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]]>The post Give & Gain: Honouring Women Who Uplift Community appeared first on Calgary Catholic Immigration Society.
]]>We are proud to share a meaningful “Give and Gain” moment from within our CCIS community.
Our Career Bridge Workshop (CBW) Team Lead, Ayesha Saeed, has recently been honoured with two significant recognitions that reflect the spirit of empowerment and community leadership at the heart of our work.
Ayesha received both a Certificate of Recognition and the Alberta Recognition Pin from the Legislative Assembly of Alberta, presented in celebration of Outstanding Women in Our Community by the Honourable Minister Rajan Sawhney. She was also awarded a Certificate of Recognition from the Asha Circle Association for her strength, resilience, and exceptional contributions to community.
In Ayesha’s words:“These acknowledgements hold deep meaning for me as a woman who has dared to challenge norms and stand for a future rooted in dignity, equality, and opportunity. This moment is not just about me. It reflects the strength and determination of all women who dare to dream, work hard, and build something meaningful.”
Ayesha dedicated these recognitions to her late parents, honouring their guidance and selfless giving. She also expressed heartfelt gratitude to the supportive women in her life — family, friends, and colleagues — whose encouragement continues to inspire her commitment to uplift others. In addition, she extended appreciation to our CEO, Gordana Radan, whose leadership fosters opportunities for women at CCIS to grow, lead, and make meaningful impact.
Please join us in congratulating Ayesha and in carrying the “Give and Gain” spirit into our daily work with clients, colleagues, and communities.
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]]>The post International Women’s Day appeared first on Calgary Catholic Immigration Society.
]]>This year, we were honoured to celebrate two exceptional CCIS team members who were recognized as Employees of the Year at the PIA Gala Francophone Célèbr’ELLES: Fleeha Ahmad and Mayil Sanchez Silva.
Hosted in recognition of International Women’s Day, the event continues Portail de l’Immigrant Association (PIA)’s tradition of bringing communities together to highlight the achievements and contributions of women and girls across diverse sectors. It is an annual celebration of leadership, resilience, and the meaningful impact women make every day.
Both Fleeha and Mayil have made remarkable contributions to our rural communities. Their leadership was instrumental in our Rocky View Immigrant Services (RVIS) office receiving the Community Spirit Award from the Airdrie Regional Chamber of Commerce last year.
Mayil has been a steadfast advocate for Spanish‑speaking communities in Calgary and Airdrie. She leads the Federal Pathways to the Americas Project, supporting refugees from Venezuela, Colombia, and Haiti, and previously guided the rural mentorship project for newcomers.
Fleeha, who has served CCIS for more than 15 years—first as Team Lead at our Brooks & County Immigration Services (BCIS) office and now as a Settlement/SWIS Worker with RVIS—continues to strengthen community connections through her involvement in Cochrane Culture Fest, Airdrie Culture Fest, Taste of Culture, and the Welcoming Airdrie Committee.
We are proud to celebrate Fleeha, Mayil, and all the inspiring women recognized this year
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]]>The post WCIS Welcomes the Year of the Horse appeared first on Calgary Catholic Immigration Society.
]]>Pictured are families from Claresholm and Granum (Willow Creek area) who attended the event. We are grateful to our dedicated volunteers—Zhou Xiaoming (Allen), Jhing, and Pastor Julius Benjamin Penas—for their leadership and support. Guests enjoyed a potluck meal, meaningful conversations, and charming piano performances from participants of all ages.
Wishing everyone a joyful and prosperous Year of the Horse!
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]]>The post BCIS EHUB Workshops Support Clients on Their Job Search Journey appeared first on Calgary Catholic Immigration Society.
]]>The Work Search Strategies workshop, led by Tetiana Miroshnikova, a Career & Employment Advisor at BCIS Employment Hub (EHUB), was designed to support seven clients in building their job search skills. To ensure full understanding, the presentation was delivered in Amharic and Somali, supporting participants with lower English levels (CLB 1–3). Clients learned practical skills for completing job applications and navigating online job platforms. Since one of Brooks’ main employers is JBS Food ULC, participants were introduced to meat-cutting positions, their job responsibilities, and the company’s application process. The group also practiced using Indeed.ca to search for jobs and submit applications. Through small group discussions, clients shared ideas and began building a supportive network across their diverse professional backgrounds.
Rodas Massey, Team Lead & Employment Coordinator at BCIS, hosted an Interview Preparation session for 16 clients. The workshop helped participants prepare for interviews with potential employers for positions such as kitchen helpers and cleaners at a local restaurant.
Clients practiced introducing themselves, preparing answers to common interview questions, and improving public speaking skills. Thanks to this preparation, participants felt more confident and successfully attended their interviews with employers the following day.
The BCIS Employment Hub, launched in spring 2025, is an innovative initiative connecting job seekers with meaningful opportunities while supporting local businesses with their hiring needs. Since its launch, the program has partnered with seven local businesses and continues to expand its community impact. Through specialized streams – including Work Exposure placements, Job Placement support, Training and Exposure Courses, and Employment Management Supports – the Hub provides a comprehensive approach to workforce development. By offering hands-on job experience, assisting with recruitment, and helping clients obtain essential certifications like CPR/First Aid and Food Safety, the program equips participants with the skills and confidence to enter the labour market successfully.
