WE LIP Success Story | December 2024
On December 18, 2024, the Windsor Essex Local Immigration Partnership (WE LIP), YMCA of Southwestern Ontario, and the University of Windsor collaboratively hosted the WE Value Data Sharing & Community Consultation Event. This full-day event focused on exploring the critical role of data in supporting immigration, settlement, and community development efforts. Held at Leonidas Chocolate Café Agora Hall, the workshop brought together council members and community partners to engage in thought-provoking discussions, strengthen data strategies, and foster connections.
Here are the Highlights of the Event:
- The day began with a warm welcome and land acknowledgement delivered by Kelsey Santarossa, Director of Community & Workforce Development at Workforce WindsorEssex. Kelsey’s remarks set the stage for an inclusive and collaborative day.
- The first session introduced participants to the WE Value Partnership and its innovative approach to capturing and utilizing data. Matthew Dunlop, Regional Manager of Welcoming Communities & Innovative Strategies at YMCA Southwestern Ontario, presented the session, offering a comprehensive overview of how data informs decision-making and enhances community initiatives.
- Attendees engaged in a compelling presentation by Dr. Nakhaie from the University of Windsor, who provided insights into key trends, challenges, and opportunities in Immigration data. The session inspired participants to think critically abut leveraging data to support the needs of immigrants and newcomers in Windsor-Essex.
- The event continued with a presentation by Kelsey Santarossa on Employment Ontario (EO) data, which highlighted the integral role local data plays in shaping workforce strategies and supporting employment services.
- The afternoon sessions included an engaging case study guided discussion, where attendees collaborated in small groups to address real-world scenarios using data-driven approaches. These discussions fostered the sharing of experiences, challenges, and innovative solutions, further solidifying the workshop’s focus on collective learning.
The WE Value Data Sharing & Community Consultation event was a notable example of partnership and collaboration, uniting diverse voices to enhance data’s role in supporting Windsor-Essex’s immigrant population. The insights gained and the connections forged during the event will have a lasting impact on shaping future initiatives.
The slide deck of the event is available to view.
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