Diversity Magazine introduces “Souvenir of Prominence”.
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We now can use beautiful designs and fancy colours to capture your Diversity award experiences, and wonderful articles on presentable plaques, trophies, medals, and signs.
Interested in adding “Diversity Souvenir of Prominence” to your collection, trophy cabinet, on your desk, or wall, let’s talk 780.709.0965 or www.diversitymag.ca
Final List – Diversity Magazine Women’s Day Special
Tonya Holowitski (Edmonton)
Michelle Dion (Edmonton)
Janis Irwin (Edmonton)
Julie Black (Calgary)
Marichu Antonio (Calgary)
Linh Bui (Calgary)
Anna Der (Edmonton)
Jan Reimer (Edmonton)
Jan Underwood (Red Deer)
Rachelle Elsiufi (Edmonton)
Amy Yu (Edmonton)
Mercedes Melitta Messinger (Red Deer)
Rossbina Nathoo (Calgary)
Bukola Salami (Edmonton)
Moji Ajele (Calgary)
Jeanne Lehman (Edmonton)
Leela Aheer (Calgary)
Janet Riopel (Edmonton)
Noor Hussain (Calgary)
Danica De Souza(Calgary)
Tahany Yasin (Calgary)
Angie Ostojic (Calgary)
Trisha Estabrooks (Edmonton)
Ping Ping Lee (Edmonton)
Due to interest in our first ever Women’s Day Special list for the Black community in Alberta, we’ve now published an expanded version of Diversity Magazine final list of Women’s Day Special 2021.
It includes 24 women across Alberta from all race, profession, interest, passion, background, career, and what have you.
Most of the women on our list have to wrestle with the pressures of being a mom, a wife, a daughter, a serial volunteer, and still squeeze time to do amazing things in building community, in business, in non-profit, in arts, in academics, activism on issues that matter to their community, volunteerism, healthcare, politics, community building, and you guess.
We will peel out each woman on the flier each day and share their work in 50 words on all Diversitypluss platforms, including the upcoming Diversity Magazine print.
To all the wonderful women out there, please keep doing the good work even if you do not make our list this time. Our sincere gratitude to all those who helped to put this list of amazing women together.
A very happy Women’s Day 2021!
For more stories of women doing fantastic work in the community, please go to https://diversitymag.ca/staging/a-very-happy-womens-day-2021/
From the front row, left to right, here’re our Empowered 20 Ladies for Diversity Magazine Women’s Day Special 2021.
Halima Ali (Red Deer – non-profit and community organizer)
Joy Thomas (Edmonton – professional and community organizer)
Moji Ajele (Calgary – business owner, speaker, trainer, business coach)
Dr. Wanda Costen (Edmonton – university professor, Dean and community supporter)
Regina Oluwadairo (Calgary – business owner, community supporter)
Andrea Cox (Calgary – professional and community organizer)
Jibs Adeoye-Abitoye (Fort Saskatchewan – politician, community organizer, and business owner)
Neva Perotte (Calgary – business owner, community supporter)
Sydone Warren (Calgary – artist and graphic designer)
Regina Oppon (Fort McMurray – non-profit founder and community organizer)
Jeanne Lehman (Edmonton – non-profits founder and community organizer)
Adora Nwofor (Calgary – activist, community organizer, and artist)
Ejibola Adetokunbo Taiwo (Grande Prairie – business owner and community organizer)
Zainab Mahamoud (Red Deer – professional and community organizer)
Moréniké Ẹniọlá Ọláòṣebìkan (Edmonton – business owner, professional, non-profit founder, and community organizer)
Charity Durowaa (Edmonton – business owner, community supporter)
Dr. Bukola Salami (Edmonton – university professor, community supporter)
Yinka Oladele (Calgary – business owner and community organizer)
Dr. Unati Makiwane (Calgary – medical doctor and speaker)
Harriet Tinka (Edmonton – business owner, speaker, author, community organizer, and media personality)
Diversitypluss put together a list of 20 amazing women in the Black community making a difference in Alberta.
Most of the women have to wrestle with the pressures of being a mom, a wife, a daughter, a serial volunteer, and still squeeze time to do amazing things in the community in business, in non-profit, in arts, activism on issues that matter to their community, volunteerism, healthcare, politics, community building, and you guess.
While we will peel out each woman on the flier each day and share their work, we will be putting another list of fantastic women in the broader community.
