program · 2017-08-30 · program the 20th annual immigrants of distinction awards “fostering a...

1Immigrant Services Calgary: A New Beginning - A Better Canada

PROGRAM

The 20th Annual Immigrants of Distinction Awards“Fostering a Legacy of Excellence”

MASTERS OF CEREMONYLinda Olsen, Global News Calgary

Doug Dirks, CBC Calgary

O CANADABrian Lalonde

WELCOMEJosephine Pon, Chair of the Board of Directors/IDA 2016 Chair

Krystyna Biel, Chief Executive Officer

GREETINGSHis Worship, Naheed Nenshi

Mayor of Calgary

The Honourable Irfan Sabir, Minister of Human Services

The Honourable Victor Oh, Senator

The Honourable Thanh Hai Ngo, Senator

KEYNOTE ADDRESSWayne Chiu, Founder and CEO of Trico Homes

AWARD PRESENTATIONS

ENTERTAINMENTSophie Serafino

CLOSING REMARKSHonourary Chair: Mahzar Shaikh, Senator-in-Waiting, President of M. H. Shaikh Professional Corporation

IDA 2013 Recipient – Business Award

About Immigrant Services Calgary Vision: Immigrants and their families participate fully in an integrated and cohesive Canadian society. Mission: Immigrant Services Calgary is committed to being a comprehensive settlement agency working together with immigrants and their families to make Canada home. Values: We are passionate, collaborative, accountable, and ethical leaders in settlement services. We believe that people come first. We are committed to quality services for a diverse Canadian community. Board of Directors

Josephine Pon (Chair)Nicole Jelley (Vice-Chair)Paul Avender (Co-Treasurer) Anny Quon (Co-Treasurer)Yohannes Afework (Secretary)Jayashree BhatRoland Osske Hala Dehais Adam FosterVivel GuptaAnita ReMartinezSue McMasterRahul Chawla

Josephine Pon (Chair) Jayashree Bhat Krystyna Biel Jamie CarrickMaria Sol Freire Wendy AugerHo-Man Chan

Shiraz AmiryMichelle Htun-KayDanuta KrajewskaMargaryta MarionShao Wen YangJuan TorresAgnieszka Janik

Immigrants of Distinction Awards 2016 Steering Committee

Immigrant Services Calgary: A New Beginning - A Better Canada2


Those who came to Canada seeking new opportunities not only found them, but also helped build our country—their new home—in many different ways. That is why I am so delighted that Immigrant Services Calgary is honouring so many new Canadians who have contributed to the growth of their community and have enriched our nation as a result. The Immigrants of Distinction Awards gala is a chance both to recognize their accomplishments and to say thank you for helping to make this a smarter, more caring country.

I congratulate all those receiving this honour and I wish everyone a

wonderful gala.

David Johnston March 2016

4 Immigrant Services Calgary: A New Beginning - A Better Canada

March 11, 2016

Dear Friends:

I am delighted to extend my warmest greetings everyone attending

the 20th annual Immigrants of Distinction Awards (IDA), hosted

by Immigrant Services Calgary (ISC).

Tonight, you have gathered to present the Immigrants of Distinction Award to

several deserving individuals who have enriched the City of Calgary in many fields of

endeavour, including arts and culture, innovation and entrepreneurship, and

community service. I would like to congratulate all those receiving an award this

evening, along with the nominees and scholarship recipients: you should take pride

in your achievements and contributions to the well-being of your community.

For more than three decades, Immigrant Services Calgary has helped immigrants

adjust to their new lives in Canada. Proceeds from this evening will enable ISC to

continue its important work of providing settlement and integration assistance so

that newcomers can have the best chance at success. I would like to commend all

those involved with ISC for helping to ensure that Canada embraces diversity as a

source of strength and vitality.

Please accept my best wishes for a memorable evening and for continued success in

the years ahead.

Sincerely,

The Rt. Hon. Justin P.J. Trudeau, P.C., M.P.

Prime Minister of Canada

5Immigrant Services Calgary: A New Beginning - A Better CanadaImmigrant Services Calgary: Reaching New Heights Together5

Message from the Lieutenant Governor of Alberta

It is my honour to welcome everyone to the 20th annual Immigrants of Distinction Awards. I extend my sincerest congratulations to the exceptional individuals being recognized at this prestigious event.

We are all incredibly lucky to be able to live, work and play in a country that welcomes diversity, and that honours and protects our freedoms and rights. Only with this open-mindedness can we all contribute, innovate, improve and succeed in whatever we put our minds to. You bring a whole new world of ideas and experiences to the Canadian way of life, which can only enrich and benefit us all.

As Her Majesty the Queen’s representative in Alberta, I commend each and every one of you for your incredible contributions and achievements. I wish you continued success.

Her Honour, the Honourable Lois Mitchell, CM, AOE, LLD Lieutenant Governor of Alberta

March 11, 2016

Dear Friends:

I am delighted to extend my warmest greetings everyone attending

the 20th annual Immigrants of Distinction Awards (IDA), hosted

by Immigrant Services Calgary (ISC).

Tonight, you have gathered to present the Immigrants of Distinction Award to

several deserving individuals who have enriched the City of Calgary in many fields of

endeavour, including arts and culture, innovation and entrepreneurship, and

community service. I would like to congratulate all those receiving an award this

evening, along with the nominees and scholarship recipients: you should take pride

in your achievements and contributions to the well-being of your community.

