All In At Acara   Zinah Muhanna

All-In At Acara: Zinah Muhanna

In this month’s “All-In At Acara” employee spotlight, meet Zinah Muhanna! As Program Coordinator she focuses on supporting clients and overseeing daily operations. Her days are diverse, handling everything from cost proposals and work orders to supporting onboarding processes. Learn more about Zinah and her passion for enhancing the client experience and making a positive difference in people’s lives.  

Life Before Acara 

Growing up in a small town like Bolton, Ontario, and now living just a 15-minute walk from the Mississauga Acara office, my journey has been quite the adventure. I graduated from George Brown College with a degree in Fashion Management, driven by a passion for the creative aspects of the industry. However, I found myself unfulfilled and seeking more. 

After college, I continued my path in the hospitality industry. Working in restaurants allowed me to pursue what I truly enjoyed: building genuine connections with clients and creating memorable experiences. But when COVID-19 impacted the restaurant industry, I knew it was time for a change. The opportunity to become a Staffing Coordinator at Acara presented itself, and I saw it as a perfect transition. 

Joining the Team 

The journey to Acara started with nurturing professional connections. Through a personal contact, I was introduced to Nigel Hapuarachchi, leading to an insightful coffee chat. Nigel’s positive remarks about Acara and the staffing industry intrigued me. Upon learning more about the Staffing Coordinator position, I felt it perfectly aligned with my skills and career goals. Researching Acara further, I found the company culture and brand recognition promising for my growth and development. 

A Day in My Life 

Recently promoted to Program Coordinator, my role involves supporting clients and overseeing daily operations. From generating cost proposals and creating work orders to supporting onboarding processes, building reports, and managing client relationships, my days are diverse and dynamic. Adapting to new platforms and enhancing the client experience are also key aspects of my job. 

The Acara Difference 

Life at Acara is distinctly different from my previous experiences. The environment, tasks, and interactions here are unique and exciting. What excites me the most is the opportunity to make a positive difference in others’ lives, a passion that initially drew me to the industry. Balancing multiple projects and deadlines can be challenging, but it’s an exhilarating part of the job. 

Industry Evolution 

The talent and staffing industry has evolved significantly in recent years, especially with technological advancements. Acara has kept pace by implementing user-friendly platforms for both clients and candidates, focusing on personalized services to differentiate ourselves in the market. Looking ahead, I believe technology will continue to streamline processes across industries, with automation and AI playing pivotal roles. 

Personal Growth 

My role at Acara has grown from a strong focus on operations and managing contractors as a Staffing Coordinator to enhancing the client experience as a Program Coordinator. My team-player mindset, attention to detail, and ability to manage tasks effectively have been instrumental in this journey. 

The Best Part 

What I look forward to the most each day is the collaborative environment and working with talented and supportive colleagues. Acara’s vibrant culture, rooted in shared values, open communication, and mutual respect, makes it a great place to work. My favorite feature of Acara’s office? The large windows and the beautiful view! 

Life Outside of Acara 

Every morning begins with a walk alongside my husband, Marco, and our dog, Shyla. Afterward, I practice yoga to energize myself for the day ahead. 

Outside of work, I’m currently busy renovating our forever home, which involves a lot of planning! I also spend quality time with my family. People might not know by just looking at me, but I’m very creative. I love cross-stitching and making personalized cards, transforming raw materials into something beautiful. Additionally, I have a deep love and appreciation for wildlife and the natural world. 

Balancing personal and professional responsibilities is crucial, and finding a routine that works for both helps maintain that balance. An ideal day off includes a long nature walk, unwinding with loved ones by catching up on our favorite shows or enjoying a movie. If money or time off were no object, I’d love to travel extensively. For food, history, and culture, I’d return to Italy. For awe-inspiring landscapes, New Zealand is at the top of my list. 

Reflecting on my journey, I realize how each step, from my beginnings in hospitality to my current role at Acara, has prepared me for where I am today. Acara has not only been a place of professional growth but also a community where I can thrive and contribute meaningfully. I look forward to continuing this journey, making a positive impact, and growing alongside the incredible team at Acara.