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On March 5, ALPFA Toronto / Women of ALPFA presented - “Influence and Persuasion: Empowering Women in Negotiations” masterclass by the magnificent Marta Albors, hosted by Deloitte.

Using behavioral economics principles, Marta talks about the factors of successful value propositions to strengthen our negotiations.

With over 50 Latina women in attendance, this was a celebration of Latinx leadership and International Women’s Day. This was a masterclass on influence and persuasion with networking opportunities, and exclusive surprises from the organizers.

On November 22nd , 2024 and February 28th, 2025, we hosted our monthly Happy Friday Networking Events.

Huge thanks to our partners and volunteers from LPMN - Latin Project Management Network and from ALPFA Toronto for their support and this alliance with Hispanotech .ca to empower professionals in Toronto/GTA.

Our monthly Happy Friday Networking Event is a fantastic opportunity to meet and connect with new people, all in a welcoming and informal setting. Expand your network and enjoy a vibrant atmosphere with professionals from diverse backgrounds.

Join us at our next event on March 28th! (visit our events page for registration details)

Here are some pictures from our two past events

Throughout 2024, Hispanotech participated in TRIEC's Feedback Forum Group as part of the National Feedback Forums. The group had their closing lunch on February 28th.

These groups work together to propose solutions to engage employers in hiring immigrant talent, deepen employer engagement, amplify employer voices, and promote the sharing of effective practices and strategies for integrating skilled immigrant labour. https://iecc.network/employer-feedback-forums/

Employer Feedback Forum National Digest Reports

The national digest reports reflect the key discussions across the feedback forums hosted by nine partner regions in Canada: Calgary, AB; Edmonton, AB; Halifax, NS; British Columbia; New Brunswick; Rural Manitoba; Saskatchewan; Toronto, ON; and Niagara, ON.

Volume 1: National-Digest-Volume-1_Sept-2023-March-2024-002.pdf

Volume 2: National-Digest-Volume-2_April-2024-June-2024-002.pdf

Volume 3: National-Digest-Volume-3_July-September-2024_JB_MA_RY.pdf

There's a 4th and final report to be released at the end of April, so please stay tuned!

On February 5th, we held our Annual General Meeting at Hispanotech!

This was an excellent opportunity to reflect on the achievements of 2024 and set the stage for what's to come in 2025.

We covered:

☑️ A detailed review of our accomplishments and progress in 2024

☑️ Exciting goals and projects for the upcoming year

☑️ The approval of our new Board of Directors for 2025

And, of course, valuable networking with Directors, Volunteers, and community members.

Thank you to our host, KPMG, and Alex Serio-Fernandez for making sure our event run smoothly.

A special congratulations to Citlalli Rios, CSPO®, on being elected as our new President!

We're so excited for what's ahead and grateful for everyone's commitment to growing Hispanotech together!

On February 5th, Hispanotech attended an awards ceremony celebrating the partnerships of community organizations working together for settlement, employment and mental health for newcomers to Toronto! TNG Community Services Toronto South Local Immigration Partnership. This is an annual award for new innovations and events in South Toronto.

TSLIP's Collaboration Award event was a warm gathering of sector folks. We were treated to a keynote by Bill Sinclair, CEO, TNG Community Services, presentations from Carlos Paz-Soldan and other award winners, and great food. Congratulations to all the recipients for their outstanding contributions to collaboration and community building. Your dedication and efforts continue to make a meaningful impact!

It's such an honour to sit among partners and allies hearing about collective strengths focused on great causes.

At TechBeat Canada Summit and Awards, with a fireside chat with Carlos Chalico, Hispanotech won "Best Community Partner." Check these recaps https://lnkd.in/eXjqaHY7 and https://lnkd.in/evTcDEns.

We were honoured to partner with visionary organizations for TechBeat Summit 2024: OneEleven, Onside Media, hispanotech.ca, Cream of the Crop, and CANADIAN BUSINESS OWNER. These partnerships amplify our mission to celebrate tech innovation and foster impactful discussions.

Fifteen years ago, six visionaries saw something most overlooked: the immense potential of Latin American professionals in Canada's tech ecosystem. In 2024, we didn't just see that potential—we continued to unleash it.

This year wasn't just about numbers. It was about transforming lives, enhancing careers, breaking barriers, and proving that when you invest in community, magic happens.

On November 13th, we celebrated our 15th Anniversary with our host and sponsor, CIBC. CIBC is a proud ally and partner that has helped us amplify Latin/Hispanic voices in showcasing the incredible talent across our communities.

First of all, the most extensive appreciation and gratitude goes to all our members, volunteers, past and present directors, the six visionary founders, our guest speakers, mentors, partners, sponsors and every ally we have found throughout these fifteen years. This milestone would not have been possible without your support.

A huge thank you goes to our master of ceremonies, Marlon Gonzalez; our media partner, New Canadians, as well. Gerard Keledjian, and Shruti Dargan, we're grateful for their ongoing support and nationwide coverage of immigrant communities and events. Watch our short commemorative video at https://lnkd.in/gMSbCRTp.

