Canadian Immigrant - November 2023

COVER STORY
While she holds numerous awards for her artistic accomplishments,
Serrano’s entry into this new emerging field was unchartered waters. As
a woman and an immigrant, Serrano knew she was going to stand out.
“I entered the new media industry before 1994, before Netscape took
the World Wide Web and brought it to mainstream attention,” she says.
In those early days, Serrano was often the only woman in the room and
more often than not the only racialized person in the room. She was also
often the youngest. While some might have been intimidated, Serrano felt
fueled by her difference. “I observed. I listened. And I cultivated allies,”
she says. “I always approached my work in terms of how I could give value
to others, how I could help provide solutions, and/or how I could enrich
the experience of others.”
Throughout her career, Serrano has used these experiences to amplify
her voice as well as that of others. “I think that’s what I have always aspired
to do in my career; design with intention experiences that celebrate our
shared humanity, creativity and inventiveness,” she says.
From founding the Canadian Film Centre’s Media Lab and Canada’s
annual democracy summit, DemocracyXChange, to being part of arts and
culture boards across Canada and now as the first racialized President
and Vice-Chancellor in OCAD University’s 147-year-history, Serrano
has been a champion of progressive change and a creator and innovator
in digital media.
Serrano is also co-producer of Prison Dancer: The Musical, which
recently opened at the National Arts Centre (NAC) in Ottawa. This
award-winning stage musical and transmedia experience spanning
multiple platforms is Canada’s first-ever musical produced, created and
performed by Filipinos.
Serrano has produced some of Canada’s most critically acclaimed
works in digital media, including award-winning productions Body/
Mind/Change starring David Cronenberg, and the virtual reality
experience Small Wonders in partnership with the Art Gallery of Ontario;
co-produced Late Fragment with the NFB, which was the Board’s first
interactive dramatic feature film within North America that premiered at
the Toronto International Film Festival.
Serrano’s active creative practice reflects her commitment to shaping
the arts and culture sector in Canada and advancing OCAD U as an
emerging vibrant hub.
“OCAD U is more than a university; we are a vibrant community of
bold, curious and compassionate artists, designers and scholars. Our efforts
reflect the cultural diversity of our community and society, and gives our
students opportunities to experience different perspectives,” she says.
An advocate of hands-on learning, Serrano has also launched OCAD
U LiVE, a digital streaming channel with content produced by students
for students, enabling them to gain experience while contributing to
Canada’s booming content creator economy, while getting paid.
“The role we play in the city and the country at large is to be that
incubation space where we cultivate Canada’s next generation of leaders
who as makers, thinkers and problem solvers will build the equitable, just
and sustainable world we all dream of,” says Serrano.
Unlock Your Canadian Dream:
The Path to Success with a Co-Op Program at
Our Award-Winning College
Canada, and especially Toronto, known for its diverse culture, and
thriving job market, has become the ideal destination for newcomers
and aspiring immigrants seeking opportunity. If you are looking to
build a successful career in Canada’s financial capital, Toronto School
of Management (TSoM) offers the programs to help you take that
first step with up to 2-year Co-Op career-focused programs. Winning
Corporate Vision’s 2023 Work & Study program of the year, we are
proud to offer you a chance to bridge the gap between your studies
and professional aspirations.
Whether you are a new immigrant looking to fill in gaps in your career
training, improve your speaking skills, increase your confidence, or
hoping to make a career change, we have the programs to help you
on your path. From business to accounting, cybersecurity, digital
marketing and more, most of our intensive career-focused programs
include co-op placements that provide you with hands-on, practical,
real-world experience, equipping you with the skills you need to
achieve your professional goals. In addition, our Career Services
department is dedicated to ensuring your smooth transition from
the classroom to a working environment. We provide invaluable
support in developing co-op employment opportunities, thanks to our
extensive network of partner companies.
Our commitment to your success extends from orientation to
graduation. Here’s how we do it:
1. Setting Clear Goals: We believe that having clear goals is essential
for academic success. Starting from the first conversations you
have with our Student Advisors to decide what study option would
help you best according to your past professional and academic
background, TSoM’s services will help you clarify your professional
goals and guide you on your journey.
2. Developing Key Skills: Our co-op diploma programs allow you to
learn the basics and/or sharpen and update crucial skills such as time
management, communication, for the International and Canadian
work culture.
3. Expanding Your Network: You’ll become part of a community of
other motivated students and aspiring young professionals, creating
a strong academic and professional network during your time with us.
4. Comprehensive Career Services: Our Career Services provides
a wide array of programs and supports to assist you on your career
path, including:
• Career counselling
• Online job boards and resources, and access to external
platforms
• Information sessions
• One-on-one assistance and workshops on resumes, cover
letters, LinkedIn profiles
• Interview techniques workshops, mock interviews, and
networking skills
• Professional development and personality assessments;
workshops on use of skills, confidence building
• Workshops to evaluate job postings vs program of studies and
merging skills when transferred from different industry
• Canadian Immigration Q&A sessions
• Co-op preparation workshops
• Professional photoshoot series for students
• Self-paced career-education modules
• Networking opportunities
• Support through the co-op term; communication for term
requirements and eligibility; co-op documentation for graduation
requirements
5. Employer Information Sessions and Internship, Co-op, and
Job Fairs: TSoM hosts Internship and Job fairs several times per year
along with networking events, giving you ample opportunities to
connect and build professional networks with potential employers.
Taking a co-op program with TSoM not only helps you bridge
knowledge and skills gaps in your studies, training, or professional
history in your home country but also boosts your confidence for
your full-time professional job search. With acquired Canadian
experience and a robust network, you’ll be well-prepared to launch
your career in Canada’s competitive job market.
Join us at our award-winning college, and let’s embark on a journey
to success together. Your professional goals, whether in Canada or
abroad, are within reach, and we’re here to help you make it a reality.
Visit our website www.TorontoSoM.ca and contact us at info@TorontoSoM.ca to learn about our exclusive Domestic Diversity Discount prices and payment plans.
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CANADIAN IMMIGRANT Volume 20 Issue 5 | 2023