CIWA’s Board of Directors is pleased to announce the appointment of Paula Calderon to the role of CEO of CIWA.
As Board Chair, I would like to thank my fellow Board members for their time and expertise in the recruitment process. Paula comes to us with extensive leadership experience in the immigration and settlement sector, and her values, particularly her commitment to the empowerment of women and immigrants to Canada, align with CIWA’s. She also has a proven track record of successfully leading the growth of business and organizations in the immigrant serving sector, and building relationships with clients, partners, and community members. On behalf of the CIWA Board of Directors, I would like to welcome Paula to the CIWA community and congratulate her on her new role.
Paula joins CIWA at an exciting time as our transformation, reflected in our new five-year strategic plan, rolls out across the organization and our employees, volunteers, funders, and stakeholders are re-introduced to CIWA’s vision and mission. Paula will lead the CIWA team of volunteers and staff to new levels of success as we reach for our vision to empower immigrant women and enrich Canadian society.
Since coming to Canada from Colombia in 2001, Paula has worked within the immigrant serving sector with a focus on labour market integration, program development, fund development, and bridging programs for newcomers. She comes to us from Windmill Microlending in Toronto, an organization that started in Calgary and expanded across Canada. Paula’s background encompasses a broad range of responsibilities including program development, managing operational budgets and capital funds, fund development, generating thought leadership, people management, and establishing strategic partnerships and relationships in the sector.
Beba Svigir, CIWA’s outgoing Chief Executive Officer has retired on June 1st. CIWA’s staff and Board of Directors are exceedingly grateful for Beba’s leadership over the past 16 years.
The Board believes Paula brings that rare combination of purpose, skill and humanity to guide CIWA safely with purpose and compassion. Please join us in giving a warm welcome to Paula!
Sincerely,
Ranju Shergill, CIWA Board Chair