For more than three decades, Immigrant Services Calgary has helped immigrants

adjust to their new lives in Canada. Proceeds from this evening will enable ISC to

continue its important work of providing settlement and integration assistance so

that newcomers can have the best chance at success. I would like to commend all

those involved with ISC for helping to ensure that Canada embraces diversity as a

source of strength and vitality.

Please accept my best wishes for a memorable evening and for continued success in

the years ahead.

Sincerely,

The Rt. Hon. Justin P.J. Trudeau, P.C., M.P.

Prime Minister of Canada


March 2016

A MESSAGE FROM MAYOR NENSHI

On behalf of my City Council colleagues and the citizens of Calgary, it is my pleasure to welcome you to the 2016 Immigrants of Distinction Awards Gala.

For the past 20 years, Immigrant Services Calgary (ISC) has been celebrating the many contributions immigrants and refugees have made to Calgary. The individuals being recognized at these awards are community leaders, and we are fortunate to benefit from their continued dedication to making Calgary even better.

I would also like to recognize ISC, particularly for their efforts over the past several months. I am continually impressed by the work that groups such as ISC do to assist newcomers to our city and, as we continue to welcome refugees from Syria, ISC has played an integral role in providing comprehensive settlement services.

It is truly amazing what we can accomplish when we provide the encouragement and resources for all of us to reach new heights, together.

Sincerely,

Naheed K. Nenshi MAYOR

Message from Honourable Rachel Notley

Premier of Alberta On behalf of the Government of Alberta, it is my pleasure to welcome you to the 20th annual Immigrants of Distinction Awards Gala. The Immigrants of Distinction Awards acknowledge the inspirational efforts of immigrants and refugees who have contributed so greatly to the Calgary community. These awards also recognize our exceptional businesses and organizations that have made a commitment to diversity and inclusion. Alberta is the province it is today thanks to the hard work and valuable contributions of immigrants over many generations. We are fortunate to welcome individuals from around the world whose traditions enhance our lives and whose wisdom enriches our future. Those recognized here tonight have succeeded in truly making Alberta a better place to live for all of us. I applaud each recipient, as well as the youth receiving scholarships, for having the dedication to achieve their goals and truly enrich this province. Special thanks to Immigrant Services Calgary for hosting this distinguished annual event. Rachel Notley March 11, 2016


March 2016

A MESSAGE FROM MAYOR NENSHI

On behalf of my City Council colleagues and the citizens of Calgary, it is my pleasure to welcome you to the 2016 Immigrants of Distinction Awards Gala.

For the past 20 years, Immigrant Services Calgary (ISC) has been celebrating the many contributions immigrants and refugees have made to Calgary. The individuals being recognized at these awards are community leaders, and we are fortunate to benefit from their continued dedication to making Calgary even better.

I would also like to recognize ISC, particularly for their efforts over the past several months. I am continually impressed by the work that groups such as ISC do to assist newcomers to our city and, as we continue to welcome refugees from Syria, ISC has played an integral role in providing comprehensive settlement services.

It is truly amazing what we can accomplish when we provide the encouragement and resources for all of us to reach new heights, together.

Sincerely,

Naheed K. Nenshi MAYOR

WelcomeWelcome to the 20th Annual Immigrants of Distinction Awards! We are honoured that you have joined us to celebrate this significant milestone year for the awards.

This year’s theme is “Fostering a Legacy of Excellence”. Over the past 20 years, the Immigrants of Distinction Awards have recognized and celebrated the countless achievements of Calgary’s impressive newcomers, and tonight we are delighted you have chosen to join us as we celebrate this legacy of distinction, and look forward to the future through recognizing the many distinguished and inspiring award finalists of 2016.

The Immigrants of Distinction Awards is a celebration of Canadian multiculturalism and of Calgary’s extraordinary and diverse immigrant population. IDA brings together a variety of cultural communities, organizations and business as well as three levels of government to celebrate diversity and to honour the outstanding contributions and achievements of immigrants and refugees in our city. The gala is a truly multicultural event, and by championing immigrants of distinction from diverse ethno-cultural communities, Immigrant Services Calgary seeks to inspire greater inter-cultural respect and understanding, as well as pride in our country which fosters these fundamental values.

The Immigrants of Distinction Awards provides a platform to publically recognize the innovation, talent, and positive impact that immigrants and refugees contribute to Calgary, and to Canada. The evening’s award finalists, together with the gala’s distinguished guests, represent Calgary’s most dedicated and community-minded individuals that are a great inspiration to us all. We would like to congratulate this year’s finalists and award recipients and wish them all the best as they endeavor present and future pursuits of excellence.

We thank you for your 20 years of partnership and support and we look forward to continuing this tradition of celebrating local excellence in our city together for years to come.

Sincerely,

Josephine Pon Krystyna Biel Chair of the Board & IDA 2016 Chair Chief Executive Officer



Thank you to our hosts

Linda Olsen, Global News

Born and raised in Calgary, Linda Olsen graduated from the Southern Alberta Instituteof Technology (SAIT) in 1988 with an Honours Diploma in Boradcast Journalism. She embarkedon her career in 1988 at Global’s STV News in Saskatoon. Since then she has worked as a reporter, producer and anchor.

