Six UCalgary community members receive 2024 Alberta Immigrant Impact Awards

Six outstanding members of the University of Calgary community have been honoured with the 2024 Alberta Immigrant Impact Awards, recognizing their significant contributions to Alberta’s social, cultural, and economic growth. Honoured by the Government of Alberta, these recipients have demonstrated leadership, resilience, and a commitment to creating positive change both on campus and throughout the province across five distinct categories.

The award recipients are as follows:

Career and Academics Contribution

Dr. Sayeh Bayat, PhD, assistant professor, departments of Biomedical and Geomatics Engineering, Schulich School of Engineering 

Dr. Bayat is celebrated in the Career and Academics category for her contributions to biomedical engineering and her achievements in AI-driven healthcare solutions. At the Healthy City Lab, she has made significant progress in developing AI systems to support dementia care and aging populations. Her work is informed by both scientific expertise and personal experience, having witnessed the challenges of dementia firsthand through her grandmother’s diagnosis. With a commitment to translating AI research into practical healthcare applications, she has successfully secured $4.5 million in grant funding to drive innovation in digital health technologies.

Dr. Aamir Jamal, PhD, associate professor, director of global engagement and international partnerships, Faculty of Social Work.

Dr. Jamal earned the Career and Academics award, given to those who have achieved professional or academic excellence, for his over 25 years of experience in international social development. His impactful research on engaging men in gender justice, girl’s education and preventing violence against women encompasses a wide geographical scope, spanning multiple countries and regions, particularly in the Global South. He is renowned for his book “The Gatekeepers: Engaging Pashtun Men for Gender Justice and Girls’ Education in Pakistan”. His insight into human rights and social and economic marginalization in a region impacted by decades of war makes him an influential leader and has created the foundation of an Indigenous social movement for gender justice in the Pashtun region (Pakistan and Afghanistan). 

Inclusive Workplace Award

Dr. Régine Uwibereyeho King, PhD, Associate Professor, Faculty of Social Work

Dr. King received the Inclusive Workplace Award, which recognizes individuals who foster diverse and inclusive work environments. As an active contributor to both local and international communities, Dr. King has served on various academic committees and community advocacy groups that promote equity, antiracist work, peace, and healthy communities. She is a co-founding and active member of the Anti-Black Racism Taskforce in the Faculty of Social Work at the University of Calgary, and Calgary African Community Collective. In addition, she is currently a member of the Research and Partnership Committee (Faculty of Social Work), a member of UCalgary’s Presidential Taskforce on Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion, and a board member of Go Make a Difference (Dominican Republic). Reflecting on the award, King describes it as “motivation and encouragement to do more.”

Newcomer Champion Award

Dr. David Ince, PhD, instructor, Haskayne School of Business 

Dr. Ince earned recognition in the Newcomer Champion category, an award given to those who support newcomers in achieving success. He is the director and lead in anti-racism programs for the Alberta Narcissism Abuse Survivors Foundation (ANASF) and an independent energy policy consultant. Through his anti-racism presentations and workshops, he addresses the lack of understanding surrounding Black and racialized experiences, aiming to dismantle systemic racism. By fostering collaboration, empowering vulnerable individuals, and providing education, Ince is committed to driving positive change.

Young Leader Award

Zainab Khan, PhD student, department of Cell Biology and Anatomy, CSM 

Khan was honoured in the Young Leader category, celebrating remarkable individuals aged 18 to 30 who are making a difference. Khan’s impact ranges from moderating mental health webinars, managing community initiatives and contributing to Alberta’s Anti-Racism Action Strategy. Globally, Khan co-founded Teach a Kid Make Individual Life (TAKMIL), a nonprofit organization committed to enhancing educational opportunities for children in Pakistan. Her efforts have empowered over 5,000 Pakistani children to access education, significantly disrupting the cycle of poverty and inequality in their communities. 

Women’s Newcomer Impact Award

Elena Esina, Director of Operations an Special Projects, Shift: The Project to End Domestic Violence, Faculty of Social Work

Esina was honoured with the Women’s Newcomer Impact Award, recognizing her as a leading female voice in her community. As Director of Operations and Special Projects at Shift: The Project to End Domestic Violence and an Adjunct Professor in the Faculty of Social Work at the University of Calgary, Esina is dedicated to creating spaces where immigrant women can build connections and thrive. She also spearheaded the Immigrant Women Work-Integrated Learning Hub, which provides work experience placements for internationally trained women within an academic setting.