Please keep doing the good work even if you don’t make our list this time.
We’re so proud of all you women out there making it happen at home, wrestling daily to give the kids a bright future, at work, in community, in your business, in your project, in your dreams and aspirations for a better tomorrow.
A very happy Women’s Day 2021!
Diversity Magazine Women’s Day Special 2021Andrea Cox, Calgary, AB
Andrea Cox is passionate about helping families understand the importance of Getting Their Affairs In Order. At the time of death, the two greatest enemies are assumption and confusion, and she believes that putting a plan in place today will bring peace of mind to your loved ones in the future during a devastating time.
Andrea helps to bring this Taboo topic that will effect 1 out of 1 of us through educational sessions and weekly Let’s Talk Show on Facebook and Instagram.
To book a FREE conversation or attend a Webinar, go to: https://myeventsite.ca/gyaio/
Diversity Magazine Women’s Day Special 2021.
Moji Ajele (Calgary – business owner, speaker, trainer, business coach).
Focused, energetic, and purpose-driven, Moji Ajele entered university at the age of 14, graduating with a master’s degree in civil engineering. This training is a huge part of her love for systems and efficiency in all aspects of life. Moji has been an executive director with BNI for 10 years and in this time helped thousands of business owners across southern Alberta grow their business by referral so they can live the life of their dreams.
In recognition of her outstanding contributions, Moji was named “Director of the Year”, and “Giver’s Gain” award winner for four out of the last 10 years by BNI Canada. Her burning desire is to continue to help business owners succeed faster than they imagined possible. Happily married 32 years, Moji and her childhood sweetheart, Dele Ajele, have four awesome children who were home educated right through high school.
They recently added a delightful little grandson to the mix. Moji is an avid reader who averages a book a week especially on the topics of health, business, and personal growth. She loves reading, hiking, and traveling.
Diversity Magazine Women’s Day Special 2021.
Bukola Salami, Edmonton – University Professor and Community Supporter.
Dr Bukola Salami is a leading researcher on immigrant health and an Associate Professor at the Faculty of Nursing, University of Alberta.
She received her Master and PhD degrees from the University of Toronto.
She has been engaged in over 55 funded projects on immigrant health. She is the lead on 20 of these projects. Bukola is the founder of the African Child and Youth Migration Network, a network of 30 researchers across the globe.
Dr. Salami is also the founder and lead of the Black Youth Mentorship and Leadership Program at the University of Alberta.
In 2016, she was a collaborating researcher at the United Nations Research Institute for Social Development. Dr. Salami is one of a national team of leading experts appointed to the Public Health Agency of Canada Working Group on the Mental Health of Black Canadians.
She is also a public member on the Alberta College of Social Workers, and has received several awards for research and community engagement, including the highest international research award in nursing.
Diversity Magazine Women’s Day Special.
Sydonne Warren; a young self taught visual artist and graphic designer based in Calgary, Alberta, Canada.
Sydonne Warren is a Jamaican Canadian Contemporary visual artist based in Calgary.
She uses her art to celebrate, empower and educate people by sharing her experiences and culture https://fb.watch/4e5zXg9taV/
Diversity Magazine Women’s Day Special 2021.
Zainab Mohamoud, Red Deer – Professional, non-profit founder and Community Supporter.
Zainab Mohamoud is a founder and president of Education for Somali Girls and Boys Foundation since 2014 & Employment Practitioner at Cosmos Group of companies started in 2019 to present.
Zainab is a registered social worker with the Alberta Social Work Association. Zainab has a child assistant certificate, at Bow Valley in 2008, also, a social work diploma at Red Deer College in 2012, and a sociology degree at the University of Calgary in 2019.
She has various awards such as the Daughter of the Year award in 2014, Ruby Award in 2015, nominated Women of Excellence in 2016, Recognition Award from RDC in 2017, Friends of Diversity award in 2018, Community Leader of the Year in 2020.
Diversity Magazine Women’s Day Special.
Yinka Oladele (Calgary – business owner and community organizer)
Yinka Oladele the owner of the UPS Store #45 in Calgary. She offers business solutions to home-based, small and medium businesses.
Due to COVID-19 pandemic, people cannot travel, so Yinka helps them by sending their packages to Africa and other countries. She’s also the Pioneer and co-founder of the African Cancer Support Group (ACSG) and Women of Vision (WOV).
