Inspiring Story of Jonalyn Cayanan

Growing up in the Philippines, Jonalyn Cayanan never imagined that one day she would start a new life in Canada. As a young student, she vividly remembers memorizing the flags of different countries, and the one that left the strongest impression on her was Canada. That memory stayed with her, and years later, it would play a role in shaping her dreams.

For Jonalyn, the motivation to work abroad came from the opportunity to earn in dollars and provide a better future. A colleague from the fast food restaurant she worked at encouraged her to apply. Soon after, she was accepted to work at Tim Hortons in Slave Lake, Canada, and in 2008, her Canadian journey began.

Back home, Jonalyn Cayanan graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Accountancy. But when she came to Canada, her first job was as a food counter attendant - far from her chosen profession.

During those early years working alone, she found strength and belonging through her church family at Community Christian Centre. A kind Canadian pastor even welcomed her into their home, guiding and supporting her as she adjusted to Canadian culture.

Working as a foreign worker meant countless sacrifices being far from her family, but the love and support she received were truly life-changing. And when she finally achieved her Permanent Residency, she was reunited with her husband and daughter - a dream fulfilled.

Later, she transitioned to the Slave Lake Inn Hotel & Conference Centre (formerly Sawridge Hotel) as a front desk attendant and food server. When she finally received her Permanent Residency, she sought ways to align her career with her education. In 2013, she volunteered in the hotel’s accounting department. That bold step opened doors, and she soon became a full-time accountant.

Finding Her Place in Accounting

After a year, Jonalyn moved on to work at a local Accounting firm in town as a bookkeeping staff. However, her services were no longer needed once the off-season began. Through her church connections, she learned of an opening at Vanderwell Contractors, and in 2016, she joined their team as an accountant. Since then, she has handled multiple accounting responsibilities.

A New Chapter: Financial Advisor

While thriving in her accounting career, Jonalyn didn’t stop pursuing growth. She took on a new path as an Insurance Advisor with Greatway Financials, an agency partnered with Ivari, one of Canada’s well-established insurance providers. After challenging the exam, she earned her license as an insurance advisor.

At first, she saw insurance as a way to keep learning and expand her skills, but soon she realized its deeper purpose—helping families secure their future. Insurance provides financial protection during life’s uncertainties, ensures loved ones are supported, and helps build long-term stability. For Jonalyn, becoming an advisor was more than a career move—it was a mission to educate others that insurance is not a luxury, but a necessity.

Through Greatway Financials, she now helps fellow Filipinos and other families understand how insurance can protect income, provide peace of mind, and even serve as a tool for building wealth.

Lessons and Advice

When asked about the Filipino values she upholds, Jonalyn shares:

• Humility

• Kindness

• Hard work

• Being approachable

  
  

Her advice to fellow Filipinos starting their careers in Canada:

“Do not be afraid to dream and always go back to the reason why you came to Canada.”

She also emphasizes:

“Having insurance is not a want- it is a necessity. It’s about protecting your family, your future, and the reason why you worked so hard to come here.”

Jonalyn’s journey is a true reflection of the resilience and determination many Filipinos carry with them when they move abroad. What started with long shifts serving coffee at Tim Hortons has grown into a stable and fulfilling career in accounting and financial advising. Her story shows that with hard work, humility, and faith, dreams really can become reality.

Along the way, she not only built a life for herself in Canada but also found a way to guide others toward securing their own future. In doing so, Jonalyn embodies the heart of the Filipino spirit -strength, faith, and compassion in action.

Advice to newcomers

"Always pray for wisdom, knowledge, and understanding. When life’s challenges come, remember to revisit the reason why you started"

P.S. For inquiries about the insurance services provided by Greatway, please email her at jonalyn.cayanan@mygreatway.ca.