Diversity Magazine Souvenir of Prominence plaques shown above, now available for women being celebrated – call or text 780.709.0965!!

 As of next week, Monday, March 21, we shall embark on a Women’s Day tour across Alberta and Ontario to share stories of women doing amazing things in different works of life, as well as, hand out amazing plaques. Diversity Magazine Print Women’s Day Special is calling for women making a difference. International Women’s Day is coming up on March 8, a global day to celebrate the historical, cultural, professional, economical, and political achievements of women. This’s how we celebrated taking action against gender inequality around the world in 2021 https://diversitymag.ca/staging/a-very-happy-womens-day-2021/

Anjana Babbar

Anjana Babbar Performing artist, Teacher, Choreographer, Entrepreneur Founder & Artistic Director – JEEVAN GOPAL DANCE ACADEMY
Dance has been an integral part of my life for the past 35 years and has been guiding my spirit on the path of service. My parents instilled in me that it’s a gift to be able to serve. They said, “No matter what you do in life, do it with a sense of service to others.”

Sangeeta Sharma, Founder and President of NIWE Academy

Sangeeta Sharma is a wife and mother of two children, a business woman, philanthropist, a life long learner and an educator. Sangeeta immigrated from India in 1992. She started a beauty care business from her basement after working several jobs to support her family. Her perseverance and unwillingness to accept the statuesque led to opening a beauty and wellness spa, then a Provincially licenced Cosmetology Academy.
Sangeeta Sharma is the Founder and President of NIWE Academy www.niwe.ca

Motso Olubowale

My name is Motso Olubowale, I was born and raised in Botswana but moved to Canada in 2008. I own and operate Timberlands Physiotherapy Clinic, Red Deer, with my husband. I am mother to 3 young children. My passion about helping youth facing life challenges or those lacking support & motivation has led me to work for Ministry of Justice as a youth worker, previously. Nonetheless, I am currently a student of Psychology where my academic standing has placed me on the Dean’s list. I spend time volunteering in the community.

Grace Oben Leadership, Life Purpose, Transformation, Confidence & Mindset.

Grace is a Speaker and Life Coach on leadership, Master Transformation, Life Purpose, Confidence & Mindset. She is also the founder of Providence Guide which is an empowering advocacy for youths and women. Her deep passion to help youths and women understand that “they can be whatever they want to be if they put their mind to it” led her to become the speaker, life purpose, confidence & mindset coach that she is today, educating, inspiring, motivating and helping youths and women to make their desire for transformation a reality.
Because of her passion for growth and leadership, Grace has spent the last few years educating, motivating, inspiring and empowering youths, and women of all ages and backgrounds to rise above life’s challenges and become the best version of themselves. Her messages focus on strategies for mind management, leadership, overcoming adversity, build resilience and confidence and to live purposefully, and with conviction to make an impact in the world by owning, developing, and sharing their gifts and talents.
Prior to becoming a Speaker and Coach, Grace possessed more than 15 years of field experience working in the Mental Health sector. She further advanced from frontline position to an upper management position in just 17 months, while being an active parent and staying involved in her community. Grace moved from subsidized housing to comfortably owning a spacious home within just 24 months using the power of her mind – reason why she is aka “The Go Getter”.
Over these years, Grace has worked with various age groups and gender identities as she brings a variety of resources and tools to the table to help individuals understand the power of their minds, and to develop their mindset and the skills necessary to make great moves and achieve their dreams.
As a Coach, Grace has trained youths, entrepreneurs and working women on how to identify and foster the right competencies required to effectively attain the level of progress they envision for themselves while appreciating their existing support systems. She has accumulated an extensive field experience in guiding individuals through their processes of improving their subconsciousness, beliefs, and values to help foster their professional and personal growth, happiness, joy and feeling of self-fulfilment.
Grace teaches her clients that it is not about creating a “new you”. It is about aligning “the same you” with what you dream, value, imagine, belief and hope for yourself. It is about unlocking potentials and skillsets as necessary to attain more than you could imagine for yourself and learning to celebrate every moment or milestone.

Anindita Bhattacharya

Anindita Bhattacharya is the secretary in the board of directors of “Education for Somali Girls and Boys Foundation.” She is a registered social worker with the Alberta College of Social workers and works at Alberta Health Service as a social worker in the Geriatrics department. Besides having a social work diploma, Anindita also has a master’s degree in Business Administration & Economics. Anindita has been a part of this organization since the inception of the Education for Somali Girls and boys Foundation and and has helped & participated at every event, for the last seven years. She is committed & passionate about this endeavor and feels privileged to be part of this group which is trying to make a difference for Somali children and their families. She is also a board member of the Hindu Cultural Society of Central Alberta. Anindita has been active in the Red Deer community and has supported many charities over the years.

