Each of the three virtual lunch events will feature a diverse group of women who are leading our city’s transformation in business, politics, education, climate action, and the environment. After the last two years, this big dose of inspiration is the boost we all need.

Join as they discuss how to proactively carve out space for women to engage politically and economically, which is an essential part of building towards a more inclusive and more prosperous Calgary.

Sign up to participate in the kick-off presentation of our three part luncheon series featuring these dynamic women:

Alice Lam is passionate about building a resilient and inclusive community for all Calgarians including seniors, immigrant families, and youth. She is a property manager by day and a community builder all the moments in between having co-founded Volly, a place to find volunteer gigs, the Calgary Community Fridge, and most recently the Good Neighbour Community Market.

Anila Lee Yuen has 25 years of experience in the settlement sector and has spearheaded programming ranging from volunteer-led refugee supports to Indigenous solidarity for newcomers, including the Calgary East Zone Newcomer RAPID RESPONSE for Covid-19 — a collaboration by government and frontline service organizations to respond to various issues by newcomers related to the pandemic. She is the President and Chief Executive Officer of the Centre for Newcomers.

Esmahan Razavi is a trained mediator and a passionate community builder. Her political experience spans all orders of government, including running for Calgary City Council in 2017. She has co-founded two organizations, including Ask Her, an organization dedicated to increasing the number of women running municipally in Calgary. In 2017, Esmahan was recognized by Chatelaine as one of Canada’s 33 Women of the Year for her work on Ask Her.

Jan Damery is an economist, business leader and community builder, recently demonstrating this by throwing her hat into the ring to run for Mayor in the 2021 Calgary Municipal Election. Now back at YWCA Calgary, Jan brings fresh insight to her role as VP, External Relations & Engagement. Before joining YW, Jan has had a varied career as a facilitator and executive coach; senior fundraising roles with both The Aga Khan University and the United Way of Calgary and Area; and leadership roles with TransCanada PipeLines Limited and the Government of Alberta’s Department of Energy.