Linda has been host and producer for Global’s “Woman of Vision” series, a monthly segmentthat highlights the stories of inspirational womenin the Calgary community.

Career highlights for Linda include hosting the live AMPIA Awardsprovincial broadcast, election nights and taking part in numerous charity events around Calgary, including funraising dinner with former U.S. President Gerald Ford.

Doug Dirks, CBC Calgary

You can’t turn on the radio or television in Calgary without hearing from Doug Dirks. A 20-year veteran with CBC Calgary, Doug has hosted the Homestretch on radio, the local TV news, and shows on CBC News Network.

A big sports fan, Doug has also worked as a sports commentator, covering everything from Stanley Cup matches to Olympic showdowns.

Doug is no stranger to the academic world. He’s studied at McGill University, Mount Royal University, and Humber College. He is married to a mental health professional, which comes in handy because he’s the father of two teenagers and continues to struggle with his golf game.


Thank you to our Keynote Speaker

Wayne ChiuFounder and CEO of Trico Homes

Wayne Chiu is a highly respected Canadian business leader and philanthropist who founded Trico Homes in 1992. The name of his company stands for values that run deep for Chiu: Trust, Respect, Integrity, Community, and Opportunity (TRICO). Over the past twenty-four years, Trico has built over 8,500 single- and multi-family homes in Calgary and the surrounding communities and has an enviable reputation for integrity, innovative design, quality craftsmanship and customer service.

Wayne’s corporate and entrepreneurial acumen have reinforced his desire to support the communities that have contributed to his success. In 2008, Wayne and his wife and business partner, Eleanor, founded the Trico Charitable Foundation as a way to fulfill their passion for social entrepreneurship. The Trico Charitable Foundation is focused on provoking innovation and building capacity in social entrepreneurship, and does so through a number of programs and initiatives, including Enterprising Non-Profits Canada and the Social Enterprise World Forum.

He has been recognized with numerous awards, most recently being appointed as Member of the Order of Canada. Wayne has also been awarded with the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal. Other awards of note are the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of Year Award, the SAIT President’s Partnership Award, the Immigrant of Distinction Award, the Generosity of Spirit Award, Alberta Centennial Medal and the Calgary Citizenship Award.

Mr. Chiu holds an Institute Certified Director Designation and has extensive board governance expertise in both the public sector and business community. Wayne currently serves on the TELUS Community Board; United Way of Calgary Board of Director’s; Bow Valley College Campaign Advisory Council; Stampede Foundation Board; Alberta Champions Society for Community Enrichment; and the Libin Cardiovascular Institute of Alberta Strategic Advisory Board. Wayne is also the Executive Chairman of the Trico Charitable Foundation.


Achievement Under 35 AwardThis award is presented to an immigrant under 35 years of age who has had remarkable success and made significant achievements in their chosen career path in a relatively short period of time. Overcoming significant obstacles, he or she has demonstrated perseverance and dedication.

Arts and Culture AwardThis award is presented to an immigrant who has achieved success in an artistic endeavour within the visual, media, or performing arts fields.

Community Service AwardThis award is presented to an immigrant who has provided outstanding community service to the city of Calgary and immigrant communities in a volunteer capacity.

Entrepreneurship and Innovation Award This award is presented to an immigrant who has achieved success in the creation or operation of a business or entrepreneurial endeavor or has applied innovation resulting in business success in Calgary or surrounding areas.

Hadassah Ksienski Lifetime Achievement AwardThis award is presented to an immigrant who has achieved outstanding success in his or her chosen career path, professional field, or in the area of immigrant services. This individual will have made significant contributions to our city in the areas of professional achievement, community building, and philanthropic endeavors.

Organizational Diversity AwardThis award is presented to a business, government body, non-profit organization, or media outlet leading the field in implementing diversity initiatives in the workplace. The winning company will be a shining example of true labour market integration and will have made significant contributions in serving ethnically diverse client groups.

Science, Technology, Engineering and Math AwardThis award is presented to an immigrant who has achieved success in or made outstanding contributions to promote science, technology, engineering or math (STEM) in Calgary.

Youth Scholarship AwardsYouth Scholarships are awarded to immigrant youths between the ages of 14 and 24 who have made an outstanding contribution or significant achievement in one or more of the following areas: arts & culture, sports, community & volunteer activities, academics, and leadership.

2016 Award Categories

Achievemnet Under 35

With a journalism diploma from SAIT, and about to graduate from the Academy of Art University with an MA in multimedia communications, Iman Bukhari is eager to raise public awareness about global social and human rights issues. A volunteer at the United Nations Association of Canada, Calgary branch, Iman shares her research with a broad audience, capturing the lives of those living in difficulties.

Award category sponsored by

Iman Bukhari

This multimedia storyteller has also stepped into film-making; her documentary “Forced” not only raised awareness about forced marriages in Canada, it has been seen globally in countries such as the United Kingdom, United States and Pakistan. Iman is the founder and CEO of the Canadian Cultural Mosaic Foundation, which educates Canadians on multiculturalism, integrates newcomers into our Canadian cultural and legal system, and works to mitigate racism.



