Mississauga – May 14, 2025 – Achēv is celebrating its third annual Achēvment Awards at a breakfast event this morning in Mississauga.
Achēv is a leading charity and non-profit provider of employment, language and newcomer settlement services in the GTA. The Achēvment Awards recognize a client who has the courage to overcome barriers and fulfill their dreams and organizations that embrace collaboration to grow our economy and help our communities thrive.
“The Achēvment awards celebrate the power of collaboration between our partners, clients, and the communities we serve,” said Achēv CEO Tonie Chaltas. “Our partners make it possible for our team to do the work we do every day, and together, we are helping to put over 100,000 people each year on a faster path to prosperity.”
Recipients of the 2025 Achēvment Awards are:
Ahmed Mumtaz – Client Award Winner
Ahmed came to Canada to build a new life. Despite having great credentials and a top education, he struggled to break into the Canadian job market. After searching for employment in his field for eight months, Ahmed turned to Achēv for help. While working with Achēv, Ahmed embraced every opportunity to build his network and market his skills. After six weeks of working with Achēv, he landed a great role in his field. Watch Ahmed’s story here.
AAS Canada – Employer Partner Award Winner
AAS is committed to creating meaningful career paths for its employees. Many Achēv clients join AAS at the entry-level, and the training and work experience they receive enables them to advance within the organization and assume managerial roles. This is an incredible career opportunity for our clients and has allowed AAS to get the qualified candidates that they need to continue to build and support their business.
Welcome Centre Immigrant Services – Community Partner Award Winner
For over 13 years, the Welcome Centres in York, Durham and Simcoe have welcomed Achēv language services into their shared services hub. The key to our long collaboration is a shared commitment to provide complimentary services that break down silos, enhance the client experience and ensure efficient service delivery.
Blue Branch – Service Delivery Partner Award Winner
The Blue Branch team embodies Achēv’s commitment to creating faster paths to prosperity. This award honours their commitment to bring together the best people and the right organizations to help individuals overcome challenges and thrive. Together Achev and Blue Branch have partnered on Government funded programs and services that get Ontarians upskilled and working.
Award Recipient Quotes:
“We’re incredibly proud to partner with Achēv on this important work. Together, we’re helping young people and internationally educated healthcare professionals find meaningful careers in communities where their skills are urgently needed. This award is a reflection of what collaboration can do—when nonprofits, for-profits, and government work together with purpose, we don’t just fill jobs, we change lives. We look forward to continuing this work alongside Achēv as we build stronger futures across Ontario and set a model for the rest of Canada.”
Todd Clyde, CEO, Bluebranch
” Achēv has proven to be a remarkable partner for AAS Canada. Their prompt engagement and careful consideration in identifying and presenting candidates have made a significant difference in our recruitment process. The skilled Employer Liaisons have exceeded expectations by identifying outstanding talent and demonstrating a deep understanding of our organizational requirements. As AAS Canada continues to expand, we look forward to further collaboration that will yield positive outcomes for the Toronto Pearson Community.”
Ximena Bustillos, HR Manager, AAS Canada
“As a true friend, Achēv has been instrumental in supporting me through ‘3 Hs’ of my life: Honoring my past, harnessing my present and hoping for a progressive future which set me up for great strides in my professional, personal and social life in Canada.”
Ahmed Mumtaz, Achev Client
“The York Region Welcome Centres are delighted to be the recipient of Achēv’s Community Partner Award. Over the past decade, the Welcome Centre has partnered with Achēv creating a collaboration that is more than just a working relationship; it’s a shared commitment to building faster, more inclusive paths to prosperity for the people and communities we serve. Through our joint efforts, we have been able to accelerate access to resources, opportunities, and support systems that help newcomers not only meet their immediate needs but also achieve long-term goals. This has been especially powerful for individuals and families who are navigating the complexities of a new country while striving to build a better future. We look forward to continuing this relationship by creating new milestones and helping to transform the lives of the people we serve.
Tim McLinden, Manager, Welcome Centre Immigrant Services, Newmarket
ABOUT: Achēv is a leading charity and non-profit provider of employment, language and newcomer settlement services in the GTA. Each year, we put more than 100,000 clients on a faster path to prosperity by making it easier for them to access the services they need – when and where they want them. We offer over 50 employment, settlement and language programs and services with specialized support for women, youth and businesses at 8 GTA locations. Learn about our impact at Achēv.ca
