Navigating Leadership in a New Land: Empowering Newcomers to Step Up and Thrive
Starting a new life in a different country comes with challenges, but it also presents opportunities for growth, leadership, and community impact. Many newcomers, international students, and their spouses arrive with valuable skills, experiences, and ambitions, yet often hesitate to step forward due to self-doubt, cultural adjustments, or uncertainty about where to begin. But leadership isn’t about titles—it’s about taking action, making connections, and building confidence in a new environment.
This session will empower newcomers to recognize their leadership potential, take small but meaningful steps toward personal and professional growth, and adapt successfully to their new surroundings. Through practical strategies and real-life examples, attendees will learn how to navigate cultural shifts, build professional networks, volunteer, and embrace leadership in their workplaces and communities. Whether you are looking to advance in your career, integrate into your new environment, or simply gain the confidence to take the next step, this session will provide you with the tools, mindset, and motivation to take action.
Learning Outcomes
By the end of this session, participants will:
1. Redefine leadership as taking action rather than holding a formal position—realizing that every newcomer can lead in their own way.
2. Learn practical ways to adapt to a new country, including overcoming cultural and language barriers.
3. Discover small but impactful leadership steps such as volunteering, networking, and speaking up in new environments.
4. Develop confidence-building strategies for career growth, social integration, and self-empowerment.
5. Understand the value of mentorship and peer support in navigating challenges and unlocking new opportunities.
6. Commit to one action within the next 30 days—whether joining a community group, applying for a new role, or stepping into a leadership opportunity.
Speaker: Juanita DeSouza-Huletey
A dynamic and results-driven leader, Juanita DeSouza-Huletey, MA, PMP, ALEP, BRM, PROSCI, ITIL, is a distinguished industry & community leader with a career spanning Enterprise IT, digital transformation, project management, AI, governance frameworks, and leadership development.
With over 25 years of leadership experience in Corporate IT Systems and Operations & PM, Juanita specializes in streamlining processes, modernizing systems, and increasing team productivity by over 50%. She has successfully led enterprise-wide transformation initiatives, implemented cost-effective and high-impact solutions, and driven strategic growth and operational efficiency across industries. As Divisional Head of IT at the Winnipeg Police Service, she spearheaded projects that delivered millions in savings, optimized services across 34 divisions, and enhanced technology-driven decision-making.
Beyond the corporate sphere, Juanita is deeply committed to mentorship, leadership development, and equity-driven change. As Founder & CEO of Dynamic Solutions International Inc. (DSI), she provides management and digital transformation consulting, executive coaching, and customized workshops for organizations seeking strategic direction, process improvement, and inclusive leadership frameworks.
A passionate educator, Juanita has taught at post-secondary institutions, delivering specialized training in project management, leadership, and strategic planning. She is also a keynote speaker and thought leader, addressing global audiences on topics including AI, digital transformation, EDIB (Equity, Diversity, Inclusion & Belonging), and immigrant professional advancement. Her work champions women in STEM and marginalized communities, ensuring equitable access to professional growth and leadership opportunities.
Through advisory and executive board roles, Juanita is actively shaping policies and initiatives that drive economic empowerment, digital modernization, and leadership inclusivity. She is a sought-after mentor, dedicating her time to coaching emerging leaders, immigrant professionals, and underrepresented groups, helping them navigate and thrive in today’s evolving workforce.