Meet Janvier Tuombe, Human Resources Coordinator at Skills for Change!

Tell us a bit about yourself

I am the Human Resources Coordinator at Skills for Change. My passion for helping people and changing lives led me to work in Human Resources. I joined Skills for Change as a Summer Student from October to December 2021 and then was employed as HR Assistant from January to June 2022. Later, I left Skills for Change when I relocated out of Toronto, but then missed Skills for Change so decided to return recently November 2024.

I have expertise in a wide range HR functions, including recruitment, onboarding, benefits management, training & development, performance management, payroll administration, attendance management, and employee engagement, addressing employee conflicts and Health & Safety. 

I hold an associate Degree in Human Resources Management, from George Brown College and Business Management from Kenyatta University, Kenya. Additionally, I am first aid certified. 

I am friendly with kind personality and get along with people. I love spending time with my friends, family, during my free time I watch movies, shows, explore new places, go shopping , try out new dishes, go to church and cook.

Can you share a bit about your journey to Canada?

I moved to Canada in 2018, and resided in St Catherines, I liked its closeness to Niagara Falls one of Canada’s famous tourist attractions.  I enjoyed spending time at the falls often and Niagara on the Lake. So far, I have resided in Cambridge, St Catherines and GTA. I like Toronto because of its great multiculturism , it has many fun sites and activities to explore and it’s a big city with many great opportunities. My journey has been filled excitement; I experienced some challenges that I managed to get through it. Canada has been a blessing to me, I bought my first car here and my family got a second place to call home.

What was life like in your home country?

I come from Kenya.  Kenya is known for the beautiful culture and wildlife tourist attraction. I miss the warm weather throughout the year and attending regular fun community events.

How did you get involved with Skills for Change?

I was introduced to skills for change in 2019 through an external employer that hired me since I was a newcomer in Canada. I came to 791 location and was registered as one of the clients. They followed up with me since then and provided me with information about existing newcomer support.  I decided to join George Brown college and enrolled in HR Management program. During my second year of study 2021, my sister Janet came across summer student job fair advertisement and encouraged me to join as I was also looking for an internship opportunity. My sister Janet got a job opportunity through attending one of skills for change job fair and so she insisted I should not miss out on the opportunity. I was a bit hesitant since my studies was full time and they only advertised fulltime positions, but I attended the job fair and was hired.

Is there a particular moment or memory that stands out for you?

I was very excited when I became a Canadian Citizen in February, 2024.

What are you most proud of in life?

I am proud of my life accomplishment , I left Kenya as a Business Management Graduate, but still pursued further studies in HR when I came to Canada which contributed to where I am now.

What inspires you?

I was raised by a strong , hardworking, supportive and independent mother, she is my inspiration.

What's the best advice you've received in life?

Take advantage of any opportunity that comes your way, enjoy life.

Can you tell us something interesting about yourself that not many people know of?

 I am photogenic and was modelling for Kenyatta University fashion show events.

Is there anything you'd like to share with us?

Skills for Change stands out to me, as it has changed many people’s life’s , we welcome everyone and accept them with their uniqueness and diverse background.

I always feel like myself whenever am interacting with each individual at work , it is my joy to hear that I contributed to someone’s success story everyday.