With over 200 guests, the night was a thrilling mix of connections with new and old friends, appreciation and celebration of our ongoing spirit of giving back.

Lino Caccavelli, CIBC's Vice President of Technology and Carlos E. Paz-Soldan, Hispanotech .ca's President, kicked us off with opening remarks and a warm welcome to this milestone celebration.

Our vice president, Citlalli Rios, CSPO®, moderated a panel with Diana Moyano, MMAI, Gustavo Maass and Juan Carlos Hernandez Florez - CIFC. They discussed the importance of belonging to a community, the need to elevate immigrant talent, and how Hispanotech has shaped their personal and professional journeys.

Later on, Jose Figueroa (CID) and Deiry Ali presided over our Mentorship Program's graduation ceremony. Congratulations to all graduated mentees and mentors! Our mentorship program tells a hopeful story. Take Diana, who transitioned from a junior role to a project management position at a leading tech firm. Or Juan Carlos, who used our networking events to connect with his dream employer. These aren't just success stories—they're proof of what's possible when opportunity meets preparation.

We also received a thoughtful acknowledgment from our partner LPMN - Latin Project Management Network. We ended with networking time, some fun with a 360° video booth, and our traditional group picture.

Also, our appreciation to Isabel Inclan, and their channel, The Essential, for always supporting and documenting our events. We loved their video: https://youtu.be/EO5ZV8bWg0I?si=U0eFBV7iJWtPYWqs

Congratulations to the founders: Gustavo Maass, Ernesto Proo, Mauricio Ospina , Gabriel Leiva von Bovet, Mario Ferrer, Manuel Rodriguez for their vision and dedication in creating a platform of community and belonging for newcomers.

Highlights that capture our 2024 journey:

15th Anniversary Celebration with CIBC: A night celebrating 15 years of building bridges https://lnkd.in/guM_7y5T

Multiple presentations about Artificial Intelligence, as well as the development of AI tools to help our Members and the professional community at large https://lnkd.in/giysTy-3

Latin American Heritage Month Panel: Amplifying our community's economic and cultural contributions https://lnkd.in/gt5Qgs4i

Mentorship Program Launch: Where potential meets guidance https://lnkd.in/ggbJPTJs

By the numbers:

• 500+ professionals supported through our mentorship program

• 5,000+ LinkedIn connections

• New partnership with RolPlay AI coaching platform

• Advocacy for Latin American professional recognition

Recaps here: https://lnkd.in/eiDTjaSS, here https://lnkd.in/eq79SxUW and here https://lnkd.in/ekfm7g5G

Visit our dedicated space with photos and videos: https://lnkd.in/gcJ7czGH

On November 7th, hispanotech.ca attended the prestigious "10 Most Influential Hispanic Canadians" Awards Ceremony at Columbus Center in Toronto. Congratulations to all winners and nominees!

It was a night of celebration, connection and inspiration. Complemented with fabulous performances, food and drinks. Thank you, Mauricio Ospina, your team at Canadian Hispanic Business Alliance, Aldo Di Felice and the team at TLN Media Group for putting this together and inviting us to celebrate with you for one more year.

Check out TLN's video: https://lnkd.in/gqyb2pK8.

Winter is coming, and while it would be great to embrace it, and be part of the variety of winter sports and activities, it is undeniable, that most people will prefer to keep, at least, most of their time, inside their cozy homes.

Fortunately, there are multiple indoor activities that we could perform at home, however we must be careful to not live a too sedentary life immersed in fast food, long sleeps, random valueless content in social media and unhealthy habits.

Instead, use technology to your advantage and make the most of this upcoming winter!

Keep active!

Perhaps you cannot do your favorite sports, or have long walks to the park, but:

Do some kind of indoor exercise, like aerobics, weight training, yoga, Pilates, or your favorite workout program. Use a Fitness Tracker to measure and reach your fitness goals.

Go to bed early - Sleep well - Wake up early. Use a Wake Up Light with Sunrise/Sunset Simulation, Dual Alarms and Natural Sounds, to keep up with your circadian rhythms, avoiding random sleeping schedules and waking up when it is still dark.

Keep warm!

Probably you already have a heating system in your place, however, you can also take benefit of winter wearable technologies. Heated clothing can make a significant difference in your comfort during the winter months.

Heated clothing typically contains thin, flexible heating elements made of carbon fiber or other conductive materials. These elements are strategically placed in areas where you need the most warmth, such as the chest, back, and sometimes the sleeves or pockets.

These heating elements are powered by rechargeable batteries, which can usually be adjusted to different heat settings to provide the desired level of warmth.

Keep Entertained!

Do not fall for the random, and usually useless content in Netflix, Facebook or TikTok. Set an educational goal. Learn something new: a new topic, new hobby, new language, or even a new idea for developing your business and career.

Use your tablet or laptop to read books, take online lessons or watch valuable content on YouTube. Winter is long, and that is great, because it gives you enough time to learn, practice and enhance your new skills.

Additionally, you can also use a little time to play videogames, but the good ones, ones that will let you keep your brain and coordination active while you plan the spring and summer ahead.

