Building Dreams and Building Businesses: Diyaa Ashrafee’s Journey from International Student to Founder
As an international student arriving in Canada, I carried the dream of building a successful career in human resources. As the founder of Talent Renew Inc., a legal recruitment agency working with top-tier Bay Street firms, I can proudly say that those dreams have been realized—but not without hard work, perseverance, and a strong foundation built during my time at Humber Polytechnic.
A Foundation for Success
The Human Resources Management Graduate Certificate program was instrumental in shaping my career. The program’s practical approach, networking events, and workshops provided me with more than just technical skills—it gave me the confidence to believe in myself. These experiences motivated me to aim higher, work harder, and envision a future where I could lead in my field.
My journey began with an internship at the University Health Network (UHN), where I gained hands-on experience in employee relations and recruiting. Over the next five years, I worked across the public and private sectors, refining my skills and discovering my passion for recruitment. During this time, I realized recruiting wasn’t just a job for me—it was something I truly loved.
Building Talent Renew Inc.
In February 2024, after years of dedication and acquiring in-depth industry knowledge, I took a leap of faith to establish my venture—Talent Renew Inc. The mission was clear: to connect organizations with exceptional talent while cultivating meaningful relationships with candidates. Today, I’m honoured to work with prestigious Bay Street firms, delivering bespoke recruiting solutions tailored to their legal hiring needs.
Launching a business as an immigrant without an established network came with its share of challenges. There were moments of self-doubt and hurdles to overcome, but staying true to my vision, setting defined goals, and maintaining focus proved essential.
“Success doesn’t happen overnight; it’s the product of consistent effort, self-belief, and staying true to your goals.”
Lessons Learned on the Path to Success
One of the most valuable lessons I’ve learned is the importance of having a vision board and a defined goal. These tools serve as guiding lights, keeping distractions at bay and ensuring forward momentum even during difficult times. Achievements—big or small—gain meaning when there is a clear purpose behind them.
Looking back on my journey, I am deeply grateful for the opportunities that shaped me. From my initial internship to running my own company, each step has been an invaluable learning experience. Humber provided me with the tools I needed to succeed and showed me that with determination, anything is possible.
Words of Inspiration
To those charting their paths and aspiring to make an impact, my advice is simple, no matter where you start, your dreams are valid. Invest in yourself, stay focused on your goals, and never underestimate the power of hard work.
The journey might be challenging, but every challenge is an opportunity to grow stronger and better.
My journey from an international student to a business owner has been full of challenges and triumphs. Humber laid the groundwork for my dreams and gave me the confidence to build something meaningful. I hope my story inspires others to pursue their passions and believe in their ability to achieve greatness.
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