ForDiet is a graduate of the Pathways Program in Ottawa, Class of 2013. He is currently working as a Senior Recruiter at RBC while also volunteering as a mentor at a youth center in his community.
ForDiet first came to Canada with his family from the Democratic Republic of Congo, starting in Montreal and then settling in Ottawa. Like many first-generation Canadians, he faced academic hurdles, limited access to resources, and the pressure of navigating a new life without much guidance. “I was really bad at school. I had D-minuses and didn’t really believe in myself. I also felt like my teachers didn’t believe in me,” he shared.
Things started to look up for him when he joined the Pathways Program in Ottawa. Initially, he went there for tutoring to improve his grades and worked closely with staff to build studying techniques. “My parents were working a lot, so I didn’t have anyone around at home who could help me with homework. Coming to Pathways was the first time I had access to tutoring.” Over time, ForDiet found that Pathways provided him with support that went beyond tutoring. “The staff there were like another parent to me. They helped me build confidence in myself and show me what I was truly capable of.”
ForDiet raised his grades quickly and ultimately ended up on the honour roll when he graduated from high school. “It changed my life completely! I really owe it to Pathways because it was just such a turning point. I don’t know where I would be without them,” he reflected. After high school, ForDiet earned a Bachelor of Commerce from Carleton University and later received a Sports Business Management diploma at Humber College.
It was during the pandemic when ForDiet pivoted careers—he had the opportunity to go into entry-level recruiting, which turned into a career he genuinely enjoyed. Today, he works as a Senior Recruiter at RBC, supporting bilingual recruitment across private and commercial banking teams. “I really love the work that I do. I’m a people person, and I enjoy recruiting because I get to talk to people and learn their stories. It’s amazing seeing people land the job they want.”
Beyond his career, ForDiet is dedicated to giving back. He volunteers at a youth centre, mentoring youth and offering encouragement, just as Pathways once did for him. “I speak life into them. I remind them they’re great and they can do amazing things. Just like Pathways did for me.”
Looking back, ForDiet sees Pathways as a turning point that continues to shape his future: “Pathways means everything to me. It gave me the belief, support, and confidence I needed. And that experience is what led me to the success I have today.”