The Alberta Immigrant Impact Awards celebrate the outstanding contributions of Albertans born abroad. They honour individuals – youth, women, seniors, artists, athletes, entrepreneurs, community builders and others – who have enriched the province through business, science and technology, professional contributions, academia, arts, sports, or volunteer efforts.

Nominees must have been born outside of Canada but are now Canadian citizens or permanent residents and currently living in Alberta. They may have been living in Canada for a long time, or for just a few years.

2025 Alberta Immigrant Impact Awards recipients were joined by Premier Danielle Smith and Associate Minister Muhammad Yaseen on September 30, 2025

 

Arts and Sports Award

 

Farhad Sheikhvatan

Farhad Sheikhvatan is a Senior Soil Laboratory Researcher with dual Master’s degrees, a certified Professional Agrologist, and a registered Canadian soccer coach. In Calgary’s Persian community, he leads inclusive soccer and karate programs for immigrant and low-income families. Through volunteer leadership, Farhad fosters teamwork, fitness, and belonging, building bridges across cultures and strengthening community well-being.

Ritika Anand

Ritika is a creator, educator, and advocate transforming lives through arts, wellness, and empowerment. As founder of the We Women Foundation, she uplifts marginalized women and youth in Alberta and India through film, dance, meditation, and public speaking. Proudly rooted in Alberta, Ritika mentors youth and reimagines wellness through art, embodying resilience, compassion, and transformation.

Career and Academics Contribution Award

 

Ahmad Raza Khan Rana

Ahmad is Technical Director at Integrity Products & Supplies Inc. and a Doctoral Researcher at the University of Central Florida. He’s secured over $2 million in research funding, driven innovation in Alberta’s industrial sector, and supported Indigenous employment initiatives. His global recognition in corrosion research and contributions to international standards reflect his leadership in Research and Development.

Georgios Georgiou

Georgios is a professor in the Faculty of Education at the University of Alberta and a leading scholar in literacy research. With over 200 publications and 12,000+ citations, his work has shaped Alberta’s literacy landscape. He developed province-wide screening tools and interventions for K–3 students, ensuring strong foundations for lifelong learning across the province.

Gordana Radan

Gordana is CEO of Calgary Catholic Immigration Society, the largest immigrant-serving agency in the Prairies. A refugee turned sector leader, she oversees 500+ staff and 2,000 volunteers. She pioneered nationally recognized employment programs for newcomers and was named a Top 25 Canadian Immigrant in 2024. Gordana continues to champion newcomer success across Canada.

Siu Ming Kwok

Siu Ming is a Full Professor of Social Work and Associate Director of the School of Public Policy at the University of Calgary. His scholarship bridges research with real-world impact. He serves on the United Nations commission of the International Federation of Social Workers and has led both provincial and national social work regulatory bodies in Canada.

Oluwabukola Salami

Professor Oluwabukola Salami is a Tier 1 Canada Research Chair in Black and Racialized Peoples’ Health and a Full Professor at the University of Calgary. Immigrating at 16, she’s led over 90 funded projects influencing national policy. She founded Western Canada’s first university-based Black Youth Mentorship Program and continues to advance Black health equity across Canada.

 

Entrepreneurial Spirit Award

Lorephil Toledo

Lorephil is a resilient entrepreneur who founded CanaJan Inc., now Primekey Management Inc.,specializing in cleaning and property management. Arriving in Canada with no money and no English, she built a thriving business with 17 staff serving hundreds of clients. Lorephil continues to uplift fellow immigrants, turning challenges into opportunities through service, grit, and community support.

Piyush Sawhney

Piyush is a third-generation entrepreneur who expanded his eco-friendly cell phone repair business from one store to 35 across four provinces. Publicly listed on the TSX-V in 2025, it became Canada’s largest chain of its kind. Honoured with multiple awards, Piyush exemplifies resilience and innovation, especially during the pandemic, and inspires newcomers through his leadership.

Priscilla Lee

Priscilla is a visionary entrepreneur and founder of Innerlogue Therapy & Psychology in Calgary. Since 2023, she has grown it from a solo practice to a team of over 15 professionals. Her clinic offers inclusive, multilingual, and culturally sensitive mental health services, reflecting her deep commitment to accessibility, community care, and mental wellness for all.