Achievemnet Under 35

Dr. Irehobhude O. Iyioha (‘Ireh Iyioha’) is an award-winning legal scholar, adjunct assistant professor at the University of Alberta’s John Dossetor Health Ethics Centre, and founder and CEO of the Patricia Eromon Iyioha Foundation Fund, which promotes the social and educational betterment of women and children here and in Nigeria.

She has received more than thirty awards and honors, including the World Congress on Medical Law award. A past Canadian Institutes of Health Research fellow, she holds advanced degrees in law from the University of Toronto and UBC and has served as a senior policy analyst/policy consultant with Alberta Health. A literary writer published in Harvard University’s Transition Magazine and other publications, Ireh has also lectured both in Canada and internationally.

Dr. Shengnan (Nancy) Chen

An assistant professor in the department of chemical and petroleum engineering at the University of Calgary, Dr. Shengnan Chen leads the Chen research group, which has published its findings in oil-recovery applications in numerous journal and conference papers.

Dr. Chen is also a dedicated teacher and graduate-student supervisor, winning back-to-back Outstanding Teaching Performance awards [2012-2013; 2013-2014]. Still early in her career, she has been recognized both in Canada and internationally for her contributions and was recently invited to be the external examiner for a PhD defence at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology in Trondheim.

Dr. Irehobhude O. Iyioha (‘Ireh Iyioha’)


Arts and Culture

For 15 years, child educator Alla Kireyeva has been inspiring children to pursue art, working with students and teachers on art projects for display at annual fundraisers. Her passion for opening up opportunities that will spur youthful inner creativity has benefited countless youth in Calgary communities.

Alla also co-founded the Icon Painting School, where she teaches the specialized techniques of this intricate art form. Her creativity is deeply interconnected with the faith, traditions, art and history of Russian Orthodoxy, especially of the Byzantine era. Alla has been working in schools and her home-based studio for more a decade, spreading the beauty and gift of art.

Jose Gregorio Duque

Through his passion for classical music, Calgary Multicultural Orchestra leader and clarinetist Jose Gregorio Duque connects with children on an important level, by releasing each child’s inner strength and creativity. Under the former Venezuelan’s sensitive leadership, low-income immigrant youth are given the opportunity to learn, make and share music.

His deep sense of community, strong teaching skills and ability to connect are both an artistic and inspirational triumph. Teaching more than 70 multicultural students every year, Jose speaks to young musicians in the common language of music, drawing them together into a polyglot and enthusiastic musical community.

Alla Kireyeva


Arts and Culture

Sisay Shimeles, an accomplished graphic artist from Ethiopia, loves both art and community participation. His dedication to bringing them together is exemplified in one of his works: a colorful mural, dedicated to the East African community, which can be viewed at its location on 17th Ave S.E. or online. He also publishes Abronet, a bilingual magazine in English and Amharic.

Sisay Shimeles

His innovative approach to multiculturalism is that of expression through art, which he believes provides the means to unite communities and improve relationships. Sisay has showcased his artwork in several group exhibitions and collaborated with Canadian Humanitarian to fundraise for children in need. To Sisay, art only has one philosophy, one mantra: love. He paints to heal all life’s pain, and to express his reflection of God.

Community Service

Bojan Tosic brings many skills, talents and new perspectives that enrich our Calgary community. He was born and educated in Bosnia, graduating from the University of Sarajevo in 1988 with a BA in language arts and education. Since coming to Calgary, he has been involved in community development with the City of Calgary as a designer of innovative and well-evaluated programs, helping to foster cross-sector relationships and increase access to supports and services.


Bojan Tosic

Story Pals, a unique program for children, helps build youthful self-esteem and confidence by pairing children with a trained therapy dog and its handler to read aloud to the dogs. Here, children are able to forget fear of criticism or judgment as they become open and vulnerable in the process of exploration. Bojan was a key figure in the Calgary Afterschool initiative that received the Lieutenant Governor’s Group Spirit of Community Leadership award in 2013.



Community ServiceDr. Hadeel Qazzaz

Dr. Hadeel Qazzaz’s story begins in a refugee camp in the Gaza Strip, where she worked with internally displaced victims of political violence for the International Committee of the Red Cross. After immigrating to Calgary and realizing the need for socially isolated women to connect and support one another, Hadeel co-founded the Women’s Support Group.

She continues to advocate for immigrants in the Calgary area through her volunteer work, bringing the voices and priorities of newcomers to her work place boardroom. Dr. Qazzaz earned a master of arts degree in development studies and a PhD in education policy and planning of adult and continuing education, and now works as a community impact planner with the United Way of Calgary.

Khor Top

Khor Top was born in Jekou, Upper Nile state, and lived in refugee camps in Ethiopia, Somalia, and Kenya before finding a new home in Calgary in 2002. Soon after arriving, he enrolled in the Youth Cultural Ambassador program, a summer employment training initiative for youth with Immigrant Services Calgary.

Khor, a long-time human rights and multicultural advocate, is currently a multicultural worker for community services with Catholic Family Service, with five years of community outreach volunteer experience with Calgary Catholic Immigration Society. He was nominated for the Employee Innovative Awards of 2013-2014 and for a People’s Choice Peace and Human Rights award in 2015. He holds a BA in law and society from the University of Calgary.