At the ACSG, she helps cancer survivor patients of African descent – www.africancancer.caWOV works with women to build healthier and stronger families and communities www.womenofvision.ca
A very happy Women’s Day 2021!
Diversity Magazine Women’s Day Special.
Jibs Abitoye is a city councilor in Fort Saskatchewan, AB and a strong advocate for diversity and inclusion.
A community organizer, she believes in standing up for the vulnerable. When she isn’t being a wife and mum to her 3 kids, she is managing the Fort Black Community group or running her fashion business.
A very happy Women’s Day 2021!
Diversity Magazine Women’s Day Special.
Grande Prairie based Ejibola has an ambitious drive to grow more women leaders and drive change by empowering women through entrepreneurship.
She is the CEO of Simply Ejibola Inc. and the Founder of de Sedulous Women Leaders. Ejibola is the Creator of the femImmiGRANTS for female immigrants in Canada, the Initiator of the iiNTEGRATE NEXT program for Newcomers in Canada, and the Co-Organizer of the Rise Up Pitch Competition for black Canadian women in business.
Ejibola’s speaks so passionately about being on a mission where “#NoWomanShouldBeLeftBehind“, a slogan behind the SDG Goal #5 Gender Equality her network de Sedulous Women Leaders is built on.
A very happy Women’s Day 2021!
Diversity Magazine Women’s Day Special 2021.
Dr. Unati Makiwane, Calgary, medical doctor, speaker, community supporter.Dr. Unati is a Family Physician, Men’s Health and Boy Children’s Mental Health Coach.
Health Talk Show Host, Keynote Speaker, Certified Child Self Esteem & Transformation Life Coach.
She 𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐤s 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐌𝐞𝐧 𝐟𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐰𝐚𝐥𝐤𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐥𝐢𝐟𝐞, 𝐁𝐨𝐲 𝐂𝐡𝐢𝐥𝐝𝐫𝐞𝐧, 𝐈𝐦𝐦𝐢𝐠𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧, 𝐒𝐜𝐡𝐨𝐨𝐥𝐬, 𝐏𝐫𝐢𝐯𝐚𝐭𝐞 & 𝐏𝐮𝐛𝐥𝐢𝐜 𝐎𝐫𝐠𝐚𝐧𝐢𝐳𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬.
Diversity Magazine International Women’s Day Special 2021
“My name is Neva Perrotte, I own a Desjardins insurance agency in Calgary. We serve all of Alberta for auto, home, life and business insurance.
My passion is helping small business owners, specifically women protect there hard work and dreams with the right business insurance package.
I can be reached at www.westcalgaryinsurance.com“
Diversity Magazine International Women’s Day Special 2021
Morẹ́nikẹ́ Ẹniọlá Ọláòṣebìkan is a Pharmaceutical Manufacturing Inventor, a Licensed Clinical Pharmacist and the owner of a Shoppers Drug Mart Pharmacy in Edmonton Alberta.
Morẹ́nikẹ́ is the Chair of the Ribbon Rouge Foundation which she founded and scaled into a million-dollar social enterprise addressing health disparities for marginalized Black people.
Diversity Magazine Women’s Day Special 2021.
Joy Thomas is the Vice President of the National Black Coalition of Canada, Edmonton (NBCC).
Joy has dedicated 20+ years to active community service such as organizing Alberta Culture Days events, and Black History Month events like gospel concert, awards, and many more.
Harriet Tinka is a Chartered Professional Accountant with over 20 years’ experience in government accounting, and she holds a Bachelor of Business Administration degree.
She has a passion for helping small business owners and individuals to manage and grow their financial well-being. She plays a lead role in preparing audited financial statements, tax returns and grant-related reports. Harriet was the City of Edmonton Campaign Chair for 4 years and helped raise close to 1 million dollars, a record that impacted the community. As a result, she was recognized twice by the City of Edmonton Mayor and Council protocol to contribute to the community.
Harriet provides her clients with expert advice, professionalism, and peace of mind. In addition to being a designated accountant, she is the Founder and Social Entrepreneur of Empowered Me, an organization devoted to educating and supporting individuals with their business model. She offers workshops, programs, and personal coaching to support individuals with their business goals.
Harriet is a recipient of several awards, including the Global Woman of Vision and YWCA Woman of Distinction Award. She also gives back to the community by volunteering at the Norwood Palliative Care and Lurana Women’s Shelter. Harriet is a Board member on several organizations including Board of Directors for the Financial Management Institute, Alberta Chapter and TELUS Community Foundation just to mention a few. Her passion and dedication are in helping small businesses grow and obtain wealth and success.
