IDA 2022 Award Finalists

Every year, our selection committee reviews nominations from across Calgary, and Immigrant Services Calgary is proud to announce the finalists for the 25th annual Immigrants of Distinction Awards!

Award recipients will be announced at the awards gala, held on November 3rd, 2022, at the Arts Commons Jack Singer Concert Hall. The event will host hundreds of guests, including representation from government, the corporate community, and the civic sector. This year's theme is "Recognizing Remarkable Resilience". It highlights the inspirational immigrants who have come to call Calgary home, and their resilience and courage to break through barriers and help others do the same.

In the following weeks, we'll be highlighting each finalist and sharing their stories on our website and social media. Make sure to follow us online to catch a glimpse of their photos and to hear about their remarkable achievements that are breaking down barriers.

Achievement Under 35 is presented to an immigrant or refugee under 35 years of age who has had remarkable success and made significant achievements in their chosen career path in a relatively short period of time. By overcoming significant obstacles, this person has demonstrated perseverance and dedication.

Arts and Culture is presented to an immigrant or refugee who has achieved success in an artistic endeavor within the visual, media, or performing arts fields.

Community Development Through Sport is presented to an immigrant or refugee who has made significant impact on the lives of newcomers through sport.

Community Service is presented to an immigrant or refugee who has provided outstanding community service to the city of Calgary and immigrant communities in a volunteer capacity.

Entrepreneurship and Innovation is presented to an immigrant or refugee who has achieved success in the creation or operation of a business or entrepreneurial endeavor or has applied innovation resulting in business success in Calgary or surrounding areas.

Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) is presented to an immigrant or refugee who has achieved success in or made outstanding contributions to promote science, technology, engineering or math in Calgary.

The Leadership Award (in partnership with the Calgary Black Chambers) is presented to an immigrant or refugee who has demonstrated remarkable leadership in the community.

Lifetime Achievement presented to an immigrant or refugee who has achieved outstanding success in his or her chosen career path, professional field, or in the area of immigrant services. This individual will have made significant contributions to our city in the areas of professional achievement, community building, and philanthropic endeavors.

Organizational Diversity is presented to an organization* (business, government body, non-profit organization, or media outlet) that is a leader in embracing and promoting an inclusive, welcoming and diverse workplace. The winner will be a shining example of how a company champions workplace diversity initiatives and has made significant contributions to supporting and integrating an ethnically diverse workforce.

Youth Achievement is awarded to an immigrant or refugee youth between the ages of 14 and 24 who have made an outstanding contribution or significant achievement in one or more of the following areas: arts and culture, sports, community and volunteer activities, academics, and leadership.