Paula Calderon

Paula Calderon

She is a dedicated nonprofit executive with over 20 years of leadership experience in workforce development, education and socio-economic impact projects, Paula is an Immigrant from Colombia. She has lived experience that informs her work and fuels her passion in supporting the successful integration of newcomers to Canada. She has a distinguished career in nonprofit leadership spanning various sector. As the Chief Executive Officer of the Calgary Immigrant Women’s Association (CIWA) since June 2022, she continues to champion her commitment to empowerment and inclusivity. CIWA, a culturally diverse settlement agency, focuses on addressing the unique concerns and needs of immigrant and refugee women, girls, and their families and serves over 16,000 individuals per year and has been supporting the community for 41 years. Paula’s leadership has further solidified CIWA’s reputation as a provincial and national leader in outcome-based, gender-specific settlement services. The organization’s holistic approach covers a wide array of support services, including settlement and integration, literacy and language training, employment support, civic engagement, health, housing, and community development. With academic credentials in marketing and coaching, an Aspen Institute Economic Opportunities Fellowship, as well as strong organizational management skills, Paula’s profound impact lies in her commitment to empowering immigrant women and fostering inclusivity within the community.