Aisha Rauf

Aisha is a highly engaged and passionate community leader with over 15 years of volunteering in the community with non-profits, political organizations, and governance boards. Public service is Aisha’s life’s work; she has a love for people and cares deeply about effective leadership, good governance, inclusive community engagement, supporting underrepresented groups, and cultural competence and awareness. She is a strong advocate of the community league system, and is a master collaborator with impeccable integrity, who has a proven record of accomplishment in building communities and advocating for families, newcomers, seniors from the inner city to suburbia with various non-profits, political activists, and politicians across the province.
She holds a Doctor of Philosophy in English Linguistics and a teacher’s diploma in TESL. Experienced Provincial Board Director and top achiever in Education industry. Skilled in English as a Second Language (ESL), Public Speaking, Social activism, Leadership, and Artistic Expression. Strong professional with a Doctor of Philosophy – focused in English Linguistics from National University of Modern Languages. Has multiple publications in International journals- topics of interest are the myth of Intertextualism, gender difference through language as seen and portrayed by modern media and the theory of metaphysics in Rumi’s poetry. She is the Founder and CEO of Elite Institute of Training and Ash Immigration Services.

Aminat Popoola

Aminat Popoola is a wife, mother of two, a professional electrical engineer, a business owner, an educator and a staunch community builder.
Amina is the President of RHAY Logistics and Managing Partner at RHAY Engineering Inc. A company with expertise in electrical system design for various institutional buildings, family dwellings and oil and gas facilities.
Aminat partnered with Amazon as a Delivery Service Partner to launch the First Delivery Service Partner (2.0) in Canada. RHAY Logistics provides Last Mile Delivery Services to Amazon, and employs between 90 -120 Delivery Associates.
Aminat gives back through her professional and community volunteerism and mentorship.
She serves as an Executive member with the Electrical Inspectors Association of Alberta and Nigerian Canadian Association of Calgary; also served as Board Secretary – Nigerian Canadian Muslim Congregation of Calgary. As well, as a volunteer with the Yoruba Foundation, Calgary and the Calgary Centre for Newcomers.

Mayor Linnsie Clark

Linnsie Clark began her life on a farm near Oyen, Alberta before moving to Medicine Hat at a young age. Her family continued to ranch south of Medicine Hat, which helped her to develop a strong work ethic, as well as an appreciation for community, family and the natural world.
In her youth, Clark played softball, hockey and volleyball. After graduating from Medicine Hat High School, she attended the University of Lethbridge where she received a Bachelor of Science (with Distinction). University spurred an appreciation for learning and the value of being constantly curious, as well as collaborating with people in other disciplines and the importance of strictly adhering to the scientific method of discovery.

Elaine Spence

Elaine Spencer has been a social worker for 35 years, and currently teach at Red Deer Polytechnic. I’ve been part of anti-racist education and activism since 1985, when I was a BSW student fighting the rise of white supremist and neo-nazi groups like the aryan nations. Also, Elaine is vice president Education for Somali Girls and Boys Foundation and she had the honour of teaching Zainab in the social work diploma program at Red Deer Polytechnic. Elaine recognized the opportunity to be part of grassroots action, when Zainab started the Somali Girls and Boys Education Foundation (then fund), and decided to get behind this powerhouse of positivity and hope after attending the first gala. As a lifelong social worker and feminist, Elaine believes that education is the seed of hope that blossoms into the flower of powerful change. As an immigrant herself, Elaine finds the Somali Girls and Boys Education Foundation board a joy to be a part of.

KEJI SHADE BANJOKO

Keji Shade Banjoko is an active community advocate and educator. Her work within the community was recognized by YMM Magazine’s 2020 top 50 under 50. She is a volunteer on the Regional Advisory Committee on Inclusion, Diversity and Equity in the RMWB. As one of the organizers for the BLM March in the summer of 2019 she worked to establish her own grassroots organization in order to try and continue anti-racism work within the municipality. Through her work as an ad-hoc member RACIDE developed an anti-racism municipality wide survey for BIOOC employees to anonymously share their experiences working for the city. Following this, Kg met with the leadership of both the FMPSD AND FMCSD school districts to discuss the importance of moving from celebrating diversity to understanding anti-racism and its importance within schools. She continues to present to teachers, staff and students on the importance of decolonization and anti-racism frameworks.

