Premier’s Council on Multiculturalism

A marketing, consulting and project management professional with over 20 years experience, Sumita is currently vice president of infrastructure and business development with Above and Beyond Care in Calgary. She co-founded the South Asian Division of the Lions Club International in Calgary and is an Alberta Centennial Award winner. She holds a Bachelor of Science from the University of Kolkata and a master of business administration from the Indian Institutes of Management.

Alphonse is the executive director of La Francophonie Albertaine Plurielle, which is the primary francophone settlement agency serving Edmonton, Fort McMurray and Red Deer. He serves on numerous boards and committees, including the Comité consultative national en éstablissement francophonie, a review panel at the University of Alberta’s Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, and the Canadian Council for Refugees. He holds Master of Arts degrees in cultural anthropology and sociology of development and has been recognised for his work enhancing inclusion and human rights.

A program manager with the Calgary Catholic Immigration Society, Sherrisa has been working with immigrant seniors since 2006. She is a respected community leader who serves in multiple board roles, including civilian co-chair of the Calgary Police Service Asia Advisory Board. Sherrisa holds a Bachelor of Science (accountancy) from Concordia College, Philippines; a Bachelor of Laws from the University of the East, Philippines; and completed an immigration practitioner certificate course at Bow Valley College. In 2022, Sherrisa received the Minister’s Seniors Service Award and the Queen Elizabeth II Platinum Jubilee Medal.

WaLe has worked in engineering, international business management, financial services, and planning for over 30 years. Through this work, WaLe has become well versed in strategic planning; diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives; and financial leadership through transitionary phases. As a financial fiduciary, WaLe has built partnerships with several corporate clients. He holds a Bachelor of Science, graduate diploma in business administration, and a Master of Business Administration.

Thomas is the founding president of the Alliance of Calgary Community Ethnic Support Society, a non-profit organization that helps visible minorities. He is also a co-chair of Diversecities, a charitable organization dedicated to supporting newcomers and vulnerable populations. An active member of the community, Thomas’s work extends to the Lions Club International where he is a Progressive Melvin Jones Fellow and the Chair of Global Causes – Hunger for District C2. He holds a doctorate in economics from the University of Manitoba and is a Queen Elizabeth II Platinum Jubilee Medal recipient.

A partner at McLeod Law LLP and King’s Counsel appointee, Jackie has been a leading practitioner in personal injury law for over 30 years. She has served as chair of the Canadian Bar Association Personal Injury Section and as president of the Alberta Civil Trial Lawyers Association. Jackie is a member of the Calgary Jewish Community Foundation Board and previously sat on the board of Jewish Family Services and the Calgary Jewish Academy. She was appointed Queen’s Counsel by the Lieutenant Governor of Alberta in 2011 and received the Queen's Diamond Jubilee Medal in 2012.

An optometrist and community volunteer, Holly is the current past chair of the Chinatown and Area Business Association. She is also a director of the Mah Society and Foo Fung Cultural Society. Holly received a Bachelor of Science from the University of Alberta and a Doctor of Optometry with Distinction from Oregon’s Pacific University. She is owner of Luxe Eye Care, which employs 2 optometrists and 8 other staff.

Dat is a seasoned professional with experience across the private, public and non-profit sectors. For 18 years, he served as the Executive Director of the Vietnamese American Council. A regulator contributor to Vietnamese television, radio and print media, Dat remains involved in current affairs. He has a wealth of experience serving on advisory councils. Dat holds a Bachelor of Administration from the University of Ottawa.

Ali is the lead advisor and community liaison coordinator at Columbia College in Calgary. In that role, he supports more than 300 students annually in achieving their academic and career goals. Ali holds a human services professional diploma from Columbia College, a child development worker certificate from the Government of Alberta, and a career and academic advising certificate from University of Calgary Continuing Education. He is a recipient of the Queen Elizabeth II Platinum Jubilee Medal.

Over the past 35 years, Buta has led numerous community-based initiatives, including sports tournaments and annual blood drive campaigns. Buta was also instrumental in the establishment of the Khalsa School Calgary where he served as founding director. The janitorial business Buta started in Edmonton in 1988 has grown considerably and now serves communities throughout Alberta.