Prasad Jayasekera

Prasad Jayasekera knows the newcomer journey first-hand. By his own account, his first five years in Canada were "defined by survival, trial and error, and finding my way." This November marks ten years since he found his calling: helping people. He has spent that decade making the path easier for the students, job seekers and newcomers who come after him.

At Seneca Polytechnic, Prasad has held roles in work-integrated learning, industry partnerships, teaching and corporate training. He connects students with employers, for example by promoting a $1,500 Small Business Grant that helps local businesses hire Seneca students, and he champions a "student first, always" culture. He holds PMP, PMI-ACP and Certified ScrumMaster credentials, and he created CHA²MP (#BeMoreHuman), a masterclass on the human skills professionals need in an AI-driven world.

His community service is just as impressive. He mentors newcomers through JVS Toronto's Canada InfoNet program, has mentored with the YMCA of Greater Toronto, and coaches Grade 9 and 10 students on career pathways with Ontario Career Lab. He has led resume and LinkedIn workshops for job seekers at Markham's Aaniin Community Centre, served as a panelist for Skills for Change, and moderated panels for Connecting GTA and MTHR Global. Beyond Canada, he has mentored students in Sri Lanka through the Sustainable Education Foundation and is part of The Kindness Project, a volunteer initiative that gives underprivileged Sri Lankan children stationery and classroom technology. He recently raised four times his fundraising goal for United Way's ClimbUP.

Colleagues describe him as someone who "seamlessly combines the role of a mentor and a friend." Prasad turns his own journey into opportunity for others, and we are proud to nominate him.

Ten years helping people build careers. This November marks a decade since he found his calling, after a hard first five years as a newcomer to Canada.

Rose through Seneca Polytechnic. He went from Work Integrated Learning Coordinator to Manager of Industry Partnerships, then Adjunct Professor, and is now (per a search result) Associate Director of Corporate Training.

Created the CHA²MP (#BeMoreHuman) masterclass. It teaches the human skills professionals need in an AI-driven workplace.

Earned professional certifications. He holds PMI-ACP and Certified ScrumMaster, and earned his PMP in 2022.

Mentors widely. He mentors newcomers with JVS Toronto, has mentored with the YMCA, and coaches Grade 9 and 10 students with Ontario Career Lab.

Gave back in Sri Lanka. He mentored students through the Sustainable Education Foundation and is part of The Kindness Project, which gives children stationery and classroom technology.

Raised four times his goal for United Way's ClimbUP. He hit his original goal within an hour.

Moderated and spoke on panels. These include Connecting GTA's 2025 panel on pivoting in Ontario's economy, MTHR Global and Skills for Change.