Verna Murphy

Verna Murphy will describe herself as a mom and wife first and foremost. She has now lived in Fort McMurray for almost 15 years with her husband of 27 years, Tim and their three children. They moved from Cape Breton, Nova Scotia for work but quickly fell in love with the Wood Buffalo region.
Verna is a freelance writer, and worked for local newspapers for 10 years before becoming a city councillor in 2017. In 2021 she ran for the mayor’s seat and did not win. During her time on council Verna worked with community groups, businesses and social profits, along with residents every day to try to bring positive change to the region. She now hopes to write about the region again and to continue to bring awareness not just to local issues, but also provincial and federal issues.
Verna is currently working with the United Way as a resource coordinator and continues to work with people who work to better the Fort McMurray community every day.
One issue that is near and dear to her heart is foster care-Verna and Tim were foster parents for many years and they adopted their very first foster child, Shayleen, who came to live with them the morning after her birth. Through her experience she realized that a lot of work still needs to be done on the foster care system so that the children and families affected are not forgotten or treated like a number. She will continue to advocate for positive changes. She has never shied away from talking about the tough issues, and she will no doubt continue to be an ambassador for Fort McMurray and the entire region in whatever she does next.

Bola Oke

I am Bola Oke originally from Isekiri Delta state of Nigeria. I am married with three adorable kids. I have my social works diplomaand a degree in Arts and decided to pursue hairstyling lincence at Marvel college Edmonton 10years ago.We moved to Canada in 2005 from Houston Texas. Modelle Hair Express was born in 2013 its located in the downtown of fortmcmurray Alberta. At Modelle we are a one stop shop for anything hair, just as the name says ‘HAIR EXPRESS’. We care about your look and understand that the hair struggles are real. We cater for diverse people and can work with all hair texture. Moving to canada yrs ago it was a challenge getting my hair done and my kids,so i started perfecting my skills on my girls and my friend’s daughter (Oyinda). Has a mom having two girl have taught me the patience to work with my hair texture anytime and day. I wanna say to every young lady out there that the love of your hair should be a goal and if your struggling somehow with it come see us.

Keren Tang

Keren was recently elected to Edmonton City Council for Ward Karhiio. She is a public health advocate, community organizer, city builder, and mom. Prior to being elected, Keren worked with local government on urban wellness, with partners across the country on building more participatory ecosystems, and with ethnocultural communities in civic engagement and health promotion. Keren made her home in Edmonton with her family because it’s a city where everyday Edmontonians have a voice in shaping its present and future.

Beatrice Twumasi

Beatrice Twumasi is a happily retired, entrepreneur and businesswoman who successfully operated one of the first black owned business in Calgary for nearly 30 years.
Bea explains that after failed attempts to find a salon in Calgary to care for her ethnic hair and that of her then two young daughters, she branched from her supervisory position at a group home to open a hair braiding and hair extensions shop.
Bea’s braiding and hair extensions was located at the end of 17th Ave in a large Victorian style house, a stone throw from the Calgary stampede and the BMO center. The location was highly visible to most Calgarians and was referred to on one of Calgary’s news channel’s as “Calgary’s answer to bad hair”
Bea’s shop soon thrived serving men, women, children and the elderly of all race and backgrounds, while employing at 8 to 10 full time employees throughout the years from the Caucasian and black population at large.
Bea was dedicated, hardworking and shared her experiences with Calgarians through various radio and TV shows, as well as participations in promotional shows such as the Calgary Women show, Africadey, Carifest, etc. Bea’s dedication and hard work over the years has led to several awards and recognition here in the city of Calgary e.g. The Black Achievement Award 1996. Woman of Distinction Award 2010.Ghanaian Canadian Achievement awards 2010 in Toronto Canada and a few others Bea also passed on her knowledge and passion teaching classes to Caucasian mothers who had adopted black children on how to manage their children’s ethnic hair. Today at least seven of the currently operating hair Salons. braiding and food shops were former Beas braiding staff who moved on to start their own from what they learned from Bea.
Although hair dressing was not her original career choice, she ventured into it and took hair training classes and received her hair styling diploma. Following her diploma, she was able to teach several high school cosmetology classes about black hair, relaxing, coloring, braiding and hair extensions.
In addition, Bea and her company also partnered with the Government of Alberta under programs such as the McBride group to teach and shadow any individuals who wanted to enter the business of hair care. The program allowed the student to learn the trade while earning income.
Throughout her career Bea never stopped sharing and giving back to this city that has giving her so much to be thankful for. One of the projects she took upon that she truly enjoyed and still misses a lot was the classes she organised with staff at the Foothills Hospital for chemotherapy patients.
She showed these patients both men and women how she could cut and save their hair before it out and then turn their own hair into bangs or partial wigs to be worn with a hat or scarf. Of course, selling wigs was also a large part of Bea’s Braiding and Hair Extension’s salon and it was always a joy for Bea to see the smiles when Clients going through chemotherapy came in and found a wig that made them feel
good and look good and natural.
Bea is now trying to enjoy her retirement but unfortunately COVID has robbed her of all the travel plans she had imagined prior to retiring so until she can travel, she still misses the salon as it was a busy place
full of fun and satisfying.
To all those who would like to venture into their own business be it hair or any business they love, Bea wishes you strength, perseverance knowledge and God’s blessings

