Art Zhang
Arts Award
- Art has produced over 10 Lunar (Chinese) New Years events at such venues as the Winspear Centre, and the Jubilee Auditorium
- He has facilitated successful tours for the Alberta Ballet and the Cheremosh Ukrainian Dance companies to China, and brought artists
from China to Alberta
- He was a key fundraising organizer for aid for the victims of the 2008 Sichuan earthquake in China
Beatriz M. Kelly
Culture Award
- Beatriz M. Kelly is the main founder of the Mexican Cultural Society of Edmonton in 1997
- Her projects include the Mexican Pavilion at Heritage Days as well as
other shows and fiestas
- Beatriz ensures that the Mexican Cultural Society of Edmonton remains intact, and that Mexican culture flourishes
Samueli Kavuke
Youth Achievement Award
- Samueli’s quick smile and warm nature have been appreciated by peers and staff alike in the residence
- He is an excellent student with an impeccable attendance, and his
English skills have progressed admirably
- A strong individual, Samueli has overcome hardship through a positive attitude, faith and focus on a bright future
Immigr
ant Access Fund
Education Award (Group)
- The Immigrant Access Fund Society of Alberta (IAF) lends up to $5,000 (exceptions to $10,000) to skilled immigrants who cannot afford the costs of obtaining the Canadian Accreditation or training they need to become employed in their field.
- IAF delivers the program to people living in Edmonton and area through EMCN
- Since August of 2007, 165 loans totaling close to $1,000,000 have been approved
Siyani Nsaliwa
Education Award (Individual)
- As President of the youth division of the Council of Canadians of African and Caribbean Heritage (CCACH) Siyani Nsaliwa has mobilized and empowered black youth to become active and productive Edmontonians.
- He developed a free tutoring program at CCACH serving K – 12 students, and personally tutors students in grades 10 – 12 in math and science
- He was the President of the Black Students Association at the University of Alberta, growing and nurturing the membership to capitalize on skills of new immigrants and Canadian born students
Dr. Svetlana Pavlenko
Community Leadership Award
- Dr. Svetlana Pavlenko listens well, responds thoughtfully, and believes in empowering her clients in practical ways through the six week personal development course
- She is an active member of the board of the Nina Haggerty Centre for the Arts
- Dr. Pavlenko helps scholars with their research projects, and colleagues whether translating for a newcomer or taking seniors on outings
ABC Head Start
Community Outreach Award (Group)
- ABC Head Start preschool and Family support Program strives to strengthen, encourage, and support the students and the families that participate in their programming.
- As one nominator observed about ABC, “When I think about the ABC Head Start Preschool and Family Support program, the old adage, “it takes a village to raise a child”, comes to mind”.
- By providing a safe, caring, inclusive environment, ABC has helped not only immigrant families, but also the larger community through the children who benefit from this program that grow into valuable, contributing members of society.
Yessy Byl
Community Outreach Award (Individual)
- Yeesy Byl was instrumental in coordinating a TFW Info-Google Group,
and acting as Chairperson to an ad hoc TFW Interagency group
- She has brought awareness of and raised concern for the issues that face temporary foreign workers
- Yessy Byl is a leader and a role model for those in positions to give information and support to temporary foreign workers at the service agencies
Leopoldo Sorgiovanni
WorleyParsons-CoSyn Lifetime Achievement Award
- Leopoldo has put in approximately 15,000 broadcast hours
- His continuous contributions, on-air and off has been to the betterment of his beloved Italian community, and by extension, to the multiethnic mosaic of Edmonton
- Whether enjoying the Giovanni Caboto Festival, or providing much needed information regarding a devasting earthquake in southern Italy, Leopoldo is an inspiration to anyone valuing their ethnic heritage, its place in society, or questioning those values