Our Team

I am an experienced Afterschool Program Coordinator with over nine years at CBFY. I began my journey as a facilitator for the Afterschool Program, where I discovered my passion for enriching the lives of students and creating a positive learning environment. In March 2020, I stepped into the role of Program Coordinator, and I have since focused on developing engaging programs and initiatives that support youth development and community involvement. My commitment to empowering young minds and fostering teamwork drives my work and makes me proud to be part of the CBFY team.

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In 2014, after 11 years working as a documentary producer and reporter, I left Eritrea due to extreme repression, joining many others exiled by decades of war and political oppression. In Uganda, I co-founded Africa Monitors, an organization advocating for Eritrean refugees across East and North Africa, Israel, and Europe while documenting human rights violations in Eritrea. In 2018, I co-founded ERISAT, the first independent free-to-air TV channel broadcasting into Eritrea via satellite, raising awareness about human rights conditions. Over the past decade, I have worked with various organizations to advocate for refugee rights, promote sustainable immigration policies, and contribute to migration-related publications. In 2020, I moved to Canada and continued my work in human rights and refugee advocacy. Before joining CBFY in October 2024, I worked as an employment counsellor with Immigrant Centre Manitoba, helping newcomers navigate resettlement and build meaningful lives.

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Janelle Wong is deeply passionate about immigration politics. Her academic journey is fueled by a profound interest in understanding the nuanced experiences of immigrants and the barriers they face. With a focus on contributing to organizations dedicated to immigration and human rights, she aspires to address barriers faced by immigrants and shape public policies that positively impact their lives.

Jacky Chui is a registered social worker with over six years of experience working with ethnic minority families and youth. He has a strong background in school social work services, with three years of experience in that field. Jacky is dedicated to providing emotional counseling, crisis management, and organizing programs for social inclusion.

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Svitlana, originally from Ukraine, embarked on a journey through teaching, customs, and aiding newcomers in Bulgaria and Spain. Her path led her to Canada, where as a passionate SWIS worker, she guides students to success. With diverse roles and a heart for connections, she enriches lives.

Combining technical background with the passion for an Individual strength & meaningful purpose, I see the “big picture” in detail and thrive in a diverse & inclusive environment.

Samiha Fizal, an immigrant from India, mom of two children, speaks Malayalam, Hindi, and English languages. In-School Settlement (SWIS) worker with the Calgary Bridge Foundation for Youth for the past 10 years. Passionate about working with newcomer youth and families; love being involved in their transition, education, and settlement life and journey in Canada. An enthusiastic team player and a lifelong learner. Enjoys working collaboratively with youth community partners. Embraces diversity, mental health, spirituality, enjoys interacting with people from different parts of the world and making a positive difference in other's lives. Important values are gratitude and inclusiveness.

Rahel Gebrehiwot: dedicated Settlement Worker in School BA in Management, MA in Development Studies, fluent in English and Amharic. Excels in fostering integration for newcomer families, advocating for students, and maintaining confidential records. With over six years of experience, my passion lies in bridging cultural gaps and organizing workshops for a positive transition into Canadian society. Adept in needs assessment, community engagement, and crisis intervention. Dedicated to empowering families through effective communication and support.

I have been working with CBFY as settlement worker for over 12 years. My passion and dedication in helping newcomer kids and families have been the driving force for me to work tirelessly with fulfilled satisfaction Settlement services play a crucial role in easing the transition for newcomers, I always try to making a positive impact on the lives of those I serve. Hope my care and support can contribute significantly to the success and well-being of kids and families. I feel grateful for the positive collaboration and support from team, various agencies, and communities. And recognize the importance of building strong connections within my professional network in the past years. I grow with CBFY with learning and gaining many experience and skills either personal and professional development. Overall I am very happy to work this role.

With a passion for community building and over 15 years of experience in settlement services, I am dedicated to helping newcomers integrate successfully into their new communities. As a Settlement Worker at CBFY, I provide comprehensive support and guidance to individuals and families, assisting them with housing, employment, education, and access to community resources.

In my role, I take pride in facilitating smooth transitions for newcomers, helping them overcome challenges and achieve their goals. Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my family and connecting with my community which help me stay grounded and connected to the diverse communities I serve.

Originally from Vancouver Island, I arrived in Calgary eager to assist in the settlement of newcomer families. Holding a bachelor’s degree with a double major in Political Science and Sociology, I am informed by my education and varied experience working with youth. Ultimately though, it is the stories that drive my passion. Working with youth and their families at CBFY allows me to interact with newcomers everyday, listening to and learning from diverse lived experiences. In everything I do, I try to put myself in other peoples’ shoes. Empathy for the immigrant experience and an understanding that where we are born and who we are born to impacts so much of what we are exposed to, and therefore our perspective. If there is one thing that I have learned, it is that it only takes one person, one moment to change your life forever, to change your perspective. It just takes one person to have an impact. In everything that you do, strive to be that person.

I moved to Canada 15 years ago as a skilled worker. My background is from the beautiful city, named Chandigarh, located in North India. I attained my Masters Degree in English with Linguistics and Applied Linguistics as my main field of expertise. I also completed my Bachelors Degree in Education there. I moved to the United Kingdom on work visa in 2004 and my journey to work with new immigrants started there. I worked as Bi-Lingual information Advisor helping newcomers with resources to attain language and other skills within the UK. Then I moved to Canada. I continued working with new immigrants in Calgary and now with over 15 years of experience in helping newcomers altogether, I proudly acknowledge that serving newcomers is my passion. It is a different sense of accomplishment when you serve a newcomer family and youth, and that brings back the memories of my own journey to settlement in Canada.

