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Connect,Empower,Grow

Alberta Network of Immigrant Women supports immigrant women and families by creating meaningful connections, building confidence, and offering essential skills for personal and professional development.

39+ Years Experience

350+ Projects Completed

Empower yourself with our programs

Empower yourself with our programs! Learn skills, build leadership, and prioritize wellness. Join us to grow, lead, and make an impact today!

Employment Program

Unlock your potential with our employment programs designed to help immigrant professionals gain skills, build confidence, and secure meaningful careers.

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Health & Wellness Program

Prioritize your well-being with our mental health and wellness programs. We provide support, resources, and tools to help you lead a balanced, healthy life.

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Integrity Leadership Program

Our Integrity Leadership Program helps individuals develop strong values, transparency, and leadership skills to inspire trust and create a positive impact.

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Seniors Program

We support seniors in staying connected, active, and engaged—building confidence with technology, fostering health, and bridging generations with youth.

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Explore more ways to engage

Beyond our programs, there are many ways to connect with ANIW. Learn about our mission, see the impact of our work, and discover how you can support our community. Whether you want to volunteer, donate, or simply learn more, these resources will guide you.

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Get Involved

Make a difference by supporting ANIW. Whether you volunteer, donate, or partner with us, your contribution empowers immigrant professionals to gain skills and succeed. Join us in creating positive change in the community.

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Success Stories

Explore the powerful stories of immigrant professionals who have thrived with CPRF’s support. Our programs help individuals overcome barriers, gain confidence, and achieve meaningful careers. See how lives are transformed

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About ANIW

ANIW is committed to empowering immigrant professionals through career development and support. Our mission is to provide skill-building opportunities, create meaningful connections, and help individuals thrive in the workforce.

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Latest Events

Sewing Classes

🧵 Ready to learn sewing or take your skills to the next level?

Registration is now open for ANIW’s upcoming Sewing Program!

📍 Upcoming Classes
✂️ Basic Sewing – Starts August 25 | Every Tuesday, 6:00–9:00 PM
🧵 Intermediate Sewing – Starts August 24 | Every Monday, 6:00–9:00 PM
🪡 Advanced Sewing – Starts August 27 | Every Thursday, 6:00–9:00 PM

At ANIW, we believe sewing is more than just a creative hobby, it’s a practical life skill that can empower immigrant women and their families. We keep our classes as affordable as possible because we know that learning to sew can build confidence, foster independence, strengthen community connections, and even create opportunities for additional income.

Whether you’re threading a needle for the first time or looking to refine your techniques, our supportive and welcoming classes are designed to help you grow at your own pace.

📩 Register today – https://aniw.org/app/SewingApplicationForm

Contact us to learn more!
📧 riddhi@aniw.org
🌐 www.aniw.org

August 24, 2026
July Orientation For ITD’s

Exciting news for ITDs! We have upcoming orientations scheduled for this month

Please take a look at the poster below and use the link below to register for an orientation session.

Register for July orientation here :
https://lnkd.in/ggN4wisJ

Stay tuned for the upcoming orientation sessions in December.

If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to Gurpreet at gurpreet@aniw.org

July 28, 2026
Sewing Classes

This is the perfect time to start something fresh or sharpen your skills!
Our sewing program, Needle and Thread, is now open for registration. Please refer to the poster for full details .

To register : https://aniw.org/dashboard/SewingApplicationForm

Registration closes on May 22nd, and spots are limited — so be sure to register soon!

If you have any questions, please contact Riddhi at Riddhi@aniw.org

May 26, 2026
Cultural Threads Exhibition & Reception – May 16–17

We’re excited to invite you to Cultural Threads, a vibrant exhibition showcasing participant-created artworks that explore stories of childhood, family traditions, folk art, and culinary heritage passed down through generations.

Join us for a special Reception and Volunteer Appreciation Event on May 16 from 12:00 PM to 4:00 PM at Alcove Beltline. Alongside the exhibition, we’ll be hosting a warm and engaging gathering to celebrate our volunteers, with drop-in art activities and opportunities to connect with the community.

We would love to have you join us in celebrating culture, creativity, and community.

Date: 16 May 2026, Saturday

Time: 12 – 4 pm MST

Location: Alcove Beltline 1040 8 St SW, Calgary

May 16, 2026
Web of Impact Network – London, Ontario

Last month, ANIW was Honoured to participate in the Web of Impact Network convening at Western University, hosted by Centre for Research & Education on Violence Against Women & Children. This two-day national gathering brought together over 60 WAGE / FEGC funded projects from across the country to share learning, strengthen connections, and advance gender-based violence (GBV) prevention efforts.

🤝 As part of the Network, Farnaz Farhidi , Program Coordinator, presented ANIW’s Promising Practices Project. The presentation highlighted key learnings from community-based GBV prevention work with five ethnocultural communities, emphasizing culturally responsive, trauma-informed, and practice-based approaches. It also underscored that sustainability in GBV work goes beyond funding and metrics, it is rooted in trust, relationships, and the time invested in building meaningful community connections.

Beyond presentations, the gathering created space for rich dialogue on sustainability, knowledge sharing, and collective impact. These conversations reinforced the importance of collaboration and the value of shared spaces in strengthening sector-wide responses.

