IDA 2020 Award Finalists Announced
Every year, our selection committee reviews nominations from across Calgary, and Immigrant Services Calgary is proud to announce the finalists for the 24th Annual Immigrants of Distinction Awards!
Award recipients will be announced at the gala, held on March 13, 2020 at the Bella Concert Hall (Mount Royal Theatre). The event will host hundreds of guests, including representation from all levels of government, the corporate community, and the voluntary sector. This year's theme is "Unleashing Potential", meant to recognize the inspirational immigrants who have come to call Calgary home, as well as their resilience and ability 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.
IDA 2020 Award Finalists
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.
Finalists
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| Iman Bukhari | Charles Osuji | Aishwarya Khanduja |
Arts & Culture is presented to an immigrant or refugee who has achieved success in an artistic endeavor within the visual, media or performing arts fields.
Finalists
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| Dr. Daljinder Singh Johal | Olawunmi Idowu | Ishita Singla |
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.
Finalists
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| Humaira Falak | Saima Jamal | Nitu Purna |
Entrepreneurship & 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.
Finalists
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| Jose M. Azares | Angie Ostojic | Erkin Atakhanov |
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.
Finalists
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| Prof. Károly Bezdek | Dr. Lashitew Gedamu | Dr. Evelyn Jain |
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.
Finalists
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| Developmental Disabilities Resource Centre of Calgary (DDRC) / Austin Clem |
Action Dignity Society / Marichu Antonio |
Centre for Affordable Water and Sanitation Technology (CAWST) / Tori D'Avella |
Science, Technology, Engineering and Math is presented to an immigrant or refugee who has achieved success in or made outstanding contributions to promote science, technology, engineering or math (STEM) in Calgary.
Finalists
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| Dr. Belinda Heyne | Dr. Guenther Ruhe | Dr. Baljit Singh |
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.
Finalists
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| Arshiya Shareef | Yuvraj Singh | Qiu Hao (Dundee) Wang |
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| Sunand Kannappan | Aaranyo Ghosh | |
