program - Immigrants of Distinction

Transcription

PROGRAM
The 20th Annual Immigrants of Distinction Awards
“Fostering a Legacy of Excellence”
MASTERS OF CEREMONY
Linda Olsen, Global News Calgary
Doug Dirks, CBC Calgary
O CANADA
Brian Lalonde
WELCOME
Josephine Pon, Chair of the Board of Directors/IDA 2016 Chair
Krystyna Biel, Chief Executive Officer
GREETINGS
His 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 ADDRESS
Wayne Chiu, Founder and CEO of Trico Homes
AWARD PRESENTATIONS
ENTERTAINMENT
Sophie Serafino
CLOSING REMARKS
Honourary Chair: Mahzar Shaikh, Senator-in-Waiting,
President of M. H. Shaikh Professional Corporation
IDA 2013 Recipient – Business Award
Immigrant Services Calgary: A New Beginning - A Better Canada
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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 Bhat
Roland Osske
Hala Dehais
Adam Foster
Vivel Gupta
Anita ReMartinez
Sue McMaster
Rahul Chawla
Immigrants of Distinction Awards 2016 Steering Committee
Josephine Pon (Chair)
Jayashree Bhat
Krystyna Biel
Jamie Carrick
Maria Sol Freire
Wendy Auger
Ho-Man Chan
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Shiraz Amiry
Michelle Htun-Kay
Danuta Krajewska
Margaryta Marion
Shao Wen Yang
Juan Torres
Agnieszka Janik
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
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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
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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
Immigrant
Services
Calgary:
Reaching
New Heights
Together
Immigrant
Services
Calgary:
A New
Beginning
- A Better
Canada
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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
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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
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Welcome
Welcome 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
Chair of the Board & IDA 2016 Chair
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Krystyna Biel Chief Executive Officer
Thank you to our hosts
Linda Olsen, Global News
Born and raised in Calgary, Linda Olsen
graduated from the Southern Alberta Institute
of Technology (SAIT) in 1988 with an Honours
Diploma in Boradcast Journalism. She embarked
on 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 segment
that highlights the stories of inspirational women
in the Calgary community.
Career highlights for Linda include hosting the live AMPIA Awards
provincial 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.
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Thank you to our Keynote Speaker
Wayne Chiu
Founder 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.
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2016 Award Categories
Achievement Under 35 Award
This 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 Award
This award is presented to an immigrant who has achieved success in an artistic
endeavour within the visual, media, or performing arts fields.
Community Service Award
This 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 Award
This 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 Award
This 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 Award
This 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 Awards
Youth 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.
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Achievemnet Under 35
Award category sponsored by
Iman Bukhari
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.
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.
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Achievemnet Under 35
Dr. Irehobhude O. Iyioha (‘Ireh Iyioha’)
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 [20122013; 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.
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Arts and Culture
Alla Kireyeva
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.
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Arts and Culture
Sisay Shimeles
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.
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.
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Community Service
Bojan Tosic
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.
Story Pals, a unique program for children, helps build youthful selfesteem 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.
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Community Service
Dr. 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.
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Entrepreneurship and Innovation
Bob Dhillon
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.
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.
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Entrepreneurship and Innovation
Sherif Gemayel
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.
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
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.
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.
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Hadassah Ksienski Lifetime Achievement
Dr. Hude Quan
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.
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.
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Hadassah Ksienski Lifetime Achievement
Dr. Serdar Yilmaz
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. 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.
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Organizational Diversity
Calgary United Soccer Association
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.
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.
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Organizational Diversity
Closer to Home Community Services
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.
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.
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Science, Technology, Engineering & Math
Dr. Janaka Ruwanpura
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. 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.