We are grateful to be part of a network committed to advancing coordinated, evidence-informed approaches to ending GBV across Canada.

💡 Learn more about the Promising Practices Project: https://lnkd.in/gtY68CRg

March 25, 2026

Land Acknowledgement

In the spirit of respect, we acknowledge Moh’kinsstis and the traditional Treaty 7 territory, including the Blackfoot Confederacy: Siksika, Kainai, Piikani, the Iyarhe Nakoda, and Tsuut’ina nations. This land is also home to the Métis Nation of Alberta, Region 3, within the historic Northwest Métis homeland. We recognize all Nations, Indigenous and non-Indigenous, who call this place home and celebrate its significance. This gathering place is an opportunity for reconciliation and leadership. Thank you for joining the Alberta Network of Immigrant Women on Treaty 7 territory.
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Ivonne Toledo (Director at large)

International trained Lawer, graduated in Mexico with two bachelors, one in English Language and other in Laws.

Settled in Canada six years ago, faced all the vicissitudes of the immigrants. Now part of an immigration legal team, I want to contribute with team of the board of directors here in ANIW trying to help immigrant women to find their way in this country

Ramona Fernando

Ramona Fernando moved to Edmonton from Sri Lanka in 2000. I am a financial strategist by profession graduated from NAIT in 2016 with a degree in Accounting. I have worked in the banking, hospitality, event planning, accounting, taxation and non-for-profit sectors. Currently I am working at the John Humphrey Centre for Peace and Human Rights as the Office and Financial Manager. My passion is serving the community, mentoring and coaching youth, adults and seniors. I spent my spare time with family cooking, reading, singing, gardening and learning new challenges in life and community.

Dr. Elham Rahmani

As a dual-immigrant woman, wife, and mother, I am passionate about empowering immigrant women across Alberta through inclusion, connection, and community engagement. With a Ph.D. and over 10 years of experience in research, data analysis, and project development, I bring strong skills in strategic planning and community outreach.

My involvement in building the Iranian community in Lethbridge and organizing cultural initiatives has helped create supportive spaces for immigrant women and families. As a volunteer board member with the Alberta Network of Immigrant Women, I am committed to promoting equality, representation, and empowerment for immigrant women throughout Alberta.

Tracey Campbell

Tracey Campbell is an experienced career practitioner with over 20 years of expertise in career development, employment counseling, and public policy. As a former Senior Policy Analyst with the Government of Alberta, she has contributed to initiatives that support workforce development, diversity, and inclusion. Tracey is deeply passionate about empowering women and newcomers to reach their full potential through meaningful career pathways and community engagement. She looks forward to connecting with individuals and agencies to share knowledge, provide guidance, and collaborate on initiatives that strengthen employment opportunities and social wellbeing.

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Dr. Sandra Dixon

Dr. Sandra Dixon is a Registered Psychologist, Certified Life Coach, and Associate Professor at the University of Lethbridge. Her research focuses on spirituality, race, gender, immigration, and social justice, with special attention to racial trauma and anti-Black racism. She actively serves on several community and professional boards, including the Alberta Network of Immigrant Women. Recognized for her leadership and dedication to equity and inclusion, Dr. Dixon has received multiple awards for her teaching, community service, and advocacy in promoting social justice.

Heidy Panameno (Secretary)

Heidy is an award-winning director, producer, and Emily Carr Institute graduate recognized for her community-building vision and creative leadership. Founder of Panameno Productions, she empowers emerging leaders in arts and culture, fostering collaboration and meaningful, educational media. Her work bridges Indigenous and multicultural communities to preserve storytelling and history. A published author and respected mentor, Heidy has inspired youth through film programs across school boards. Her lifelong mission is to use visual media to build safe, vibrant, and sustainable communities. Her achievements are featured in the Women’s Art Museum of Canada.

Hina Thaker (Treasurer)
Hina comes from a legal practice background of regulatory, privacy, labour and employment and human rights law. She has experience in both the private and public sectors as well as not-for-profit organizations. Her previous roles include in-house counsel at he Canadian Cattle Identification Agency, the Calgary Police Service and an Associate at Fasken Martineau DuMoulin. Hina has been practicing for 20 years and has gained board experience as a corporate secretary, and director throughout her career. She served on the ANIW board for several years in the past and has returned to the board again in 2025. 
Abby Aiyeleye

Abby Aiyeleye is a certified project manager and business analyst with over twelve years of international experience. Holding a Business Administration degree from the University of Greenwich, she is dedicated to empowering underrepresented groups through volunteer work. As a member of the Women’s Advocacy Voice of Edmonton and ANIW, Abby is passionate about helping immigrant women thrive in Alberta and Canada. She encourages women to pursue ambitious careers and businesses while maintaining strong family values.

Dr. Maria Louisa Torres (President)

A mathematician born and raised in Mexico City.  I immigrated to Canada for further studies and a professional life in academia. I am involved with the Latin American Literary Association, Calgary Mexican Association and the Calgary Police Services. Other interests included working for the El Salvador Solidarity of McMaster’s University and the Hamilton Police Services. I am currently the president. I am passionate about the work that ANIW does to empower immigrant women.