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]]>The post Celebrating 45 Years: Anniversary Logo Contest appeared first on Calgary Catholic Immigration Society.
]]>To help mark the occasion, we hosted a logo design contest inviting participants to create a commemorative design that captures the spirit and legacy of the organization. Designers were encouraged to reflect the values, impact, and vision that have guided us over the past 45 years.
The response from the community was outstanding. We received over 100 submissions from 47 talented designers, each offering a creative and meaningful interpretation of the organization’s history and future. The wide range of ideas showcased the strong connection that many people feel toward CCIS and our mission.
The top three designs will be featured on CCIS’s social media channels, where the community will play an important role in choosing the winning logo. The final design will be determined through community voting, giving supporters and community members the chance to participate in this special celebration.
Be sure to follow our social media channels to cast your vote and help select the commemorative logo that will represent CCIS throughout our anniversary year. The winning design will be revealed on April 1 and will be featured across CCIS communications, events, and materials as part of the year-long celebration.
This anniversary is more than a celebration of time—it is a celebration of people, partnerships, and progress. As we reflect on 45 years of impact, the commemorative logo will stand as a symbol of the journey so far and the exciting path ahead.
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]]>The post Discovering Curling at the Bell Starting Line – Team Canada FanFest appeared first on Calgary Catholic Immigration Society.
]]>Hosted by Bell Canada in partnership with the Canadian Olympic Committee, this exciting event introduced youth new to Canada to the world of winter sport, with a special focus on curling. Participants had the opportunity to try curling firsthand in a fun, welcoming environment.
Beyond the activities, the experience was made even more memorable through interactions with Olympians, who shared their journeys and stories with youth. Families also gathered to join the national watch party and cheer on Team Canada as they competed at the Olympic Winter Games.
For many of the children and youth, this was their first introduction to winter sport in Canada. Participants were then eligible to register for free Learn to Curl programming at a local club, creating a pathway for continued participation.
NCYC coordinated registration, supported transportation, and provided on-site assistance and interpretation to ensure families could fully participate. NCYC appreciates the opportunity to partner in initiatives that increase access to recreation and help newcomer families connect with community programs.
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]]>The post FCIS Sewing Circle appeared first on Calgary Catholic Immigration Society.
]]>When she found out that our Foothills Community Immigrant Services (FCIS) office in High River was offering a free sewing workshop with all equipment and materials provided, she didn’t hesitate.
“I’m very excited about the sewing classes because I learn something new every class. The teacher is professional and helps us with our questions. She teaches sewing very well.”
Every Thursday afternoon, Patricia joins our experienced volunteer seamstress, Stella Finnemore, to work on various projects. Before the holiday break, Patricia completed her first pillowcase, and her classmate completed a blanket for her baby on the way.
The Sewing Circle isn’t just about sewing. It’s about community, making new friends and sharing. It’s also a great place to practice speaking English. FCIS is always looking for fun, creative ways to engage Permanent Residents in the Foothills. The Sewing Circle is just its newest offering!
To register, please contact Natacha P. Gougeon at [email protected] or text 403-613-3673. Classes run every Thursday afternoon from 1:30pm-3:30pm in our High River office.
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]]>The post Taste of Nations Airdrie appeared first on Calgary Catholic Immigration Society.
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Attendees enjoyed sixteen cultural booths with global flavors and thirteen stage performances of music, dance, and songs. The Airdrie Arts and Culture Council displayed local art, while Youth Airdrie kept kids engaged with cultural crafts.
The event was well-supported by local leaders, including Mayor Heather Spearman, the Honourable Muhammad Yaseen, MLA Peter Guthrie, and MLA Angela Pitt. A sincere thank you went to the entire team, with special recognition to leads Fleeha Ahmad and Nasra Hussein for their dedication and vision.
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]]>The post My Story: The Journey of Sadiki appeared first on Calgary Catholic Immigration Society.
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With determination and purpose, I earned a BA in Communications and a master’s in Education. I served as a college guidance counsellor for refugee students and helped found the Tertiary Refugee Student Network, working to advance post-secondary pathways for refugees worldwide. Eventually, I arrived in Canada as a Government-Assisted Refugee. Like many newcomers, I navigated unfamiliar institutions, endured precarity, and negotiated ongoing belonging. Through education, community accompaniment, and perseverance, I found stability and purpose.
Today, I am privileged to support others on that same continuum — linking newcomers to services, convening cross-sector partnerships, and collaborating with employers and community leaders to strengthen inclusion, integration, and social cohesion. My journey allows me to meet people with both professional understanding and lived empathy.
For me, Black History Month is not merely commemorative; it is an ethical imperative for accountability and transformative action. Across different historical moments and contexts, Black communities have endured systemic injustice and structural exclusion, yet have continually generated cultural, scientific, civic, and intellectual contributions that shape human progress. Black history is a living archive of resilience, creativity, leadership, and hope.
We cannot honour the past while ignoring present realities. The most meaningful way to honour Black history is to pair narrative with practice — advancing inclusion, challenging harmful stereotypes, and building communities where equity is truly institutionalized.
Together, let us cultivate a future where safety and belonging are unconditional.
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