Harriet expresses that there are no limits on what one can achieve when we remove all the mental barriers, we set for ourselves.
Halima Ali is the Executive Director, Central Alberta Immigrant Women’s Association (CAIWA).
Employment History: Currently with Central Alberta Immigrant Women’s Association (CAIWA), Red Deer, AB: 2005 – Present. Started when the organization was very small with only one office focused on one program, and transformed it to one of the most effective and well regarded immigrant service providers in Central Alberta. Employed by COSTI Social Services, Toronto, ON, when I first came to Canada. Prior to immigrating to Canada, I was employed by the “Women’s Education & Childcare Department” of the Ministry of Education in my home country of Somalia, where I was:
o Program Supervisor: Responsible for the coordination of seven “Women’s Education and Childcare Centers” in Gedo, south-west Somalia. Responsibilities included, planning, organizing, staffing and ensuring the effective and efficient operations of the Centers. Consultant and Country Counter-part for a UNDP/FAO sponsored multi-year project, dealing with rural women education and development.
Education & Selected Professional Training: Bachelor of Arts in Education (Major: Biology), National University, Mogadishu, Somalia. Diploma Early Childhood Development, George Brown College, Toronto, ON. Graduate, COADY Leadership Institute, St. Francis Xavier University, Nova Scotia: 2012-13 (One year Leadership program). Graduate, Red Deer Leadership Networks, Class of 2008 (One year leadership program for Central Alberta institutions, businesses and not-for-profit organizations). Membership and Volunteer work (Excepts): Board member, Alberta Network of Immigrant Women (ANIEW), Calgary, AB. Board member, Central Alberta Diversity Association (CADA), Red Deer, AB. Past member, Alberta Health Advisory Council (David Thompson Region): Nov 2011 – Nov 2014. Past Board member, Community Capital, Red Deer, AB. Awards and Recognition: Winner, Alberta Daughters of the Year Award – 2020. Winner, Red Deer Women of Excellence Award – 2009 (Community Services).
Jeanne Lehman is the Founder past chair and ED of Black Canadian Women in Action operating as BCW.
Founded in 2017 in Edmonton, AB. BCW is a bilingual non-profit organization committed to making a difference in the lives of the minority of black Canadian women living in Western Canada. As the hub of the minority of Black Canadian women communities, BCW specializes in facilitating the inclusion of Black Canadian women in the Canadian society, relieve poverty, fostering their advancement among decision-making entities, promote diversity and increase their leadership in all sectors of activity. The Motto of BCW is INSPIRE, EMPOWER AND ENGAGE WITH CONFIDENCE
Jeanne Lehman’s other main accomplishment was her involvement at the Francophonie Albertaine Plurielle (FRAP); an organization for the integration of newcomers of the Francophone community with the mandate to create a bridge between the Franco Albertan community, the newcomers and the mainstream. As a founder, chair and spokesperson of the FRAP, Jeanne’s endeavor for diversity and inclusion of new immigrants has led the Greater North Central Francophone Education Region No. 2 to change its practices in its hiring process and embrace diversity and inclusion of new Canadians and Canadians to be, in all sector of the school Board. Jeanne’s action went beyond the school Board and impacted diversity and inclusion in the Francophone Community.
Adora Nwofor (any pronoun)
Award-winning comedian, actor, prolific host, tireless anti-racism advocate, fierce feminist, and model: Adora is the real deal. Named one of Calgary’s Top 10 Best Dressed by Avenue magazine, she has worked with Shaw Television (Canada), the cultural media magnate Omni Television, and is the creator and host of the web series Living a Creative Life (now in its second season). At over 6ft, Adora has a strut like no other. Adora has keynoted at TEDx YYC, hosted Canada Day 150 and Alberta Culture Days, and has MCd and advocated at comedy, culture, and antiracism events across the province.
A trusted and outspoken voice in the community, Adora has been on the Board of Directors for the Nigerian Association and Femme Wave (Calgary’s Feminist Music and Arts Festival), and has worked with Afrikadey Festival, Cariwest, Calgary’s Nigerian Canadian Association, Young Women in Power, and many more.