Mayor Jyoti Gondek

Mayor Jyoti Gondek was sworn in as Mayor of Calgary in 2021, becoming the first woman to hold the position. Prior to being elected as mayor, she served as city councillor for Ward 3 since 2017.
Gondek has always taken a big picture approach to pressing challenges. Often, she has found processes and policies exist simply because they have never been questioned. She understands that by chipping away at issues, we make improvements that have meaning in our everyday lives.

Cristina Balamban

Cristina Balamban, was born and raised in the Philippines. Migrated to Canada on June 10, 2010.
Upgraded my education and through persistence, determination and hard work I achieved the designation as Chartered Professional in Human Resources (CPHR). Giving back to the community I was blessed to be offered the position of Human Resources Manager for The Calgary Bridge Foundation for Youth (CBFY). The excitement continues the moment I step on to be the acting Director of Programs with CBFY, to provide direction and support to our program leaders. I am passionate about helping and serving the needs of immigrants which makes my job enjoyable and fulfilling.
On the other side, I co-founded our family business LUB Contractors Ltd for 5 years now we secured contracts with property maintenance companies around Calgary Area. Our business specializes in painting and janitorial services.
Above all these achievements, I give back all the glory and honor to my Lord and Saviour Jesus. He truly made all these things possible, I just put my trust in Him.

Manka Nadine

My Name is Nadine Niba. “MankaNadine” is what most people call me.
I am a Manager at PwC and have been a consultant for the most part of my career, providing business consulting to major Companies in the Canadian energy sector.
Before migrating to Canada, I sed to be a pageant Queen. In my pageant days, i mostly focused on women empowerment and education for the girl child in Cameroon. I used my platform as a beauty queen to act as a Laison between women and girls who desired education and who were forced into early marriages and non-governmental organizations in North America who were interested in seeing such women through school. I was very passionate about this cause because i have always believed on the empowering role of women in the society.

Oluyinka Marcus

Mrs. Oluyinka Marcus, a certified psychotherapist in Calgary began her counseling practice in 2006. Her passion to see black family relationships thrive led her to become a voice of hope. Her effort to create/enhance awareness on emotional/psychological well-being, emotional intelligence and bridging generational gaps within the family is relentless. Oluyinka gives back to the community by making her services affordable to all. She co-authored ‘Walk With Me’ with her daughter, Oluyomi, a 30-day devotional book about addressing and overcoming negative emotions. They work together helping parents better relate with their children.

Pawandeep Chahal, Employment Specialist

Pawandeep has been employed with Cosmos Community Support Services as an Employment Practitioner for 6+ years. She has a Master in Computer Applications and 9 years of experience as an Associate Professor.
She has 15+ years of experience in a collaborative environment in program support, facilitation, and department management. She is skilled in managing program services, supporting daily operations, coordinating the flow of information, assisting with projects, undertaking research and reporting tasks.
Her expertise includes managing, training, and recruitment. Additionally, she has worked for University Grant Sanction Projects, arranging seminars, workshops, conferences, and designing courses.
Pawandeep volunteers as an interpreter and translator with Central Alberta Refugee Effort and has been a board member with the Central Alberta Immigrant Women’s Association for the last 7 years.
Pawandeep has supported over 650 clients with pre-employment barriers.

Adenike Olagundoye

Mrs Adenike Olagundoye wears many hats on a daily basis. She’s a woman, wife, mother, grandmother, business woman and aunty to all in the Community.
She is also a tireless volunteer who gives her time to individual, family members and organizations in the Community. She’s well known in the Nigerian Community for encouraging people, teaching children and youth African cultures, dance and language. She also planned educative and fun activities.
Adenike is an early childhood educator and has worked in the field for 35years. Her contribution has earned outstanding service award and foster parent of the year.
Currently she is the proud owner of Dana Daycare an accredited childcare facility that offers a successful daycare and preschool program. She’s very passionate and committed to working with children.
Adenike is a cofounder of Nigerian Canadian Association of Calgary Yoruba Foundation of Calgary Women of Vision.