Entrepreneurship and Innovation

Bob Dhillon graduated with an MBA from the University of Western Ontario in 1998, and soon after formed one of the largest publicly held real estate companies in Canada. The CEO and president of Mainstreet Equity Corporation, Bob has grown the company’s portfolio from 272 units, worth $17 million in market value, to 9,159 units, worth $1.3 billion.


Bob Dhillon

His awards and achievements include the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Medal; a 25 Most Influential Indians in North America citation; a 2015 RBC Top 25 Canadian Immigrant Award winner; and an appointment to the CMHC Board of Canada.


Entrepreneurship and Innovation

Sherif Gemayel is a visionary business strategist, mentor and founder of Sharp Insurance, acclaimed as Canada’s top brokerage company by Insurance Business Canada magazine. Born in Egypt, Sherif grew up here with close ties to the Egyptian community.

Restaurateur Winnie Chan is enthusiastic about Asian food. Shortly after emigrating from Hong Kong to Calgary, the entrepreneur opened her first traditional Hong Kong-styled café restaurant in 1994. Today, she owns eight, all of them appreciated by loyal customers for their rich cultural cuisine and vibrant atmosphere.

Well-known for investing in the personal and professional development of his local community, Sherif provides free business seminars for émigrés who want to learn how to start and run a business. As such, he is looked up to and seen as an industry role model – winning a spot on Calgary’s Top 40 under 40 for 2015 in Avenue magazine, and a Calgary Leader Award from Business in Calgary.

Winnie Chan

Winnie strongly believes in equal opportunity, regardless of financial ability or former education. Thus, all her restaurants welcome newcomers to join the team, offering their staff members secure work and a hopeful future. Winnie is a tireless role model, successful business owner and local philanthropist who gives generously to charitable organizations.

Sherif Gemayel

Hadassah Ksienski Lifetime Achievement

Dr. Hude Quan is internationally known for his accomplishments and contributions in the field of health services and for his efforts to improve the health of ethno-cultural communities. He has worked extensively with both UNICEF and the World Health Organization, and in June, 2015 was placed on the “Highly Cited Researchers List in the World” by Thompson Reuters.

Dr. Hude Quan

An educational pied piper to those students and young investigators pursuing training and careers in health services research, Dr. Quan has been praised by them for his support, motivation and enthusiasm. A true pioneer, known for his methodologies and published findings, Dr. Quan is lauded for his selfless support of health sciences.

Dr. Pablo Policzer

Dr. Pablo Policzer arrived in Canada with his family as a Chilean refugee in the 1970s, aged 10. The young Pablo excelled academically, eventually focusing on human rights and democracy versus authoritarianism and political violence. Dr. Policzer imparts to his political science students the importance of peace, social rights and positive political leadership.

Dr. Policzer’s book, The Rise and Fall of Repression in Chile, won the 2010 Canadian Political Science Association prize in comparative politics. He now dedicates himself to scholarship, research, and teaching at the University of Calgary, and is a role model to his students. Dr. Policzer is the present director of the Latin American Research Centre.



Hadassah Ksienski Lifetime Achievement

Dr. Serdar Yilmaz joined the University of Calgary’s faculty of medicine in 1997 as an associate professor, becoming the head of the transplant section and the leader in transplant surgery in Alberta.

Dr. Serdar Yilmaz

Dr. Yilmaz’s leadership and contributions in education and research include program redesign and enhanced access and care of both transplant and vascular access dialysis, allowing seamless interface among all specialists. Dr. Yilmaz has completed extensive international training, and in his profession informational outreach is one of his greatest interests. He recruits physicians and surgeons internationally and brings them to Calgary for training, and lectures at conferences on the latest findings of his transplant program.


Organizational Diversity

Calgary United Soccer Association (CUSA) is an amalgamation of Calgary Men’s Soccer League and Calgary United Soccer. It offers its members two seasons of play annually (indoor and outdoor) in both men’s and co-ed programs, welcoming all cultures and backgrounds.


Calgary United Soccer Association

The Calgary Indoor Co-Ed Rec Soccer program began in 2002 for adults to learn and enjoy the game of soccer in a social and recreational environment. CUSA ensures that it gives back to the community through Calgary Street Soccer, a non-profit organization that helps homeless men and women get their lives back on track, and KidSport Calgary, whose mission is to ensure that no child is left on the sidelines through lack of funds.


Organizational Diversity

For twenty years, Closer to Home community services’ (CTH) mission has empowered families to stay together. Its mandate is that every child should belong and feel valued and secure.

Closer to Home Community Services

A full spectrum of services offers prevention and early intervention programs designed to prevent stress and family breakdown, as well as specialty programs that help women become leaders in their communities. Clients come from varied economic, social and ethnic backgrounds, many of them struggling with cultural, systemic or personal problems. CHS staff is trained in cultural sensitivity and competency to best serve the populace that help make up our vibrant and colorful city mosaic.


Science, Technology, Engineering & Math

Dr. Janaka Ruwanpura wears two hats: he is a licensed professional engineer and a professional quantity surveyor (building/construction economist), based at the University of Calgary.

