News
Karnik Family Scholarship
Padmaja (Pam) and Umesh Karnik came to Canada from India in 1983/81. They pursued education in the fields of Finance/Marketing and Engineering, respectively, and recently retired after long, successful careers with TELUS and NOVA Chemicals. Pam has served as a volunteer on the Boards of TELUS Calgary Community Board, Women in Communications & Technology and the Calgary Police Commission. Umesh is a volunteer on the Board of Green Centre Canada. Their passion for the education of immigrant women in Calgary has inspired their philanthropic engagement through this scholarship.
PURPOSE OF SCHOLARSHIP:
Three scholarships of $1500 each will be awarded to CIWA clients or volunteers who wish to pursue their educational or professional goals in Calgary at a recognized institution with the goal of being gainfully employed. Fees as well as incidentals such as childcare expenses would be eligible for reimbursement in pursuit of:
- Diploma or degree courses at a recognized institution
- Exams to recertify credentials in Canada
- Costs to upgrade qualifications or to re-train for a new career
WHO CAN APPLY:
- CIWA client or volunteer (past or present) 18+ years of age
- Lived in Canada for less than 5 years
- Demonstrates a financial need
- Has not received another CIWA scholarship in the past
HOW TO APPLY:
- Complete and sign the Application Form
- Include a curriculum vitae or resume
- Submit a letter of reference, if shortlisted and upon request
SCHOLARSHIP CONDITIONS:
- Scholarship will be presented at an award ceremony
- Candidate must be present at the event to receive the award
- CIWA will need a confirmation of enrollment and original receipts to award the scholarship
- All scholarship funds must be used within 12 months of receiving it
PLEASE SUBMIT YOUR APPLICATION TO:
Scholarship Committee via email: scholarships@ciwa.org
APPLICATION DEADLINE:
September 18, 2026 (Late or incomplete applications will not be accepted.)
CIWA’s Partnership with The Shoe Project 2019
For the third year in a row, CIWA partnered with The Shoe Project to provide immigrant women the opportunity to share their immigration stories. The Shoe Project was founded by Katherine Govier eight years ago in Toronto to provide a platform where immigrant and refugee women can share their stories of their arrival in Canada – through a pair of shoes. The women are coached by Canadian writers and theatre professionals. As of today, The Shoe Project holds performances in Halifax, Toronto, Calgary, Canmore, and Vancouver.
Youth Forum and Daughters Day Awards 2020
From left to right: Alice Lam Daughters Day Jury Chair; Award Winner Charvi Shah; Award Winner Eliana Samara; Award Winner May Elsayed; Award Winner Ayah Aldeeb; Award Sponsor and former CIWA Board Chair Gerda R. Bloemraad On February 13, 2020, CIWA celebrated its...
CIWA Launches Supporting the Economic Security of Unpaid Caregivers
CIWA is pleased to announce a new project! Supporting the Economic Security of Unpaid Caregivers is a project that focuses on supporting immigrant women who are providing informal/unpaid care for a family member (child, spouse, aging parent or grandparent, etc.).
CIWA Launches Employment Security Alliance for Vulnerable Immigrant Women
CIWA is pleased to announce a new project! Employment Security Alliance for Vulnerable Immigrant Women is a project that plans to increase the economic security of immigrant and refugee women who are fleeing domestic abuse.
Open seats available for Bridge to Success for Professional Immigrant Women. Training is available for current or past EI clients
Bridge to Success for Professional Immigrant Women
Program Description
Bridge to Success for Professional Immigrant Women is a full-time 24-week employment training program. This program helps women with educational and professional backgrounds in administration, sales, marketing, community and social services, and other related professions to attain professional experience in their field of expertise by helping to connect them to the labour market.