04/08/2025
Dr. Khristine Cariño Named Finalist for Prestigious Top 25 Canadian Immigrant Awards
Vancouver, BC — Dr. Khristine Cariño, president of Tech2Step Canada and a trailblazer in civic and non-profit leadership, has been named to the Top 75 shortlist and is a finalist for the Top 25 Canadian Immigrant Awards, presented by Western Union. The national awards program celebrates inspirational immigrants who have made a significant and positive impact in Canada, with public voting open until June 5.
A former dentist and academic, Cariño immigrated to Canada in 2005 for a postdoctoral fellowship at the University of British Columbia. Her promising research career took an unexpected turn when she became a mother. Like many immigrant women, she faced the "motherhood penalty" and ageism—barriers that often derail leadership trajectories. Instead of stepping back, Cariño leaned in, pivoting from academia to civic and non-profit leadership.
Today, through her organization Tech2Step Canada, she creates pathways for newcomers to thrive—offering mentorship, career development, and networking programs that help immigrants not only find jobs but also step into leadership roles in tech and beyond.
“Representation matters. Immigrants shouldn’t just participate in the workforce—we should help shape its future,” says Cariño.
Her grassroots journey began at Cedar Cottage Neighbourhood House, where she found her civic voice and currently serves as board chair. She has since launched East Van Kids STEM, an initiative focused on expanding access to science and tech education for children in underserved communities.
Cariño also made history as the first Filipino president of the Society for Canadian Women in Science and Technology (SCWIST), leading the organization through a national expansion that centered racialized women and aimed to place more of them in decision-making roles.
In parallel with her STEM advocacy, Cariño co-founded Alliance Philippines to help Filipino-Canadian youth stay connected to their culture. As a board director and former executive director of Mabuhay House Society, she collaborates with the BC government on building a long-overdue Filipino Cultural Centre in the province.
“As immigrants, we don’t just build a life here — we shape communities,” she says. “Step forward, take your place, and lift others along the way. When we thrive, we open doors for those who come after us.”
Public voting for the Top 25 Canadian Immigrant Awards runs until June 5. Winners will be announced in August.
The complete list of the 75 finalists is at this link, where you can also cast your vote:
https://canadianimmigrant.ca/canadas-top-25-immigrants