Dr. Janaka Ruwanpura

Dr. Ruwanpura has published numerous technical articles and developed a “productivity toolbox” which has altered the culture of the Canadian construction industry by encouraging a more productive and internationally competitive workforce through changes in workplace practices. Successfully supervising and mentoring more than 150 graduate students, of whom most are international students, Dr. Ruwanpura is a recognized leader in his industry. In 2007 he was appointed to the Canadian Research Chair in PM Systems. Currently, he is the Vice-Provost - International at the University of Calgary.

Dr. Lashitew Gedamu

Spearheaded by a dedicated Dr. Lashitew Gedamu, the partnership of The University of Calgary’s Cumming School of Medicine and the Armaur Hansen Research institute in Ethiopia has resulted in the development of productive research and clinical training programs in tropical infectious diseases and family medicine, and given U of C students solid experience in international field work.

Recently, Dr. Gedamu’s work has focused on leishmaniasis, a chronic and debilitating parasitic disease affecting more than 500 million people. He has also helped to establish a school in his birthplace of Debre Markos, Ethiopia, introducing young minds to the exciting possibilities of science education.


Science, Technology, Engineering & Math

Trained in neurology, Dr. Suresh Subramaniam earned his medical degree in India in 2000 and moved to Canada in 2001 to pursue his dream of becoming the only neurologist in Canada with sub-specialty training that encompasses neurological disorders involving brain and vision, stroke, and inner ear dysfunction.

Dr. Suresh Subramaniam

Dr. Subramaniam is known for his internationally acclaimed studies as a stroke researcher. His mentorship and teaching have earned him respect in his field, and he has been awarded the University of Calgary’s Keith W. Brownell teaching award, and numerous others. Dr. Subramaniam also contributes to the education of international medical graduates by sitting on examination committees at both the provincial and national levels.


Youth Scholarship

A Grade 12 student at Sir Winston Churchill High School, Andrew Min is a co-founder of EquaLearn Foundation, which offers one-on-one tutoring and collaborates with both Calgary Immigrant Educational Society and the Ethno-Cultural Council. Working with the Ministry of Education and other stakeholders, Andrew represents the student body across all of Alberta.


Andrew Min

He is also a member of the Mayor’s Youth Council and politically involved with the Community Outreach Committee. Currently, he and his sub-committee are raising awareness on mental health through the photographic lens of the Speak Your Mind Project.


Youth Scholarship

A third-year student studying biological sciences at the University of Calgary, Dan Yang (Lucy) Li combines a passion for mental health with keen analytical skills to inspire and empower both team and community.

Dan Yang (Lucy) Ni

Lucy is the sponsorship director and a founding member of the student-led initiative Outrun the Stigma, and current president of the Heart and Stroke Foundation Students’ Association. Her collaboration with both student societies and professional organizations has made a positive impact on local communities, and her generous volunteer work has helped improve the lives of countless individuals.

Moiz Hafeez

Dedicated and ambitious, Moiz Hafeez is in his final year of a BSc in biological sciences at the University of Calgary. On-campus, he has served with a number of worthy organizations in his capacity as vice president of Genetic Jungle run, director of external affairs of the Muslim Students’ Association, and currently as a chair member of the University of Calgary Red Cross club.

Moiz has also been involved with the Infection Prevention & Control wing of Alberta Health Services, helping to implement a new cost-effective program.


Youth Scholarship

Known for her academic hard work and perseverance, Sophie Zhao stands near the top of her grade 12 classes at Sir Winston Churchill High School. A motivated school volunteer, she founded both the French and poetry clubs and is the leader of her school’s Verbattle debate club.

Sophie Zhao

One of Sophie’s most satisfying achievements is the youth-led, non-profit charity Wishful Thinking, of which she is the founder and public relations director. Her team raises funds through auctioning student artwork for children with terminal illnesses, all proceeds of which are given to charities such as the Make-A-Wish Foundation.

Varun Kundra

The youngest finalist this year, Varun Kundra is currently in Grade 10 where he excels in two major areas: science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) and philanthropy/volunteering. Varun scored in the 94th percentile in the College Boards PSAT of Juniors while still in Grade 9.

The University of Calgary has approved his lab-assistant appointment to Dr. Minh Dang Nguyen and his team, who specialize in the discipline of translational neuroscience. In addition to scholarly success, Varun has earned a Certificate of Recognition from the Stars of Alberta Volunteering awards, as well as an Emerging Leaders award from the Calgary Public Library.


Immigrants of Distinction Awards previous recipients

Arts and Culture Award

2015 Vania Dimitrova2014 Yogeshwar Navagrah2013 N/A2012 Jacek Malec2011 Shenaaz Nanji2010 Karin Richter2009 Lyn Pflueger2008 Cecilia Gossen2007 Vahe Tokmajyan2006 Alexandra Haeseker2005 Alina Dabrowska2004 Umran Sumen2003 Elizabeth Allen2002 Siegfried Wieser & Mrs. Joan Xauen Wieser2001 Angelique Gillespie2000 Neel de Wit-Wibaut1999 Helen Seka Owen1998 Antonia C. Wicherts & Mr. David M. Spriggs1997 Mark Skalinski, PhD