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I am a former clinical psychologist with extensive experience in teaching, coaching, management, and program development. I hold an M.Phil. in Clinical Psychology and an M.A. in Psychology. As an immigrant from Nepal, my journey mirrors that of many others, and I have called Calgary home for nearly two decades. My family and I have embraced Calgary as a vibrant and welcoming city for newcomers.

I am passionate about supporting smooth transitions for newcomers, particularly youth, children, and their families. Working with CBFY has been a deeply rewarding experience, allowing me to make a meaningful impact in the community. In addition to English, I am fluent in Nepali, Hindi, and Urdu.

Outside of work, I cherish time with my family and love traveling to different places, where I can connect with diverse cultures and people.

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I am a former school teacher and have worked with youth in many roles in addition to teaching, such as coaching, leading camps and running youth outreach programs. I hold a Bachelor of Education and a Bachelor of Communication and Culture with Distinction, both from the University of Calgary. I have found supporting immigrant youth as a Settlement Worker in Schools with CBFY especially rewarding. My family immigrated to Canada from Turkey many years ago, so I understand some of the challenges that newcomer families face. I was born in Istanbul, Turkey and Turkish is my additional language. We have been happy to call Calgary home for many years and think it is a wonderful, welcoming city!

My background in International Relations gives me the ability to understand the process of families moving to a new country like Canada. Connecting youth and families to the community is my passion and keeps me going every day. I can advocate for youth in the schools and motivate them to become successful. I have 14 years of experience as a Settlement Worker in Schools. I speak Spanish. Currently, I am a resident in two CBE high schools.

As an immigrant who underwent diverse refugee experiences in Sudanese refugee camps and lived as an urban refugee in Sudan for over 6 years, I bring a unique perspective to my work. With a 4-year tenure at UNHCR Sudan, serving as both an interpreter and data profiler for minor refugees from Eritrea, I gained insights into the challenges refugees face in their country of asylum. Additionally, I volunteered with CCIS for over 7 months upon arriving in Canada. Holding a Bachelor's degree in Management from the University of Asmara, I possess a deep understanding of the psychology of refugees and immigrants, enabling me to provide meaningful support. Having personally experienced the importance of guidance in settling in a new country, I find excitement in my role at CBFY. Leveraging my extensive experience both in Canada and abroad, I aim to assist newcomers by offering education, guidance, empowerment, advocacy, and more.

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When you go to bed and still thinking about whether to change one activity to another, when you rejoice at the small achievement of your student and immediately plan the next lesson in your imagination, you realize that you love this work. I worked as a teacher in Ukraine and have possibility to work with children with CBFY. I can help with planning activities for summer camp or other after school programs. It is important to be helpful to both parents and children. That’s why I am here with CBFY.

My immigration journey begins in Canada 13 years ago and my story is not at all different from other Newcomers. I was born and brought up in North India, a vibrant agricultural land called, Punjab. I came to Canada with an experience in the education field and research work on “Education in Human Values” and “Altruism.” I believe in challenging work, perseverance, and life-long learning, as Brian Tracy says, “Continuous learning is the minimum requirement for success in any field.” The process of transition and integration as an immigrant was not easy. But as I became familiar with the people of the country, system, and culture; hardships began to ease, and I started to settle into my new home country without even realizing it.

I am a certified teacher from Iran and have the Bridge to Teaching certificate from the University of Calgary. I have more than 20 years of experience working with students K-12. I am also a certified Farsi language interpreter, and I can speak Azeri and communicate in Turkish. During my work experience in Canada, I have worked with a culturally diverse population of students and newcomer families, so I am fully aware of their needs and concerns. I am familiar with many community resources, and I can connect families to these resources. CBFY's core values and mission to empower the newcomer youth excites me to come to work at CBFY.

As an immigrant myself, I joined CBFY as I want to help fellow immigrants settle and integrate well in the Calgary communities. The most beautiful part of my job is helping newcomer youth and their families, listen their stories, share my own story, tell them that they are not alone and most of us have the similar stories.

My name is Dalal Ayash. I am a settlement worker with CBFY. I have a bachelor degree in Arts. An ELL specialist Diploma from Mount Royal University. I have extensive experience in dealing with youth, I can provide help with Youth programs development, in school settlement programs. I am fluent in English and Arabic. love what I do at CBFY. It’s a fantastic role.

Her passion for supporting children and youth through their journey as new immigrants reflects a commitment to fostering a positive and inclusive environment for individuals navigating the challenges of relocation. This dedication suggests a genuine interest in providing guidance, resources, and emotional support to help young immigrants adapt and thrive in their new surroundings. Her enthusiasm for this cause likely involves recognizing the unique needs and experiences of young newcomers and striving to contribute to their successful integration and well-being in their adopted communities.

Having immigrated to Calgary from Kenya after living in the Kakuma refugee camp, I hold a Bachelor's Degree in Human Ecology with a focus on Family Social Sciences from the University of Manitoba. My journey has been marked by a commitment to working with newcomers, immigrants, and vulnerable populations, aiming to combat poverty and enhance the well-being of individuals and communities. My experience includes roles with non-profit organizations such as Manitoba Women for Women and the Mustard Seed Calgary, where I served as a Community Outreach Advocate. Currently, I find fulfillment as a Settlement Worker In School at the Calgary Bridge Foundation for Youth, engaging with and learning from youths and their families from diverse backgrounds. While supporting families in meeting their settlement needs, I also derive personal growth and learning from these interactions. The positive impact and influence of newcomer youths and their families have been instrumental in shaping my life.