She is a co- founder and has been Grand Marshal for the YYC Women’s March since its inception in 2016. When she isn’t busy doing one-to-one mentorship in the community and online, Adora is a successful entrepreneur and mother of three. As President and co-founder of Black Lives Matter YYC Adora is a major contributor to the local embodiment of a global movement that is nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize.
Diversity Women’s Day Special 2021 – Regina B. Oppon, Fort McMurray.
Regina Beatrice Oppon is a co-Pastor at Gethsemane International Assembly Wood Buffalo and the Executive Director of Rehoboth Alliance, both located in Fort McMurray, Alberta. She migrated to Canada from Sierra Leone with her family in January 2003, embracing Charlottetown PEI. She relocated to Fort McMurray, Alberta in 2010, where she worked as a Pastor of Administration at the Pentecostal Assembly of Fort McMurray for two years. She holds a bachelor’s degree focused in Pastoral Studies/Counseling from the Open Bible College. In 2007, Regina and her family were privileged to receive their citizenship from the Governor-General Hon. Michaëlle Jean at Rideau Hall.
She is a nominee of the 2020 – 100 Accomplished Black Canadian (ABC) Women’s Award and a recent recipient of the Mosaic Women of Inspiration Award Northern Alberta. In 2012, Regina received the Community Service Award from the Fort McMurray African Association with Community. In 2015, she was awarded a Citizen Recognition Award by the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo (RMWB) to contribute to the community. She was presented with the Diversity and Inclusion Award in 2019 by Diversity Magazine.
She currently sits on the Executive Board of the Wood Buffalo Ministerial Association in Fort McMurray. She introduced the Elimination of Racial Discrimination Day, also known as March 21 Day and Black History Month Celebration, to the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo (RMWB).
Wanda Costen, PhD, MBA, Dean, School of Business, MacEwan University
Dr. Wanda Costen brings a depth of experience and expertise to her role as Dean, School of Business.
Her teaching expertise extends to areas including strategy, human resources, organizational behaviour, law and diversity. Her research interests encompass racial and gender inequality in organizations, women and leadership, strategic human resources, managing diversity, and ethnic minority student experiences.
Dr. Costen earned her PhD from Washington State University and an Executive MBA from Pepperdine University. She completed her undergraduate degree at the United States Military Academy at West Point. During the 2013/14 academic year she served as a Fulbright Scholar with the University of the West Indies – Mona, in Kingston, Jamaica.
Charity Durowaa has built a successful business with 4 locations in Edmonton making people of African descent feel at home with the cultural food of their choice, supporting communities and more.
Regina Oluwadairo, owner De Chosen African Market Shares her Journey from selling African food and beauty products in her basement to opening four locations in Calgary. She hopes to have more stores in other cities in Alberta and Canada.
Jan Underwood
Jan has worked in the field of immigration, settlement, multiculturalism, and community development for almost 19 years at Central Alberta Refugee Effort in Red Deer.
She belongs to the City of Red Deer Welcoming and Inclusive Community Network, the Cultural Heritage Society, the Inter Faith Network, and the Red Feather Women.
She delivers many workshops and presentations and creates events per year throughout Central Alberta in colleges, universities, workplaces, organizations and conferences, on intercultural awareness; anti – racism, communication and sensitivity; cultural competence; citizenship; global issues and other related topics. She is a recipient of the Women of Excellence Award, the Mayors Award and is a Diversity Champion.
Michelle Dion is a family physician in Edmonton and member of the Alberta board of Health since 2018.
She initiated the Educ-Franco santé providing education to the public about health.
Her community work has lead her to receive the 2020 Jean-Paul Bugeaud award of excellence from Alberta’s ACFA.
Here is her Youtube Channel https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=Educ+Franco+Sante
Every Woman possesses a brilliant mind. It’s powerful, sharp, fast and most of all beautiful.
My name is Noor Hussain and I’m an entrepreneur. Co-owner of CKN Commercial and Residential Services Ltd and President of YYC EV Solutions.
I ask every woman in the world to empower another simply by boosting ones self-esteem. The rest will follow in no time. We live in one of the most amazing country where freedom is given without being fought and without being asked. I believe in your brilliant Mind and you believe in Mine!
Linh Bui is an immigrant mother and professional who wishes she could have “three heads and six hands”.
