In 1982, a small circle of immigrant women gathered in a Calgary school basement with children in arms, dreams in motion, and courage running the show. They came seeking connection, and they sparked a movement. Calgary Immigrant Women’s Association was born from a spark that started at Making Changes. By building confidence, seeking community, and finding support, a small group of women founded Calgary Immigrant Women’s Association.

More than four decades later, our legacy reaches 25,000+ immigrant and refugee women and families every year. What started as a local impact has evolved into national leadership.

A Journey Led by Women

A New Identity for a New Era

Our mission stays grounded in the same truth:
Empower Immigrant Women. Enrich Canadian Society.
But our reach has grown. Our influence has grown. Our responsibility has grown.
Which is why our name and brand now reflect who we are today and where we’re going next.

Canadian Immigrant Women’s Association
(CIWA)

From local impact to national leadership, we’re shaping Canada’s future with and for immigrant women.

More than just a graphic refresh, our new brand is a signal of bold progress: confidence in our
identity, pride in our roots, and a vision for immigrant women’s contributions nationwide.
Together, we’re turning a new leaf for Canada.

CIWA’s logo reimagines the Canadian maple leaf through its name, creating a versatile symbol–wordmark that embodies unity and diversity.

The logo features uniquely colored letters that represent the diverse origins and experiences of the women CIWA supports. With a design that evokes both a maple leaf and a flower, it offers flexibility while reflecting CIWA’s dedication to fostering a supportive community for immigrant women across Canada.

The Momentum Ahead

We are expanding our reach so more immigrant women can feel a sense of belonging, thrive in meaningful careers, launch businesses and build prosperity, find safety, healing, and support, and lead with confidence, in their families, their workplaces, and their communities.

The work continues.
The future is calling.

Thank You for Believing in Immigrant Women

To the women in our programs, those learning, working, leading, and raising families:

Thank you. Your resilience, determination, and unbound courage teach us every single day. You build new lives in Canada despite barriers, and you inspire a stronger sense of community in the process.

To our volunteers and alumnae:

You are the extra hands and open hearts that help lift women who just need one
opportunity, one connection, one moment of belief to rise.

To our donors:

Your trust fuels real change. You invest in futures, helping women succeed, thrive,
and contribute their full talents to Canadian life.

To our funders:

Your support aligns with our shared vision for equity and belonging in Canada.
Together we deliver the resources, programs, and innovation required to make
change possible at scale.

To our supporters, partners, and friends of CIWA:

Your trust fuels real change. You invest in futures, helping women succeed, thrive,
and contribute their full talents to Canadian life.

Because of each of you — this moment exists.
Because of each of you — the future is brighter.

See our new identity come to life,