Business Award

2015 Girish Agrawal2014 Margaret Adu2013 Mike Shaikh2012 Baldev Shergill2011 Fatima Dhanani2010 Bea Twumasi2009 Raymond T. Chan2008 Saad Ibrahim2007 Lina Castle2006 Nashir Samanani2005 Abed Itani2004 Wayne Chiu2003 Gerald Wood2002 Chan Yang Kim2001 Mike Ciccaglione2000 Said Arrata1999 John Dasilva1998 Hatim Zaghloul, PhD1997 Dan Capitanescu

Since the Immigrants of Distinction were first awarded in 1997, Immigrant Services Calgary is proud to have honoured the following individuals for their achievements and contributions to the City of Calgary and its community:


Previous recipients continued

Community Service Award

2015 Gurmit Kaur Sarpal2014 Dolores Dill2013 Amal Mohamed2012 Dr. Geetha Ramesh2011 Dr. Brijendra K. Sood 2010 Idrees A. Khan2009 Cesar P. Cala2008 Dr. Kabir Jivraj2007 Dr. John Wu2006 Tseden Dhogonpa2005 Dinesh Dattani2004 Ashid Bahl2003 Vinay Dey2002 Baljinder Mann & Michael Embaie2001 Vettivelu Nallainayagam, PhD2000 Chamnan Chap, PhD1999 Vilma Dawson1998 Teresa Woo-Paw1997 Nirmal Dey (Volunteer Service Award)

Achievement Under 40 Award

2015 Ariam Wolde-Giorgis2014 Turin Tanvir Chowdhury2013 Hayato Okamitsu

Lifetime Achievement Award

2015 Dr. Chan Wirasinghe 2014 Om Malik 2013 Sid and Bronia Cyngiser

Hadassah Ksienski Distinguished Service Award

2015 Carolina Dalgleish2014 N/A2013 Umashanie Reddy2012 Bob Khan2011 Tina Merali2010 Genevieve Balogun2009 Peter Wong, Q.C.

Distinguished Professional Award (offered until 2012)

2012 Dr. Bejoy Thomas2011 Dr. Chirag Shah2010 Dr. Wael Badowy


2009 Dr.Tadeusz Dabrowski2008 Dr. Alykhan M. Nanji 2007 Dr. Thaddeus Demong2006 Margaret Styczynska & Sinisa Sonny Tomic2005 Daniel Lai, PhD2004 Hetty Roessingh, PhD2003 Hans Vogel, PhD & Gamil Tadros,PhD2002 Wilhelmus (Duffie) VanBalkom, PhD2001 Taj Jadavji, PhD & Max Coppes, PhD2000 Elaine Chan1999 Hans van der Sande, PhD1998 Henk E.D.J. ter Keurs, PhD1997 Magdalena Amnestica

Organizational Diversity Award

2015 Rogers2014 Cargill Meat Solutions High River 2013 Agrium2012 N/A2011 OMNI Television (Alberta)2009 Bow Valley College2008 GlobalFest (Government or Non-Profit Category)2008 Haworth Ltd. (Business Category)2007 Calgary Public Library2006 Boys & Girls Club of Calgary2005 Calgary Health Region2004 Village Square Leisure Centre2003 Calgary Public Library2002 Calgary Police Service2001 The Westin Calgary2000 Cyberwave Technologies Inc.1999 Shell Canada Limited1998 Standen’s Limited

Youth Scholarships

2015 Mahtab Dhaliwal, Nilufer Hasanova, Syeda Kinza Rizvi, Vidhya Bavalana, Ziad Paracha2014 Sarthak Sinha, Sujay Nagaraj, Simei (Amy) Li, Chuyang (Aaron) Lin, Jiani Deng 2013 Amrita Bhattacharje, Angelica Lai, Hassan Riaz, Henry Siu, Mariam Amwara2012 Janriu (Peter) Liu, Silvana Echeverri, Michael Deng, Julia Qin, Vasanth Ranganathan2011 Koray Demirbag, Meng Zhao, Naanak Sodhi, Patti Wang, Sergiu Lucut2010 Annie Zheng, Shayna Ding, Malithi Fernando, Daria Tilimpea, Jethro Cheung




2009 Ana Angela Lopez Quiroz, Bani Turkmani, Di Mo, Fariha Ahmed, Valez Lumi2008 Simon Atem, Hin Man (Ivy) Cheung, Zoe Beatrice Cheung, Sana Tariq, Jane Wu2007 Alice Chen, Nyail Majock, Eva Ouyang, Joseph Lagasca, Carrol Zhou2006 Alexsander Dshurkov, Elva Fan, Mahesh Hariharan, John Reuben Lagasca, Lina Roa2005 Karen Hyo Min Kang, Shuyang Li, Hong Lu, Sherry Qin, Xiao Wang2004 Abednego Deng, Yao Li, Vinh Luu, Salil Pradham, Celine Zeng2003 Natalia Beloukhina, Olga Konwisorz, Jan Owoc, Crystal Rego, Jeremy Torio2002 Genesis Juat, Eisha Alemao, David Lee, Steven Cheng, Pascal Yu2001 Dominika Boczula, Shirley Ngo Suet Ho, Jung-Mee Hwang, Danijel Margetic, Sheila Muy Lee Ung2000 Susan Doan, Nilou Davoudi, Samir Pradhan, Stephen Kung, Casy Wang1999 Newman Yu Ting Lin, Aly Kassam-Remtulla, Alisa Palic, Wei-ting Chen, Omar Tahmisicic 1998 Anthony Xung Chim, Huong Ly, Luke Glovacki


Established in 1977 as the Calgary Immigrant Aid Society, Immigrant Services Calgary is one of Alberta’s longest-serving settlement agencies. We are committed to being a comprehensive settlement agency working together with immigrants and their families to make Canada home.