One would be dedicated to her family, her Vietnamese community where she volunteered as a board member of the Calgary Vietnamese Women’s Association, and her church as an activity leader for girls aged 8-11; one to her work at ActionDignity Society with other ethnocultural communities and neighborhood residents that are as dear as extended family; and another to satisfy her entrepreneurial thirst through her immigration consulting business EduVietLink immigration Inc., which she runs early in the morning, evenings and on her days off as a Regulated Citizenship and Immigration Consultant (RCIC).
Passionate about helping others, Linh has transferred her project management skills and experience working to alleviate poverty in rural Vietnam to supporting newcomers and ethnocultural community engagement and citizen-led actions in the Greater Forest Lawn area of Calgary.
Motivated by a passion for women’s entrepreneurship, using community economic development as a means to achieve social inclusion and economic participation equality, through her work with various immigrant serving agencies and ActionDignity society, Linh has been the supporter of various initiatives including the Calgary Community Economic Development (now Thrive) network, EthniCity Catering, GlobalFest food kiosk Taste of Vietnam, and resident-led initiatives such as Resident PLEX building and maintaining a network of free food pantries,GFL Parent Support Network helping families access affordable services and programs, etc.
Linh firmly believes that everyone is a unique asset of the community. Collectively we can move mountains. Believe in collective power and engage in the community is the first step to get one into the community leadership path and make a difference!
My name is Danica. I am a single mother of 4 young children, a full time
Mortgage Broker and a survivor of Multiple Sclerosis since 2003.
I manifest positivity in everything that I do, every word that I speak and
with every interaction that I have.
I believe in building relationships with all whom I welcome into my life and
do as much as I can with a kind heart and an open mind.
I was put on this earth for a reason and I truly believe in the power of a
positive mind and a positive outgoing attitude. It has brought me to where
I am today, and where I am going in the future.
Rossbina Nathoo is originally from Uganda, East Africa
How long in Canada?
I arrived Canada at 16yrs old as a Refugee from Uganda during the Idi Amin/Asian crisis. October 1972 is now 49 yrs ago !!
Hobbies and passions
Travel, Volunteering and Continual learning.
Why Volunteer for FOS?
I have a deep desire reciprocate KINDNESS & GENEROSITY shown to me when I first arrived in Canada. I found my niche to support seniors when I experienced my mother detoriating from many aging issues. I wish to be a contributing citizen to society by role modelling through Volunteering and offering my skills.
Tahany Yasin, Calgary, AB – Business Development Manager and Community Supporter.
Tahany is proud of her Middle Eastern roots and strongly believes in inclusivity and the empowerment of all women.
Tahany is passionate about uplifting and providing support. She demonstrates that by her leadership skills, guidance and networking. She connects women in her community to resources, jobs and volunteering.
By working together we create a stronger more sustainable community.
Janis Irwin was elected to the Legislative Assembly of Alberta as the representative for Edmonton-Highlands-Norwood in 2019. Janis serves as the Official Opposition Deputy Whip and the Critic for Status of Women and LGBTQ2S+ Issues.
Amy Yu is a co-founder of the award-winning digital marketing agency, Kickbyte Digital. Kickbyte has been honored with a number of awards through Digital Alberta, Alberta Premier’s Award of Excellence and was listed as one of Canada’s top 2020 start-ups in Canadian Business and Maclean’s.
Amy is a strong advocate for women actively participates on Women’s Advocacy Voice of Edmonton, Digital Alberta, YEG Women in Tech, and Alberta Women Entrepreneurs. Amy is also a board member of Alberta Association of Migration Studies, a group that aims to provide education and supports for migrants and urban change.
Trisha Estabrooks, Board Chair, Edmonton Public Schools
Trisha Estabrooks serves as Board Chair for the Edmonton Public School Board.
Elected in 2017, Trisha has pushed for the creation of an anti-racism policy and the collection of race-based data in Edmonton Public Schools. She believes education is the basis for all positive social change and is honoured to serve students and families.
Janet Riopel has considerable experience in corporate leadership and community service.
She is a Board Director on Invest Alberta Corporation and NAIT. She was Board Chair of Edmonton Oilers Community Foundation and Compassion House Foundation, Campaign Chair for United Way, Board Chair of MacEwan.
She was honoured with the Queen’s Golden Jubilee Medal, named one of Alberta’s 50 Most Influential People, and was a Global TV Woman of Vision.
I am a Career and Diversity Advisor, Talent Acquisition Specialist, Public Speaker, Advocate for Social Change and an Impoverished Philanthropist. I leverage my 14 years of experience in Talent Management, 2 years as a career advisor, 7 designations and community work to break down job search and career barriers.