Immigrant Excellence Award

 

Bryan Mwaka

Bryan is a passionate advocate for equity and inclusion whose lived experience as an immigrant and former refugee informs his work with the Mustard Seed and Edmonton Police Service. Through initiatives like Historical Trauma Training, he fosters empathy, reshapes policing practices, and builds bridges toward safer, more inclusive communities across Alberta.

Jayanta Chowdhury

Jay is an Economist currently serving as Station Manager at RED FM 106.7, part of the Multicultural Broadcasting Corporation. He is also an ordained religious minister involved in social advocacy, supporting Albertans facing challenging circumstances.

Natacha Bordier

Natacha is a bilingual communications specialist whose leadership has enriched Alberta’s francophone and multicultural communities. Through her work with Alliance Française Calgary and volunteer efforts—from mentoring newcomers to supporting the Special Olympics—she fosters language learning, connection, and belonging. Her energy and dedication continue to inspire across cultures and generations.

Noreen J. Sibanda

Noreen is a Zimbabwean-born mental health clinician, supervisor, author, and sessional instructor. As co-founder and Executive Director of the Alberta Black Therapist Network, she leads efforts to destigmatize therapy and expand access. Noreen develops anti-racism curricula, mentors clinicians, and is a sought-after speaker featured across media platforms for her transformative work.

Riad Tarrabain

Dr. Riad Tarrabain, B.Sc., D.C., M.D., is a healthcare professional and entrepreneur with over two decades of service to Albertans. Through his musculoskeletal and rehabilitation centers, and community programs, he provides compassionate care while championing diversity and immigrant success. Actively volunteering with non-profit organizations, he fosters cultural understanding, youth development, and interfaith engagement, leaving a lasting impact across Alberta.

Sally Shifeng Zhao

Dr. Sally Zhao is President and CEO of The Immigrant Education Society (TIES), where she began as a volunteer English as a second language tutor in 2005. With a PhD in education, she now leads TIES as a cornerstone of newcomer support. Sally champions inclusion and empowerment while serving on key boards advancing mental health, education, and integration.

 

Immigrant Women’s Impart Award

 

Adeola Adekugbe

Adeola is the Founder and Executive Director of Ruth’s House, a non-profit offering culturally responsive shelter and support to African immigrants affected by domestic violence. A survivor turned leader, she transforms lived experience into healing and hope. With compassion, courage, and cultural intelligence, Mama Dee mentors, advocates, and inspires lasting change across Alberta’s immigrant communities.

Noor Al Henedy

Noor is a trailblazing community leader and advocate for equity and justice. As the first woman elected Chair of Al Rashid Mosque, she leads inclusive governance and educational initiatives. Her work in interfaith dialogue, anti-racism, and civic engagement continues to inspire communities across Alberta to build a more inclusive and compassionate future.

Shayla S. Dube

Shayla is a child and youth mental health specialist, clinical social worker, and Africentric Social Work instructor. Rooted in Ubuntu and cultural humility, she empowers marginalized communities through trauma-informed, decolonial approaches. Shayla co-creates culturally safe spaces where families thrive in resilience and solidarity, advancing healing, equity, and belonging across Alberta.

 

Young Leader Award

Anastasiia Stepanchuk

Arriving in Canada alone eight years ago, Dr. Anastasiia Stepanchuk is now a neuroscientist and founder driving impact across disciplines. From Alzheimer’s research to scent-based engagement trials and newcomer support, she transforms resilience into innovation. Anastasiia’s journey reflects the power of perseverance and the potential of young leaders to spark meaningful change.

Arijit Lodha

Arijit is a fourth-year medical student at the University of Alberta and a rising leader in neonatal research with 11 peer-reviewed publications and accolades from global bodies. Born in Melbourne, Australia and raised in Canada, he blends his Rajasthani heritage with service—leading youth initiatives, volunteering locally and abroad, and mentoring young immigrants through cultural programs across North America.

Hamza Echchoujaa

Hamza is a dynamic student leader at Mount Royal University, now completing his final year in nursing. He leads the Men in Nursing Club, the Public Speaking and Leadership Club, and the Muslim Students’ Affiliation. Through inclusive initiatives and advocacy, Hamza empowers students to lead with compassion, courage, and community spirit.