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Science, Technology, Engineering & Math
Dr. Suresh Subramaniam
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. 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.
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Youth Scholarship
Andrew Min
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.
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.
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Youth Scholarship
Dan Yang (Lucy) Ni
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.
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 costeffective program.
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Youth Scholarship
Sophie Zhao
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.
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.
28
Immigrants of Distinction Awards
previous recipients
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:
Arts and Culture Award
2015
2014
2013
2012
2011
2010
2009
2008
2007
2006
2005
2004
2003
2002
2001
2000
1999
1998
1997
Vania Dimitrova
Yogeshwar Navagrah
N/A
Jacek Malec
Shenaaz Nanji
Karin Richter
Lyn Pflueger
Cecilia Gossen
Vahe Tokmajyan
Alexandra Haeseker
Alina Dabrowska
Umran Sumen
Elizabeth Allen
Siegfried Wieser & Mrs. Joan Xauen Wieser
Angelique Gillespie
Neel de Wit-Wibaut
Helen Seka Owen
Antonia C. Wicherts & Mr. David M. Spriggs
Mark Skalinski, PhD
Business Award
2015
2014
2013
2012
2011
2010
2009
2008
2007
2006
2005
2004
2003
2002
2001
2000
1999
1998
1997
Girish Agrawal
Margaret Adu
Mike Shaikh
Baldev Shergill
Fatima Dhanani
Bea Twumasi
Raymond T. Chan
Saad Ibrahim
Lina Castle
Nashir Samanani
Abed Itani
Wayne Chiu
Gerald Wood
Chan Yang Kim
Mike Ciccaglione
Said Arrata
John Dasilva
Hatim Zaghloul, PhD
Dan Capitanescu
29
Previous recipients continued
Community Service Award
2015
2014
2013
2012
2011
2010
2009
2008
2007
2006
2005
2004
2003
2002
2001
2000
1999
1998
1997
Gurmit Kaur Sarpal
Dolores Dill
Amal Mohamed
Dr. Geetha Ramesh
Dr. Brijendra K. Sood
Idrees A. Khan
Cesar P. Cala
Dr. Kabir Jivraj
Dr. John Wu
Tseden Dhogonpa
Dinesh Dattani
Ashid Bahl
Vinay Dey
Baljinder Mann & Michael Embaie
Vettivelu Nallainayagam, PhD
Chamnan Chap, PhD
Vilma Dawson
Teresa Woo-Paw
Nirmal Dey (Volunteer Service Award)
Achievement Under 40 Award
2015
2014
2013
Ariam Wolde-Giorgis
Turin Tanvir Chowdhury
Hayato Okamitsu
Lifetime Achievement Award
2015
2014
2013
Dr. Chan Wirasinghe
Om Malik
Sid and Bronia Cyngiser
Hadassah Ksienski Distinguished Service Award
2015
2014
2013
2012
2011
2010
2009
Carolina Dalgleish
N/A
Umashanie Reddy
Bob Khan
Tina Merali
Genevieve Balogun
Peter Wong, Q.C.
Distinguished Professional Award (offered until 2012)
2012
2011
2010
30
Dr. Bejoy Thomas
Dr. Chirag Shah
Dr. Wael Badowy
2009
2008
2007
2006
2005
2004
2003
2002
2001
2000
1999
1998
1997
Dr.Tadeusz Dabrowski
Dr. Alykhan M. Nanji
Dr. Thaddeus Demong
Margaret Styczynska & Sinisa Sonny Tomic
Daniel Lai, PhD
Hetty Roessingh, PhD
Hans Vogel, PhD & Gamil Tadros,PhD
Wilhelmus (Duffie) VanBalkom, PhD
Taj Jadavji, PhD & Max Coppes, PhD
Elaine Chan
Hans van der Sande, PhD
Henk E.D.J. ter Keurs, PhD
Magdalena Amnestica
Organizational Diversity Award
2015
2014
2013
2012
2011
2009
2008
2008
2007
2006
2005
2004
2003
2002
2001
2000
1999
1998
Rogers
Cargill Meat Solutions High River
Agrium
N/A
OMNI Television (Alberta)
Bow Valley College
GlobalFest (Government or Non-Profit Category)
Haworth Ltd. (Business Category)
Calgary Public Library
Boys & Girls Club of Calgary
Calgary Health Region
Village Square Leisure Centre
Calgary Public Library
Calgary Police Service
The Westin Calgary
Cyberwave Technologies Inc.
Shell Canada Limited
Standen’s Limited
Youth Scholarships
2015
Mahtab Dhaliwal, Nilufer Hasanova, Syeda Kinza Rizvi,
Vidhya Bavalana, Ziad Paracha
2014 Sarthak Sinha, Sujay Nagaraj, Simei (Amy) Li,
Chuyang (Aaron) Lin, Jiani Deng
2013 Amrita Bhattacharje, Angelica Lai, Hassan Riaz, Henry Siu,
Mariam Amwara
2012 Janriu (Peter) Liu, Silvana Echeverri, Michael Deng, Julia Qin,
Vasanth Ranganathan
2011 Koray Demirbag, Meng Zhao, Naanak Sodhi, Patti Wang,
Sergiu Lucut
2010 Annie Zheng, Shayna Ding, Malithi Fernando, Daria Tilimpea,
Jethro Cheung
31
2009 Ana Angela Lopez Quiroz, Bani Turkmani, Di Mo,
Fariha Ahmed, Valez Lumi
2008 Simon Atem, Hin Man (Ivy) Cheung, Zoe Beatrice Cheung,
Sana Tariq, Jane Wu
2007 Alice Chen, Nyail Majock, Eva Ouyang, Joseph Lagasca,
Carrol Zhou
2006 Alexsander Dshurkov, Elva Fan, Mahesh Hariharan,
John Reuben Lagasca, Lina Roa
2005 Karen Hyo Min Kang, Shuyang Li, Hong Lu, Sherry Qin,
Xiao Wang
2004 Abednego Deng, Yao Li, Vinh Luu, Salil Pradham, Celine Zeng
2003 Natalia Beloukhina, Olga Konwisorz, Jan Owoc, Crystal Rego,
Jeremy Torio
2002 Genesis Juat, Eisha Alemao, David Lee, Steven Cheng,
Pascal Yu
2001 Dominika Boczula, Shirley Ngo Suet Ho, Jung-Mee Hwang,
Danijel Margetic, Sheila Muy Lee Ung
2000 Susan Doan, Nilou Davoudi, Samir Pradhan, Stephen Kung,
Casy Wang
1999 Newman Yu Ting Lin, Aly Kassam-Remtulla, Alisa Palic,
Wei-ting Chen, Omar Tahmisicic
1998 Anthony Xung Chim, Huong Ly, Luke Glovacki
32
A New Beginning - A Better Canada
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:
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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
33
Entertainment
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.
34
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.
Thank you to all our amazing performers!
35
Win the Best Seats in the Calgary
Stampede Parade
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!
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.
36
SUC CESS
The CPA designation provides the skills
needed to integrate faster into the Canadian
workforce and advance your career.
cpaalberta.ca/Become-a-CPA
37
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
Ali Bhojani
Chair, Board of Directors
Calgary Foundation
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.
38
Proud to support the
20th Annual Immigrants
of Distinction Awards.
We are working to
make a difference in
our communities.
®
The TD logo and other trade-marks are the property of The Toronto-Dominion Bank.
M05236 (0216)
39
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program - Immigrants of Distinction

Transcription

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