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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

Details
Date:
August 24, 2026
Time:
6:00 pm
9:00 pm
Cost:

Hosted By:

aniw.org

Venue
Unit 200 – 1409 Edmonton Trail NE Calgary, Alberta T2E 3K8
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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.