canada. Because of this, she shared, the program is grounded in compassion, cultural understanding, and a deep commitment to walking alongside newcomers and racialized groups as they find their footing.
Dignitaries, community, and employer partners also joined the celebration, offering congratulations and encouragement to the graduates. Among those present were Nicole Rustad on behalf of the Honourable Stephen Fuhr (Kelowna), MP Dan Albas (Okanagan Lake West–South Kelowna), MLA Gavin Dew (Kelowna–Mission), Former MLA Norm Letnick, Kelowna City Councillor Mohini Singh, and Dr. Neil Fassina, President of Okanagan College. Speakers also included representatives from key community partners and funders of JCF and OCCA, such as Abbie Norrish (Central Okanagan Foundation), Heidi Schwartz (RBC Foundation), and Susan Byrom (First West Foundation). Their presence underscored the strong community support and shared commitment to programs like JCF.
OCCA Board Directors Bella Mockford and Charisse Daley (who newly joined the Board in May 2025) were also in attendance. Together with President Fassina, they proudly presented graduation certificates to the students—symbolizing a united commitment from both educational and community leadership in celebrating the achievements of equity-deserving individuals, including immigrants, refugees, and racialized groups who continue to face systemic barriers to employment.
The JCF main Instructor Mike Penninga led the recognition of graduates and shared the story of JCF’s growth. “JCF is a true example of people holding the door open for others,” he said. “As our graduates build their lives here, they reach back and make space for those who come next.”
This spirit of community support was especially evident in the heartfelt testimonials shared by JCF Cohort 4 graduates and alumni. With gratitude to the program and its funders, Man Yi Lam, Zeinab Pourhashemsarhammami, Daniel Diaz, Foaad Wahabzada, Chloe Xinyi Lu (all Cohort 4), and Bob Jia (Cohort 1) spoke openly about their journeys of transformation, resilience, and belonging.
As a gesture of appreciation for its strong collaboration and support, Okanagan College was presented with a gift—generously sponsored by Hainle Vineyards Estate Winery, a long-time supporter of community development in the region.
As the afternoon closed, one thing was clear: JCF isn’t just a program—it’s a community. A reflection of what’s possible when people gather together with empathy and the shared desire to uplift others.
OCCA extends its deepest thanks to all the funders, partners, and community members who continue to believe in this vision. Your support changes lives.
About OCCA Communities Association:
The OCCA Communities Association is a registered charity and non-profit umbrella organization serving multicultural communities across the Central Okanagan, including Kelowna, West Kelowna, Peachland, and Lake Country, with our region spanning nearly 100 kilometers from Peachland to Vernon. We offer services to everyone, and our virtual programs reach rural areas across the Okanagan, committing to fostering an inclusive, vibrant, and equitable society where immigrants, refugees, and equity-deserving groups can thrive and meaningfully contribute to building a sustainable community.
Fun Moment
We respectfully acknowledge that the OCCA is operating on the traditional, ancestral, and unceded territory of the Syilx Okanagan Nation.
Please note that we will have a photographer on site during the events. If you prefer not to be featured in any photographs, kindly contact OCCA at info@occabc.ca.
