Calgary BELONGING TOUR 2025

Address:

Wednesday, July 23, 2025
9am - 3:30pm at Centre for Newcomers 565 36 St NE, #125, Calgary AB T2A 6K3

The Belonging Tour Day aims to create an inclusive and engaging space where employers, housing leaders, city leaders, and newcomers come together to discuss issues that affect newcomers in Calgary. This day will provide a platform to explore key topics like housing, employment, and belonging, while fostering meaningful connections between employers and newcomers. The event will culminate in an intimate fireside chat featuring a thought leader.

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?

Speakers

  • Paula Calderon Chief Executive Officer Calgary Immigrant Women’s Association (CIWA)

  • Dr Rachel Talavlikar: Medical Director of the Calgary Refugee Health Clinic and the East Calgary Family Care Clinic

  • James Muhato: Co-founder and Community Success Lead at Woveo

  • Akshay Gulati: Founder of Tech Connect Alberta

  • Angelah Kusero Director of Workforce Development at Manpower

  • Punam Dalal: Department Manager at Calgary Immigrant Women’s Association (CIWA)

  • Shreeja Patel: Founder and Lead Software Developer at Tech Meditate

  • Maxan Ferguson-Dyer:Head of Innovation Initiatives at Pitch Better

  • Soulafa Al-Abbasi: Director of Strategic Relations at Calgary Health Foundation

  • Moderator: Templeton Sawyer Executive Lead & Co-founder, | Alive House

  • Moderator: Dr. Devant Maharaj Director of Professional Services at ECO Canada

  • Moderator: Melanie Grob, Co-Chair to Alive House Board of Directors

EMCEE

  • Meaghan Westlake is a community builder and storyteller with a heart for connection and meaningful impact. Through her work in youth engagement, event facilitation, and content creation, she’s passionate about creating spaces where people feel seen, valued, and empowered to show up as themselves.

    Rooted in purpose and guided by courage, Meaghan blends authenticity and energy in everything she does whether she’s leading a workshop, launching a new initiative, or building relationships across communities. With a background in social impact, public speaking, and digital storytelling, she’s driven by a deep belief that positive change begins with conversation, collaboration, and care.

Morning FIRECHAT Speaker


  • Her commitment to public service is unwavering, inspiring all who work with her. Hon. Leela  Sharon Aheer was first elected as a Member of Alberta's Legislative Assembly for the  Chestermere-Rocky View constituency on May 5, 2015. She was re-elected on April 16, 2019,  as the MLA for the newly formed riding of Chestermere-Strathmore.  

    Born in Edmonton and raised in Chestermere, where she raised her family, Aheer is a proud  wife and mother of two amazing young men. She is also a professional singer, vocal coach, and  music teacher, instructing singing in seven languages. Her passion for music led her to own and  operate a successful music studio for twenty-four years in Chestermere and Calgary, where she  was heavily involved in arts, volunteerism, and community service.  

    As Minister of Culture, Multiculturalism and Status of Women (2019 - 2021), Hon. Aheer made  significant strides in promoting multiculturalism and women's status. Her proclamation of  Women's Entrepreneurship Day in February 2019 was a historic moment for Canada. She was  the first Minister of Multiculturalism in the last twenty-five years and the first Deputy Leader of  the United Conservative Party. A key priority of the new government was to provide more  protections for women through initiatives like Clare's Law.  

    Hon. Aheer has worked tirelessly to affirm her position as an ally within the Alberta Legislature  for those seeking shelter from gender-based violence, racism, and female genital mutilation. In  May of 2022, her work on this matter came to fruition when The Health Professions (Protecting  

    Women and Girls) Amendment Act, 2022, a Bill she championed in the Legislature, earned  Royal Assent. This significant achievement is a testament to her commitment to social justice. MLA Aheer is renowned in her community and among her peers for her strategic insights and  ability to build meaningful partnerships. 

    Hon Aheer was appointed Senior Director of Strategy and Partnerships with BioAro Inc., a  precision health and longevity medicine leader, in July 2024. She was also appointed the BioSport Chief Growth Officer. 

    Her visionary approach and commitment to the public are invaluable in navigating the  complexities of global health markets.


Afternoon FIRECHAT Speaker


  • Dr. Chika brings nearly two decades of cross-sector experience spanning architecture, housing, investment management, business advisory, and community development. She holds a Doctorate with a specialization in pro-poor housing policy and development, in addition to degrees in architecture and planning.

    Dr. Chika is a member of the Royal Architectural Institute of Canada, the Royal Institute of British Architects, and the National Organization of Minority Architects. She instructs at both the University of Calgary and Athabasca University.

    As President of WTAL Canada, a national women’s advocacy nonprofit, Dr. Chika leads strategic efforts to ensure that the initiatives women need for professional advancement are intentionally designed and effectively delivered to increase representation across sectors. WTAL also advocates for women’s representation and gender equity in policy decision-making spaces. A recognized leader and entrepreneur, Dr. Chika has been honored with multiple awards for her contributions to housing, innovation, and community impact.

Afternoon FIRECHAT Speaker


  • Frank is the CEO of the Calgary Bridge Foundation for Youth (CBFY), where he leads initiatives to support immigrant and refugee children, youth, and families. He excels at fostering collaboration across sectors like justice, healthcare, and social services. He's known for his innovative thinking in social justice, having launched several multi-million-dollar programs. Previously, he directed the Safe Communities Opportunity and Resource Centre (SORCe), coordinating experts from 14 agencies and architecting the Cross Roads Centre for integrated social services. With 25 years at the Calgary Police Service, Frank diverted young people from the justice system due to trauma, addiction, homelessness, and mental illness. He holds a University of Calgary Bachelor of Arts degree, various leadership certificates, and actively volunteers in the community.

Agenda

9:00 – 9:30 AM - Registration & Welcome Breakfast

9:30 – 10:00 AM- Opening Remarks/Land Acknowledgement 

10:00 – 10:30 AM - The Importance of Belonging

10:30 – 11:00 AM -Morning Firechat: “Youth Housing: A Place to Call Home”

11:00 – 11:30 AM - Break

11:30 – 12:30 PM Panel Session 2: “Youth Employment: Building Career Pathways”

12:30 – 1:30 PM Lunch & Mingle

1:30 – 2:00 PM - Ice-Breaker Session

2:00 – 3:00 PM- Panel Session 3: “Youth Belonging: Creating a Welcoming Community”

3:00 – 3:30 PM- Afternoon Fireside Chat: “The Future of Belonging in Calgary”