You see, you do not need to spend too much money on technology to keep active, warm, and entertained during the winter, however you will need the will, consistency, and dedication. Set your goals, make your plan, follow the process, and track your progress.

You will end this winter with positive habits that will be with you for years to come!

Winter in Canada is more than just snow; it's an adventure! With everything from skiing and snowboarding to snowshoeing and winter festivals, there are endless ways to enjoy the season. To make the most of Canada's winter wonderland, having the right apps at your fingertips is key. Whether you need real-time snow forecasts, safety alerts, or trail maps, we've compiled a list of the best winter apps in Canada. Let's dive into the essentials for a perfect winter experience.

1. Winter Weather Apps Canada

Staying on top of changing weather conditions is crucial when planning winter activities. These top-rated weather apps provide reliable forecasts for snowfall, temperature, and more across Canada's popular winter destinations.

• The Weather Network: Known for its accurate, up-to-the-minute forecasts, The Weather Network app also offers real-time weather alerts, radar maps, and long-term predictions. Its "Snowfall Radar" feature is ideal for tracking snowfall, helping you pick the best days for skiing or snowboarding.

• Snow Forecast: Built with snow sports enthusiasts in mind, Snow Forecast offers detailed information on snowfall predictions and snow depths for ski resorts across Canada. The app provides forecast data, live webcams, and even wind direction to help you plan your snow day.

• Windy: For those venturing into mountainous regions, Windy offers ultra-precise weather forecasts with a focus on wind and precipitation. With detailed interactive maps, you can see incoming snow fronts and make better decisions for your day outdoors.

2. Snow Sports Apps

Canada's winter sports scene is unmatched, and these snow sports apps are perfect for hitting the slopes with confidence. Whether you're skiing, snowboarding, or snowshoeing, these apps offer trail maps, lift wait times, and more.

• OnTheSnow: One of the most popular ski and snowboard apps, OnTheSnow provides snow reports, trail maps, and lift status updates for resorts across Canada. Its "Powder Alerts" notify you of fresh snowfall, so you never miss the best powder days.

• Ski Tracks: Track your skiing or snowboarding stats with GPS mapping, speed tracking, and distance measurements. Ski Tracks works without a data connection, making it perfect for those exploring remote areas.

• AllTrails: Ideal for snowshoeing enthusiasts, AllTrails offers detailed trail maps, difficulty ratings, and user reviews. The app's GPS tracking feature helps you stay on track and find nearby snowshoeing routes suited to your skill level.

3. Outdoor Activity Apps for Canadian Winter Fun

Winter in Canada offers more than just snow sports! These apps help you find nearby activities like ice skating, snowmobiling, and winter events.

• Yonder: A go-to for outdoor enthusiasts, Yonder lets you explore local winter activities and trails, including ice skating rinks and snowmobiling spots. Its community-based reviews make it easy to find the best locations near you.

• Eventbrite: Find winter festivals and events happening across Canada with the Eventbrite app. From holiday markets to winter light festivals, Eventbrite makes it easy to discover seasonal events and plan your outings.

• Ice Skating Rinks: For those in major Canadian cities, apps like RinkWatch and local city apps often provide information on open outdoor rinks, ice conditions, and even special skating events. Check if your city has a dedicated app for up-to-date info on local rinks.

4. Winter Safety Apps

Winter outdoor activities come with unique challenges, so safety should always be a priority. These safety apps provide essential features like avalanche forecasts and emergency assistance.

• Avalanche Canada: Essential for anyone venturing into backcountry areas, the Avalanche Canada app offers real-time avalanche forecasts, safety tips, and risk ratings for Canadian mountain regions. It also includes GPS-enabled tools to help you navigate and stay safe.

• What3words: This innovative app divides the world into 3-meter squares and assigns each a unique set of three words, making it easy to share your precise location in case of an emergency. It's a lifesaver for finding remote locations quickly.

• Canadian Red Cross First Aid: This app provides quick access to first aid information, including cold-related injuries like frostbite and hypothermia. With step-by-step instructions, it's a handy tool for winter adventurers.

5. Winter Tourism Apps: Discover Hidden Gems

To add a touch of magic to your winter adventures, consider these apps that help you discover charming winter villages, festive markets, and magical Christmas spots:

• Scout: This app helps you find unique and off-the-beaten-path destinations, including cozy winter villages, festive markets, and charming winter landscapes.

• TripAdvisor: While a well-known travel app, TripAdvisor can be a great resource for finding reviews and recommendations for winter destinations, hotels, and activities.

Embrace the Canadian Winter with Confidence

With the right apps, winter in Canada becomes a season of discovery and adventure. Whether you're carving fresh tracks on the slopes, attending a local winter festival, or simply enjoying the beauty of snowy landscapes, these apps can enhance every experience. Stay safe, stay informed, and make this winter one to remember with the best tech tools by your side!

Use this guide as your starting point to find the top apps for an unforgettable Canadian winter. Stay safe, embrace the cold, and let these apps lead the way!