Hailing from Toronto, Rachelle Elsiufi, a mixed heritage first generation Canadian, shines a spotlight on racism and social justice issues through her news reporting. Being half Fillipino and Egyptian, Rachelle has faced bias and prejudice in her life and knows firsthand how minorities in Canada can feel voiceless. During her off time as a journalist, she’s the proud mother of a golden mix.
Mercedes Messinger came on Mother’s day of 2000 with her Family from Germany. She celebrates this year more than one milestone. 30 years in the Meat Business, 30 years of marriage and her 60 birthday. In Business the most important trades for her are Honesty and Quality.
In person she believes Diversity, Equality, Generosity and Charity are of the out most importance. All of this translates how she conducts her daily Business.
Julie Black I grew up in Ottawa and moved to Calgary in 1994 out of affection for the mountains, prairie, and foothills. My volunteer, academic, and career interests have centred on grassroots community development – leading me to join the Calgary Foundation in 2007 where I’ve had the privilege of working with hundreds of grassroots leaders and groups to address community needs and aspirations.
Meeting these leaders and communities is a joy of the job. I’m deeply honoured by this nomination and accept it with gratitude and in the spirit of solidarity with Black communities.
Ping Ping Lee, Director of Solomon College
Ping Ping Lee has dedicated 25 years to supporting immigrants and refugees to settle in Edmonton, Alberta. She serves on several committees at the local and provincial level focused on building capacity, fostering collaboration, and contributing to new initiatives that will provide newcomers to Edmonton with key language and employment training supports needed to successfully settle and integrate within our community. She strives to make Solomon College a welcoming space for everyone, and is committed to ensuring inclusion and equality for marginalized and racialized communities.
Whether contributing to society at large as Mayor of Edmonton, city councillor or Executive Director of the Alberta Council of Women’s Shelters, Jan consistently enables social development. She has been recognized in many ways for her advocacy on ending violence against women and girls.
Anna Der
25 years of leadership at Seniors Non-Profit Programs
EFCL Long Time Outstanding Service Award – 1990
Canada 125 Queen’s Commemorative Medal – 1993
Owner home based business – Der Promotions
Grant MacEwan University:Volunteer Management -2005
Fund Development – 2006
Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE)International Accreditation – 2008
Mayors Award for Outstanding Services to Persons with Disabilities – 2012
Soroptimist Club of Edmonton Member – 2007-2021
President – 2018-2020
Marichu Antonio is a strong advocate of social justice, human rights, equity, and anti-racism. She is a pioneering leader, innovator, and risk taker with 50 years of community development experience in the Philippines, Canada, UK among others.
Marichu is Executive Director at ActionDignity, a community-based organization that promotes full civic participation and integration of ethnocultural communities in Alberta. For nearly 12 years, Marichu’s leadership has transformed ActionDignity into a strong platform organization that serves to amplify the collective voice of over 100 culturally diverse groups and organizations. These empowered communities play a key role in advancing racial equity through transformation of public institutions and public policy and systems change.
In recognition of her contributions towards strengthening communities, Marichu was awarded the 2012 Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Medal and Avenue Magazine’s A-List of Volunteers in 2009.
Angie Ostojic, is a devoted mother, loving wife, visionary leader, entrepreneur, passionate speaker, and friend. She was born and raised in the Philippines, Immigrated to Canada in 1996.
Angie is passionate about giving back, she founded AO Giving Heart Inc., a foundation that aims to help feed and educate the poor children in the Philippines.
She also started AO Magazine where ordinary people share extraordinary Life and Business Success Stories, which inspires many. Angie thrives to create a community of like-minded people working towards the same mission and goal and helped numerous men and women achieved financial and time freedom.
Humbled to be nominated for Immigration of Distinctive Award Finalist 2020 Entrepreneurship & Innovation. She wishes God’s guidance to continue to be a supporter of different communities, a frontrunner in supporting new immigrants find their space as entrepreneurs and provide motivations to be productive citizens of this country.
Minister Aheer was appointed as Alberta’s Minister of Culture, Multiculturalism & Status of Women on April 30, 2019.
Prior to entering politics, Aheer was a professional vocal coach and music teacher, owned and operated businesses as an entrepreneur, and was heavily involved in the arts, volunteerism and community service.
