CIWA Blog
Meet Kafayat
Since 2023, Calgary has been home to Kafayat Tijani, who originally hails from Nigeria. Her journey has taken her across the globe, with time spent living and working in the United Arab Emirates and Scotland. With a background in both teaching and healthcare, Kafayat...
Meet Pauline Hoskin
Born and raised in Toronto, Pauline Hoskin has lived a life rich in experience, both at home and abroad. Alongside her husband, she spent time living overseas and in various southern Alberta communities before settling in Calgary over a decade ago. With a remarkable...
Meet Yvette Hou
Originally from China, Yvette How and her family moved to Canada in 2022, after spending two years in the Philippines. She previously worked as a teacher and has her master’s degree in English Literature. Yvette’s story with CIWA began one day while riding the C-train...
Meet Siefaie: Leading with Heart, Purpose, and Passion
Siefaie Nabiieva is a shining example of resilience, dedication, and community spirit. Originally from Ukraine, she spent over a year in Turkey before settling in Canada with her husband. With a background in medicine and pediatric care, Siefaie dreams of returning to...
Meet Aysha
Aysha is an inspiring youth volunteer whose leadership and commitment are shaping the next generation. Born in Pakistan and raised in Calgary, she brings a global perspective and a deep sense of community to her role as a mentor in CIWA’s Youth Mentorship Program....
Meet Hema
At the Calgary Immigrant Women’s Association (CIWA), we are honored to work alongside remarkable individuals like Hema, whose journey embodies the transformative power of volunteering and community spirit. Born and raised in India, Hema holds a Bachelor’s Degree in...
Meet Himan
Meet Himan, CIWA's Pebbles in the Sand Program Coordinator: The Face of CIWA for the month of February.“Himan is a dedicated and passionate team member who goes above and beyond to support CIWA’s clients. Her commitment to empowering newcomers, creating inclusive...
Meet Zeba
Zeba was born and raised in Pakistan. She has a Masters in Genetics and was a science teacher for over 9 years when she resided in Saudi Arabia. She, along with her husband and young children, moved to Calgary in 2006 and continued to learn and earn other certificates...
Meet Abiodun
Meet Abiodun, Team Lead of the Family Resource Network - Home Visitation Spoke: The Face of CIWA for the month of January."Abi has always been a great colleague, mentor, and leader. She embodies the values of CIWA in her work with clients as well as with colleagues....
Meet Duaa
Duaa was born and raised in Palestine, where she worked as a translator with United Nations. She later moved to the US and earned her Master’s in TESOL and Linguistics. After completing her studies, she returned to Palestine to teach at a local university. In 2014,...