In partnership with other service providers, we work towards a vision where immigrants and their families participate fully in an integrated and cohesive Canadian society. We are passionate, collaborative, accountable, and ethical leaders in settlement services.We believe that people come first. We are committed to quality services for a diverse Canadian community.

Providing assistance in over 70 languages, Immigrant Services Calgary takes an integrated approach to helping individuals and families settle into life and work in the Calgary community by offering:

• First-language support for newcomers in settling and integrating to life in Canada• Information about community services and referrals• Pre-arrival support services• Citizenship education and civic participation • Interpretation and translation services• Assessment of English and literacy skills• Information, guidance and referrals to LINC/ESL classes• Career, educational, and vocational counselling• Mentorship opportunities• Employment workshops and information• Labour market integration services • Community-based programs• Community development• Community consultations• Volunteer opportunities• Family literacy programs• Pre- and post-natal programs• Pre-school programs • Parent-Child Enrichment program• Afterschool programs• Youth Support and Lifeskills programs• Youth Volunteer program• Mosaic Homework Club• In-home Support program• Parent Support groups• Multicultural Men’s program• Seniors’ program• Crisis and supportive counseling• Supported Visitation program• Cross-cultural communication workshops

A New Beginning - A Better Canada


This evening’s entertainment is brought to you by three outstanding entertainers who have donated their time, energy, and resources to making sure this gala is one of a kind.

Sophie Serafino

Pop Singer, Violinist and Songwriter Sophie Serafino is a world renowned performer. Born in London, United Kingdom and raised in Sydney, Australia, Sophie has given more than 500 solo performances around the globe of her own compositions, a fusion of exotic rhythms and melodies. After attaining her Bachelor of Music Performance degree from Sydney Conservatorium (Violin Major) and the Associate & Licentiate Diplomas of Music in Violin Performance from the Australian Music Examinations Board, Sophie’s travel to distant locations for performances in cities in the middle east and Europe drew her into the world of theatrical performances, dance, pop, middle eastern and modern classical music.

In October 2015, Sophie released Kissed By The Moon, a Lullaby Album in advance of the birth of her first child with husband Dionysius David, in November 2015.

Pulse Studios and Beast Machine

Pulse Studios is Calgary’s only dance studio dedicated to promoting street dance and Hip Hop culture. Offering dance classes in Breaking, House, Locking, Popping, Dancehall, and Hip Hop for as young as 3, there’s something for just about everyone!

Pulse Studios is also home to Beast Machine - a very unique youth training and performance program where dancers develop skills in performance, choreography, and various dance styles, working exclusively with local and internationally renowned choreographers and pioneers.

Entertainment


Thank you to all our amazing performers!

Entertainment

Brian Lalonde

Brian is a business owner, operations specialist and former director of culinary operations for a chain of restaurants in western Canada. He has a degree in recreation and facilities program management and has managed and mentored hundreds of people in his career.

Brian is currently in the process of opening health and wellness centre with a focus on creating successful careers for professionals. This new centre will work on the premise that well looked after professional will be better equipped to deliver premium service to clients. Brian has assembled over 40 professionals so far for this team and plans to open Awaken Holistic Health and Wellness in the summertime.


Win the Best Seats in the Calgary Stampede Parade

Purchase your raffle tickets with one of our many volunteers during intermission.

$10 for 1 ticket $20 for 3 tickets

The more you buy, the better your chances! All proceeds benefit Immigrant Services Calgary’s programs and services for newcomers.

Be sure to enter our raffle for a chance to win two tickets for the ‘Best Seats in the Parade,’ courtesy of the Calgary Stampede. This prize includes a behind the scene tour of the Calgary Stampede, 2 seats in an antique horse-drawn trolley within the Stampede parade, and 2 tickets to the Grandstand show!


SUC CESSThe CPA designation provides the skills needed to integrate faster into the Canadian workforce and advance your career.

cpaalberta.ca/Become-a-CPA


Ali BhojaniChair, Board of DirectorsCalgary Foundation

When new Canadians settle in Calgary,

it’s good to know there’s a solid foundation

for them to build on and succeed.

Calgary Foundation supports the work

of many organizations that serve

immigrants in our city.

Congratulations to everyone

who has been nominated tonight.

Thank you for enriching our lives

with your incredible spirit.

Learn more at calgaryfoundation.org

Through our Centre for Excellence in Immigrant and Intercultural Advancement, we help immigrants gain the literacy, academic upgrading, and work skills they need to thrive in Canada. And by eliminating the barriers between immigrants and success, Canada rises.


M05236 (0216)® The TD logo and other trade-marks are the property of The Toronto-Dominion Bank.

We are working to make a difference in our communities.

Proud to support the 20th Annual Immigrants of Distinction Awards.

program · 2017-08-30 · program the 20th annual immigrants of distinction awards “fostering a...

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