Earlier this year, the 2025–2026 Circonflexe networking series concluded in Québec City. This final event, hosted by the Regional Development Network (RDN) and Voice of English-speaking Québec (VEQ), brought together over 60 English and French speakers to foster professional exchanges and learn more about the Circonflexe Mentorship program. 

During the event, attendees heard firsthand from speakers like Silvana Pacheco, a mentee who shared her journey through the program, and Lindsey Kettel, President of Chantier Davie Canada Inc., who discussed the vital role of language development in professional settings.

This gathering in Québec City capped a busy February for the program’s networking pillar. Across 10 regions, the series engaged over 900 participants through the collaboration of 12 partner organizations. The regional events are a core component of the Circonflexe model, providing English-speaking Quebecers with structured opportunities to communicate and interact in French within a professional context.

The Value of Networking and Exchange

Circonflexe networking events are designed to promote professional connections and facilitate language exchanges between English-speaking Quebecers and French speakers. While these gatherings take various formats, they all include a specific component that encourages participants to communicate and interact in French. This approach helps participants:

• Expand Professional Networks: Over 73% of participants across the first two years found these events helpful for expanding their professional circles.
• Build Linguistic Confidence: Attendees reported that participating in these exchanges helped them feel more confident in their spoken French.
• Facilitate Peer-to-Peer Interaction: In the program’s first year, 100% of attendees indicated they met two or more new people during these events.

The success of these sessions relies on deep community collaboration. Organizational partners are instrumental in growing the program throughout the province, as they help build genuine bridges to mentorship and create spaces for meaningful professional connections.

Huge thanks to all our partners for helping to spread the reach of this wonderful program!