Partner Perspectives: Achēv

The OLIP interns had the wonderful opportunity to meet with Kristen Neagle, Director of Government Relations and Strategic Partnerships at Achēv. Achēv is a leading not-for-profit organization that delivers employment, newcomer settlement, language, youth, and women’s programs across Ontario. Through its wide range of services, Achēv supports individuals in achieving their career and integration goals while helping employers build strong, inclusive workforces. 

During our meeting, we discussed Achēv’s work connecting job seekers to meaningful employment opportunities and supporting newcomers as they navigate settlement and integration in Canada. Kristen shared valuable insights into both her role and the organization’s broader mission. We explored Achēv’s efforts to support newcomers, connect immigrants to the economy, provide gender-based violence services, and help youth find meaningful employment opportunities. 

Our conversation also examined Kristen’s role as a lobbyist, where she emphasized the importance of building and sustaining strong partnerships with government. We further discussed the many ways Achēv communicates with the public about available resources, including radio campaigns, cultural outreach, constituency office engagement, and other initiatives that demonstrate the breadth of strategies required for effective public communication. 

It was particularly valuable to learn how organizations like Achēv collaborate with government stakeholders to design responsive programs that meet evolving community needs while strengthening Ontario’s economy. 

We would like to extend a sincere thank-you to Kristen Neagle for taking the time to meet with us and share her insights. We also express our gratitude to Achēv for its continued partnership with the OLIP programme and its commitment to empowering individuals and strengthening communities across the province.