Safari Blog – From Momentum Grad to Mentor

I’ve found one of the greatest privileges of working at Momentum is the opportunity to follow participants’ journeys long after they graduate.

This year, I had the chance to reconnect with Safari, a graduate of Momentum’s Trades Training Glazing program. Safari joined the program more than 15 years ago after moving to Canada from Africa and struggling to find quality work. During the program, he began working with Griffin Glass. He found a stable career there, first becoming a journeyperson glazier and now a site supervisor!

Knowing Safari’s character, his career success is not at all surprising. He is a devoted husband and father who, together with his wife, stepped up to adopt and raise four of his nieces and nephews after his sister unexpectedly passed away.

Over the years, Safari and I have stayed connected through his involvement as a Momentum Participant Ambassador. He has volunteered at events and shared his story at our Breakfast Fundraiser – held every year at the Petroleum Club, a venue Safari helped install skylights at early in his career!

While speaking at the Breakfast, Safari shared with the room how when he came to Canada as a refugee from the Democratic Republic of Congo, he faced significant barriers finding meaningful work. Before Momentum, the only job he could find was at a chicken processing plant.

“If I wanted to work with chickens,” he grinned, “I could have stayed in Africa.”

Within this personal anecdote was a transformation: Momentum’s Trades Training program had given Safari a foundation where his skills, talents, and ambition could flourish.

That impact continues today.

In early 2026, Safari helped Momentum prepare to launch its first Glazing cohort in more than 15 years through our new StartWork initiative. When I arrived to welcome the Glazing participants on the first day of the program, I planned to share Safari's story as an example of what was possible.

To my surprise, many participants already knew who he was.

Safari had volunteered during the intake process, connecting directly with applicants to share his experiences in the glazing industry and provide his insights about what it takes to succeed in the trade. Before participants even entered the classroom, he was already helping them envision a future for themselves.

His influence did not end there.

At this year's graduation, I spoke with Kieran, one of the program participants who had completed his work experience placement with Griffin Glass. Kieran spoke enthusiastically about working with Safari and was thrilled to have secured employment with Griffin Glass after his placement.

Just as others once invested in him, Safari is now investing in the next generation of trades professionals. He continues to mentor new workers, encouraging them to stay the course through the challenges of starting out in the industry. When talking about Kieran recently, Safari smiled and recalled some advice he’d given him: "Just relax." He reminded Kieren and other new workers that they are still learning and growing, encouraging them not to become discouraged when they do not know everything right away.

Safari's journey from participant to mentor demonstrates the lasting power of opportunity, hard work, and community. I am incredibly proud that he remains part of the Momentum community, and grateful that we stayed connected for more than 15 years. His story is a reminder that success is not only measured by what we achieve ourselves, but by how we help others succeed along the way.