Open To Work
Bengisu Onkal
Human Rights Advocate
North York,Canada
Summary
Compassionate and trauma-informed community worker with over five years of experience supporting refugee women, newcomer families, and racialized communities through crisis intervention, emotional support, safety-focused advocacy, and system navigation. Skilled in intake assessment, case documentation, program coordination, and cross-cultural communication. Strong understanding of gender-based violence, intersectional challenges, and the structural barriers affecting abused women and their children. Dedicated to empowering clients to rebuild safe, stable, and independent lives.
Overview
2026
2026
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Community Program Coordinator
CTFC (Canadian Turkish Friendship Community)
08.2025 - Current
- Coordinate programs supporting the safety, well-being, and empowerment of newcomer and refugee girls and young women
- Conduct trauma-informed intake assessments, identify risks or urgent needs, and develop individualized action or safety plans
- Provide emotional and crisis-sensitive support while connecting clients to housing, mental health, legal aid, and settlement services
- Facilitate workshops and mentorship sessions that build resilience, confidence, and social integration
- Maintain detailed case documentation and collaborate with community partners to ensure continuity of care
Youth Mentor & Support Worker
CTFC (Canadian Turkish Friendship Community)
Toronto, ON
09.2020 - 08.2025
- Provided one-on-one emotional support, guidance, and safety-focused check-ins to newcomer girls and young women experiencing trauma, migration stress, family conflict, or social isolation
- Assisted in planning and delivering mentorship programs, empowerment workshops, and community engagement activities
- Supported youth in accessing education, mental health services, settlement programs, and other community resources
- Strengthened cross-cultural communication, crisis support, and trauma-informed practice through ongoing interaction with vulnerable youth
- Maintained client files and contributed to program coordination and outreach initiatives
Intern
Council of Agencies Serving South Asians (CASSA)
Toronto, ON
10.2024 - 03.2025
- Supported advocacy and outreach initiatives focused on improving health equity and access for racialized and South Asian communities
- Assisted in organizing community-based programs promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion
- Conducted research and contributed to reports addressing healthcare disparities and structural social barriers
- Contributed to the published report Bridging Health Divides: Addressing Healthcare Disparities in Racialized Communities
Annual Partnership with UN Refugee Agency
UNHCR
Toronto, ON
2021 - 2022
- Collaborated with UN Refugee Agency to raise funds for global refugee support through handmade bookmark sales
- Donated profits to provide shelter, food, and safety for displaced individuals
Education
B.A. - Human Rights and Equity Studies
York University
Toronto08-2025
High School -
Ugur High School
Turkey01.2016
Skills
- Crisis intervention and trauma-informed support
- Active listening
- Intercultural communication
- Community engagement
- Client intake, assessment, and safety planning
- Documentation and case coordination
- Cross-cultural awareness and culturally responsive care
- Bilingual: English and Turkish
- Mentoring
- Supporting integration
- Cross-cultural communication
- Microsoft Office, Outlook, data tracking
Certification
- NVCI (Non-Violent Crisis Intervention), 10/2025
- WHMIS (Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System), 11/2025
- Emergency First Aid and CPR (Level C)
References
Betül Acabey, Project Manager (CTFC), +1 (416) 540 4719, betulacabey99@gmail.com
Publications
Bridging Health Divides: A Collaborative Study on Addressing Healthcare Disparities in Racialized Communities, 10/2024, Toronto, ON, https://www.cassa.ca/racialized-health-working-group-initiative/
Languages
English
Full Professional
Turkish
Native/ Bilingual
Affiliations
- Ceramic making, mosaic art, candle-making, and community workshops
- Theatre and performing arts appreciation
- Reading on women & human rights and gender studies
Timeline
Community Program Coordinator
CTFC (Canadian Turkish Friendship Community)
08.2025 - Current
Intern
Council of Agencies Serving South Asians (CASSA)
10.2024 - 03.2025
Youth Mentor & Support Worker
CTFC (Canadian Turkish Friendship Community)
09.2020 - 08.2025
Annual Partnership with UN Refugee Agency
UNHCR
2021 - 2022
B.A. - Human Rights and Equity Studies
York University
High School -
Ugur High School