Age: 38
Occupation: Executive director, Calgary Region Immigrant Employment Council
Nketti Johnston-Taylor is a child of immigrants and immigrated into Canada herself, so she knows the obstacles newcomers face; especially when it comes to finding a welcoming community and securing work.
“I know what not belonging feels like. I know the challenges that my parents experienced as professionals,” she says.
So, she has put her personal experiences and passion for people to good work. In the two years that she has been executive director at Calgary Region Immigrant Employment Council (CRIEC), she and her team have scored the organization $6.9 million in funding. The funds support newcoming professionals (think nurses, accountants, engineers and lawyers) in search of employment.
The resources that CRIEC offers include pre-arrival services, job-readiness training, employer engagement, mentorship and work placements that attract and retain workers. The funding has also allowed the team at CRIEC to grow, from nine individuals to 24 staff and eight consultants. “Empowering immigrants in the way we do contributes to the social, cultural and economic fabric of our community, ensuring that everyone really has the opportunity to succeed and thrive — and it gives more people access to the Canadian dream,” she says.
Johnston-Taylor, who has a multidisciplinary PhD in economics, politics and community, also has a background in academia (she has shared her knowledge with more than 1,000 students at post-secondary institutions in Calgary and the U.K.). Her teaching focuses on providing students with the real-life skills they need to thrive in the working world.
She also volunteers for the Calgary Food Bank, and is co-chair of the Alberta Black Advisory Council, which advises the provincial government on ways to address anti-Black racism and systemic barriers facing Black Albertans.
Thank yous
“My Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ; my husband, Zim, and my children; my mother and sister who have always supported me and been my rock; my guardian angel (my father); my sisters Aloira and Sophronia; my colleagues and Board members at CRIEC; colleagues at Children First Canada, St. Mary’s University, University of Calgary and Mason Vanguard Consulting; and my mentors, Dan and Marlene Doherty, Dr. Chika Onwuekwe, Gael Macleod and my coach, Randy Poon.”
Top 40 Under 40 2024
Eluvier Acosta & Juan Castillo