Calgary BELONGING TOUR Conference 2026

Date: June 4th 2026 at 9am to 3:30pm

Belonging Tour Day brings together employers, housing leaders, city leaders, and newcomers to create an inclusive and engaging space for dialogue and connection in Calgary. As one of Canada’s fastest-growing and most diverse cities, Calgary plays a critical role in shaping how newcomers experience economic opportunity, community integration, and long-term success.

In a time where conversations around immigration, connection, and culture can feel increasingly polarized, this gathering creates space to explore resiliency in action how communities, organizations, and leaders can come together to build understanding, strengthen relationships, and move forward collectively.

The day focuses on key issues impacting newcomers—such as housing, employment, and belonging, while fostering meaningful relationships between employers and communities.

Through interactive sessions and shared learning, participants will explore practical solutions and local strategies that support integration and long-term success. The day will conclude with an intimate fireside chat featuring a leading voice in the field.

Where to Find Us

The conference will be hosted by the Canadian Immigrant Women’s Association (formerly known as Calgary Immigrant Women’s Association), a leading organization dedicated to supporting newcomer women and families through a range of community-based services.

The venue is easily accessible via public transit, with street parking available nearby for those driving. Attendees will also have access to free Wi-Fi throughout the space, ensuring a connected and comfortable experience.

To support your participation throughout the day, a light continental breakfast and lunch will be provided, creating space not only for learning, but also for connection and community building

The full agenda will be available through the Eventbrite registration link.

 

Meet Our Amazing Speakers!

  • Bethel Afework

    Executive Director & Co-founder of The Alcove Centre for the Art

  • Salimah Kassam

    Executive Director: Rise Calgary

  • Dr.Millicent Mabi

    Director, Programming , Calgary Public Library

  • Wunmi Adekanmbi

    Executive Director of Immigrant Techies Alberta

  • Grounding Keynote: Dennis Agbegha

    Director, Banking Prairies , RBCx

  • D'Andre Wilson-Ihejirika

    Chair, LearningCITY Collective

  • Moderator: Dozie Anyaegbunam,

    Creative Director, The Newcomers Podcast

  • Paula Calderon

    Chief Executive Officer, Canadian Immigrant Women’s Association

  • Madhura Joshi

    Founder & CEO | International Speaker, Ignite Your Inner Potential Inc.

  • Punam Dalal

    Manager, Employment Training and Bridging Department at Canadian Immigrant Women’s Association

  • Maxan Ferguson-Dyer

    Program and Community Manager – Calgary, BrainSTEM Alliance

  • Jatin Shory

    Partner - Immigration and Refugee Law, Shory Law LLP

  • Templeton Sawyer

    Executive Lead & Co-Founder: Alive House

Our Main Sponsors:

  • Cross-Sector Collaboration: The event brings together employers, housing leaders, city officials, and newcomers, creating a rare, inclusive space for dialogue across different sectors that directly impact newcomer experiences.

  • Focus on Key Newcomer Issues: It addresses critical topics like housing, employment, and belonging, making it a targeted and purposeful event tailored to the challenges newcomers face in Calgary.

  • Meaningful Connections & Thought Leadership: With opportunities for networking and a culminating fireside chat with a thought leader, the tour fosters both personal connection and inspiration through expert insight.

What Makes the Belonging Tour Unique?

  • Employers and HR Professionals – To explore inclusive hiring practices and connect with newcomer talent.

  • Housing Providers and Developers – To discuss accessible housing solutions and better understand newcomer housing needs.

  • Municipal and Community Leaders – To collaborate on policies and initiatives that support newcomer integration and belonging.

  • Newcomers and Immigrant Community Members – To share lived experiences, build networks, and engage in shaping inclusive communities.

Who will be attending the event?

“As everyone arrives, we gather for the conference : taking time to settle in, get comfortable, and begin connecting with those around us. This is where a shared sense of belonging begins, setting the tone for the journey ahead.”