Mayor Jackie Clayton

Jackie and her husband Rob have lived in Grande Prairie since 1999 and have always been deeply involved with and worked in the Grande Prairie business community.
One of Jackie’s favourite experiences was serving on the Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors. During her 6 years on the Board and Executive, eventually becoming Grande Prairie’s 2nd female President in over 90 years, she saw firsthand the endless opportunities this region has to offer. The entrepreneurial spirit with the City of Grande Prairie and the region is second to none. This work lit a fire within her and led to her choosing to run for City Council the first time 2 terms ago.

Olutoyin Oyebola

Olutoyin Oyebola preferably called Toyin is the owner of Genesis Exotic Market (GEM). This is an exotic retail store located in Lethbridge Alberta. It provides commercial services to meet the dietary and fashion needs of immigrants with nostalgia, and to the generality of Canadians with adventurous taste.
Toyin can be described as an exotic mix of different continents. Born and raised in Nigeria, she migrated to Denmark in 2003. Toyin integrated into the Danish system by diligently learning Danish language. In her quest to see more of this world, Toyin and her family decided to take another leap of faith by relocating to Canada.
Toyin’s passion for the vulnerable population motivated her career change from Computer Science to Public Health. Toyin is a proud graduate of Public Health with distinction from the University of Lethbridge. She took up employment in community living support services within our community, which gave her access to mentoring her individuals.
Toyin is a member and one of the initiators of the newly restructured Association of Nigerians in Lethbridge (ANL). Toyin is also dedicated/committed to mentoring adolescent and young adult immigrants, especially among the young international students. Having been once an international student herself, Toyin understands their struggles and challenges especially regarding adaptation to their new community. Toyin volunteered at the Inter-Faith food bank and Victory Church Lethbridge. Toyin is a regular participant at the organized Southern Alberta Ethnic Association summer gatherings.
Toyin’s motto in life are equity, justice, and fairness.

Zeljka Udovicic

Zeljka Udovicic is treasurer of board Education for Somali Girls and Boys Foundation. She has a social work degree and early childhood education diploma.She is a registered worker with the Alberta College of Social Workers. She works at McMan Youth, Family and Community Service Association. Zeljka has been volunteering with us since the beginning of the foundation and has helped with many events. She is an active member of the community. She used to volunteer with the school by organizing various events. She was part of the film for Refugees (Journeys of Hope), organized by C.A.R.E. in 2016

Hanna Kidane

My name is Hanna Kidane. I was born in the city of Addis Ababa Ethiopia. I am a wife and a mother of two boys. I have always had a dream of becoming a business woman; although I had a lot of barriers owning my business when I was in my home country. However, I was lucky to open an Internet cafe there because I was one of the few people who had their own Internet cafe.
Therefore, I wanted to achieve my passion by pushing myself forward by opening another business which was my owned company that produced construction material input like crushed sand. Since I came to Canada nine years ago I was fortunate to work with Catholic social Services, where I was helping newcomers to settle in Central Alberta.
However, I was so determined to pursue my passion of becoming a business owner then I followed my dream as an entrepreneur. Finally, I successfully opened my owned and operated store in Red Deer Alberta, where I called home now.
My business name is Abissinia Village Market; which I am proud of myself for achieving my dream to become a reality and I am super grateful for God. My store provides mostly Africa and Asian populations. Also I sell Ethiopian Coffee & Enjera.

Arlene Travnik

My name is Arlene and I have a small business called All Natural Lovely Handmade Soaps.
My obsession with making soap began more than a decade ago. I became very concerned with what I was putting on my body, and I moved to using all natural products. I am the kind of person who loves to make what I need. I am always inspired to make the best possible products, with no compromises. I make soaps with quality oils and butters that I source carefully. I avoid oils like soybean and cottonseed which although inexpensive, are produced unsustainably with insecticides and pesticides, from seed to harvest.
I use botanicals and clays for colours, and I use essential oils for scent, or herbal infusions that I produce from my own small garden.
After many adaptations, I came up with what I feel is the very best stain removal bar for laundry. I call it The Antidote!
My all purpose cleaners for the home, my face, hand and body bars are exactly what I love to use, and they are what I consider one of life’s little luxuries. I have many loyal customers who love the unique scents and handmade look of my soaps.
I also sell my own essential oil blends for home use and diffusing. Aromatherapy is such a lovely way to lift the mood and brighten the day!
My Lovely products are all handmade with love and care and attention to detail, and make everyday feel special!
You can find me at:
https://www.facebook.com/LovelyHandmadeSoap
and
https://www.instagram.com/all_natural_lovely/