With Cohort 1 of the Circonflexe Mentorship Program complete, it was time to celebrate an incredible year of connection, growth, and community building. Launched to boost the confidence of English-speaking Quebecers in French, Circonflexe has grown into a vibrant community supported by dedicated mentors, motivated mentees, and engaged partners.

A Night of Celebration and Connection

Earlier this fall, participants came together for the Circonflexe Networking Event and Awards Ceremony—an evening dedicated to recognizing the achievements of the first cohort and celebrating the relationships formed over the past year.

Cohort 1 included 180 participants: 90 mentees and 90 mentors from 15 regions across the province. Representing fields from health care to finance, and education to technology, our mentors shared firsthand knowledge of Québec’s labour market while supporting mentees on both linguistic and professional journeys. Mentees brought curiosity, courage, and a desire to grow, helping to create a dynamic and successful first cohort.

The event provided an opportunity to share insights, stories, and milestones from their mentorship experiences. Many matches met in person for the first time after months of virtual collaboration, strengthening connections across the province.

Guests also included partners, community leaders, and members of the growing Circonflexe network, all celebrating the impact of the program.

Honouring Excellence: The Circonflexe Awards

This year, we introduced the Circonflexe Awards to recognize the outstanding contributions of mentors, mentees, and partners. Each award highlights a different facet of what makes this program unique and celebrates the dedication that drives its success.

MENTEE AWARDS

Momentum Award (Prix Élan)

Recipient: Sasha Lleshaj
For the mentee who embodies progress, determination, and steady growth.

Circonflexe Spirit Award – Mentee (Prix Esprit Circonflexe – Mentoré.e)

Recipient: Sepideh Eghtedari
For exceptional dedication, consistency, and enthusiasm within the Circonflexe community.

MENTOR AWARDS

Guiding Light Award (Prix Phare)

Recipient: Teresa Alper
For the mentor who guides with patience, wisdom, and steady encouragement.

Recipient: Ciro Jaen Paniza
For the mentor who inspires growth, confidence, and new opportunities.

Circonflexe Spirit Award – Mentor (Prix Esprit Circonflexe – Mentor.e)

Recipient: Jean Michaël
For exceptional dedication to the Circonflexe mission and community.

PARTNER AWARDS

Our organizational partners have been instrumental in growing the program throughout Québec. Through their collaboration, Circonflexe was able to hold networking events in 10 regions, gathering more than 900 participants!

We are proud to present the Community Catalyst Award (Prix Rassembleur) to two organizations that stood out for the vibrancy of their events and their ability to build genuine bridges to mentorship.

For bringing our community together and catalyzing meaningful connections,

Community Builder Award (Prix Rassembleur)

Recipients: 
4 Korners & CDNBCA

Voices of Circonflexe

Meet the people and stories at the heart of Circonflexe. Filmed during our recent Networking and Awards Night, this short video features participants sharing their personal journeys, motivations, and the highlights of their mentorship experience.

Looking Ahead to Cohort 2

Cohort 1 has set the tone for what Circonflexe can accomplish. Participants have strengthened their French, expanded their networks, gained confidence in professional settings, and built relationships that will continue long after the official program ends. As we open the doors to Cohort 2, we are carrying forward the lessons, energy, and momentum of this first year.

Thank you to everyone who contributed to making Cohort 1 a success. Your time, generosity, and passion have shaped a program that continues to grow and inspire. 

To new beginnings, new matches, and an even stronger Circonflexe community in the year ahead!