New to Canada? Starting a new life in Canada is exciting—but it can also come with unexpected challenges. Whether it’s navigating the job market, understanding cultural differences, or overcoming language barriers, every newcomer’s journey is unique. 

Join us for the upcoming CIQS webinar session - "Foundation for Success in Canada" on Thursday, July 10th, from 12pm to 1:30pm (EDT). Host, Tammy Stockley, is joined by a panel of subject matter experts who bring deep insight, advice and practical tips on how to adapt, thrive and build a successful career in Canada. The webinar is moderated by the CIQS Vice Chair, Sean Hollywood.

HOST

Tammy Stockley, PQS(F), Chair, CIQS

PANELISTS

• Michelle Ajibola, Chief Operating Officer, QM Environmental
• Christelle Soto-Suarez, MSc, ACC - Self-Leadership Awakener | Executive & Leadership Coach
• Ruairi Spillane, Founder / CEO, Moving2Canada and Outpost Recruitment

MODERATOR

Sean Hollywood, PQS, Vice-Chair, CIQS

SPEAKERS BIOS

Michelle Ajibola, Chief Operating Officer, QM Environmental

Michelle Ajibola is an accomplished leader with nearly 20 years of experience in the engineering and construction industry. As the Chief Operating Officer at QM Environmental, she is known for her ability to drive growth, optimize operations, and inspire teams. Her leadership philosophy, which emphasizes hiring based on values and behaviours, co-developing strategies with teams, and creating career clarity for employees, demonstrates her commitment to team development and career clarity. Michelle has worked in reputable organizations such as AECOM and Altus Group, successfully implementing strategic teams for Major infrastructure and Federal Government projects, fostering a culture of accountability and ownership across multiple sectors. 

An MBA graduate from the Jack Welch Management Institute with a concentration in Operations Management, Michelle combines her expertise with a passion for continuous improvement. 

Michelle's commitment to community and faith is a significant part of her life outside her professional endeavours. She is actively involved in her church’s Women’s Ministry, where she contributes to crafting meaningful experiences for women in her church. As a proud resident of Ottawa, Ontario, she values her dedication to family and strives to balance her professional life with her personal commitments. Michelle's work is guided by her passion for 'Humanness'—the authentic, values-driven connections that elevate individuals and organizations alike.

Christelle Soto-Suarez, MSc, ACC - Self-Leadership Awakener | Executive & Leadership Coach

From France to Canada
Originally from France, Christelle Soto-Suarez is a trilingual professional (French, English, Spanish) with 20+ years of international experience in the construction industry. The opportunity to study in the UK opened the door to an international career that led her to work on projects across Europe, North Africa, Asia, the Middle East, and North America. She lived in several European countries before immigrating to Canada in 2013. Having adapted multiple times to new environments and professional cultures, she brings a first-hand understanding of the personal and professional shifts that come with international transitions.

From Site Technician to Contract Management and Delay Analysis
When Christelle began her studies in construction, a site technician position was the expected starting point. But by catching key opportunities - such as studying abroad - she explored a wide range of roles across the industry. Her experience spans project management, scheduling, contract management, and forensic delay analysis on projects such as power plants, transit systems, telecom infrastructure, and commercial buildings. She has worked with both contractors and consultants throughout her career.

From the Construction Industry to Self-Development
Today, Christelle is the founder of Pistachio-Cassis Coaching, where she calls herself a Self-Leadership Awakener. Drawing on her own non-linear career path, she now works with mid-level professionals (especially those who feel stuck, unseen, or uncertain how to move forward) by inspiring, supporting, and empowering them to gain clarity, build confidence, and take small, meaningful steps. Her journey reflects the value of embracing change and creating space for personal and professional growth.

Ruairi Spillane, Founder / CEO, Moving2Canada and Outpost Recruitment

Founder / CEO of Moving2Canada and Outpost Recruitment. Moving2Canada is an innovative federally-funded platform focused on helping newcomers achieve success in Canada. Outpost Recruitment is a boutique talent agency focused on both local and global talent for construction sector. Originally from Ireland, Ruairi has dedicated 12 years to advocacy for newcomers as a solution to both Canada talent shortage but also innovation challenges. Ruairi was named on Canada’s Top 40 under 40 in Construction in 2023.

REGISTRATION DETAILS

Registration Fees and Methods:

CIQS Member -$25.00 - To secure a spot, please login to the CIQS website to register for the event.

Non-Member: $50.00 - To purchase a ticket as a non-member, please go to the CIQS website and click on 'Create a new account' under the 'Sign in' function to register for the event

Student Member: $15.00 - To purchase ticket, please login to the CIQS website to register for the event.

• Once successfully registered, you will receive a confirmation email. Please check your spam folder if the email does not appear in your inbox.
• An email with a link to the webinar will be sent 48 hours (2 days) prior to event to the email provided at registration – all registrants must pay in full to get the link (Make sure our email address is white listed as we are not responsible if your webinar link email goes into your spam folder)
• As this is a virtual event, to access the webinar, log into your CIQS Learning Centre. The event and the link to the webinar session will be found in your Learning Centre.

CANCELLATION AND REFUND POLICY

• Cancellations must be received by email to [email protected] no later than 48 hours prior to the webinar for a full refund less 25% admin fee OR credit note for a future webinar
• Cancellations received 0-2 days prior is not eligible for a refund
• Refunded registrations will not received a recording of the webinar (where available)
  If you fail to cancel but did not attend the website, there will be no refund but you will receive a copy of the presentation (where available)
• If you are unable to attend but would like to transfer your registration to a colleague, email [email protected] no later than 24 hours prior to the event.
• Include your replacement’s full name, company, phone and email address.

Refunds will not be given for the following reasons:

• A guest’s technical difficulties
• Scheduling conflicts
• Because you are unhappy with the content
• If the webinar is cancelled due to technical difficulties by the service provider or the speaker becomes ill and replacement is available, all registrants will receive the choice of a full refund or a credit note for a future webinar

CIQS does not imply to endorse or recommend opinions, oranizations or products included in any speaker presentations and disclaims any legal liability for potential inaccuracies of material therein.  Furthermore, views and opinions expressed by speakers are not necessarily those of CIQS.

~ This webinar session is worth 1.5 CPD point ~