About Us

Empowering and Guiding Canada’s Workforce

Progress Career Planning Institute (PCPI) in Toronto, Ontario is a not-for-profit, business-focused organization. We offer career development and training services for individuals who push for success. Thriving on multiculturalism, we tap into the unique skillset and background that every professional brings to the table. For more than 27 years, PCPI has fostered strong connections with Canadian employers and local community partners because we believe this helps us find creative HR solutions to the demands of the Canadian labor market.

Our Mission

Building communities by empowering people to pursue their potential.

Our Values

  • Progress Through Innovation and Collaboration
  • Respect and Value the Diversity and Unique Strengths of Individuals in the Community
  • Integrity and Excellence in All Our Services
  • Transparency and Accountability

Our Vision

A successful Canadian economy powered by the ingenuity and diversity of our working people. We envision a Canada where diversity is embraced, businesses are growing, and communities are flourishing.

Awards & Recognition

In 2016, Silma Roddau, the president of PCPI received the Leadership Award during the 6th Annual Share The Light Awards organized by Northwood Neighborhood Services. The Leadership Award was created to recognize Executive Directors and Board Directors who work tirelessly to lead their organization with vision and passion.

In 2010, readers of the Toronto Community News voted PCPI as the Silver Finalist in “Best of Best, 2010 Reader Choice Awards”.

In 2003, with partners City of Toronto Economic Development, Toronto Community News, PCPI created and successfully produced the first highly acclaimed IEP Conference.

Since 2003, these groundbreaking events, featuring senior executives and presenters from academia, regulatory bodies, and major Canadian corporations, have offered unprecedented networking and hands-on skill building opportunities for thousands of Canada’s Internationally Educated Professionals (IEPs).

More of PCPI’s Highlights

We launched one of Canada’s first business centers for Cultural Intelligence (CI); Commission of several research studies.

Our organization created the Advisory Council/Think Tank; and developed the Majority Report White Paper plus other promotional articles in key publications.

The Scarborough Chamber of Commerce officially recognized PCPI’s success by nominating it for both Business of the Year and Corporate Excellence of the Year awards.

In 2002, PCPI won the Scarborough Chamber of Commerce Business Excellence Award.

In 2004, Scarborough Mirror readers voted PCPI as one of the best employment agencies in their area.

professionals

Our Team

Board Members

  • Roula Panagiotopoulos – PCPI Chair
    President, PURE
    A recent nominee for the RBC Canadian Women Entrepreneur Award in 2017, Roula Panagiotopoulos is president of PURE. Throughout her career she has been a key player in some of the largest health and beauty companies in Canada. While working at Vital Science, Roula was instrumental in setting retail growth strategies that positioned VS for acquisition by Valeant Pharmaceuticals. She currently works with companies in acquisition mode to provide comprehensive due diligence reporting and flight path. Active in her community, Roula founded N9NE fundraising gala that raises money for charities in Toronto and Canada.
  • John Harris – Past PCPI Chair
    Professor and Program Coordinator, Accounting & Financial Services at the School of Business, Seneca College
    Dr. John Harris is the Board Chair of PCPI. He was previously the Treasurer of the Board for about four years. John is a Professor and Program Coordinator in the Department of Accounting & Financial Services at the School of Business at Seneca College. John is a Professional Accountant (CPA) and a Fellow of the Society of Professional Accountants (FCPA). John joined Seneca in 2013 after a progressive 30-year career as an Accountant and Administrator in both the private and public sectors. In addition to his volunteer work with PCPI, John is a member of the Education Committee of the Canadian Institute of Financial Planners (CIFP) and is an active volunteer at his church and at the Toronto East General Hospital. He is married with three children.
  • Chris Alexander
  • Steven Chaves
  • Javaid Khan

Get in Touch With Us

Send us all your questions and suggestions about our career development services by filling out our online contact form.