Meet CBC Calgary's Asian Changemakers 2024

May is Asian Heritage Month and to celebrate, CBC Calgary is highlighting the rich heritage and contributions of Asian Calgarians through a series of these five profiles. Join CBC Calgary as we celebrate the 2024 Asian Changemakers.

We welcomed nominations of diverse individuals with different goals and interests, and a common commitment to giving back to the community. With the help of an internal and external committee, CBC Calgary selected the Asian Changemakers for 2024 and learned more about their story and impact in the following interviews filmed and edited by Dyllan Goodman. 

This year, CBC Calgary partnered with FascinAsian Film Festival to premier the series on May 2, 2024. The screening was followed with a panel discussion with the Asian Changemakers hosted by CBC's Paul Haavardsrud. Thank you to the following local Asian-run businesses and Alice Lam:

• When Janey Makes
• Gentle Monster Mud
• Appopi Designs
• Gladzy Kei
• Sometimes Book Company

ASIAN CHANGEMAKERS: How Saeed Abdollahi's photographs illuminate immigrant struggles and drive inclusive advocacy

7 months ago

Duration 4:39

Saeed Abdollahi's "Wage Earner" project utilizes poignant photography to highlight the struggles of underemployed immigrants in Canada, fostering empathy and advocating for societal inclusivity. Exhibiting at prestigious events like the Exposure Photography Festival, Abdollahi aims to raise awareness and spur collaborative efforts to address systemic barriers faced by immigrants.

ASIAN CHANGEMAKERS: How Cece Chow is pioneering LGBTQ+ representation and acceptance in Calgary's Chinese community

7 months ago

Duration 4:42

Cece Chow, an entrepreneur and former business owner in Calgary, is a trailblazing figure for LGBTQ+ representation and acceptance, particularly within the Chinese community, despite encountering obstacles. Through her involvement in modeling, speaking engagements, and active engagement in LGBTQ+ and Asian communities, she advocates for cultural pride and encourages others to embrace their identities, contributing to a more inclusive society.

ASIAN CHANGEMAKERS: How Dr. Monty Ghosh revolutionizes addiction medicine with empathy and innovation

7 months ago

Duration 4:40

Dr. Monty Ghosh, a visionary leader in addiction medicine, has spearheaded transformative programs like Calgary's medical respite program and Alberta's first home detox initiative, aimed at providing compassionate care for individuals facing homelessness and substance use challenges. His innovative approach, rooted in collaboration and empathy, has led to initiatives like the National Overdose Response Service (NORS), saving lives and reducing stigma surrounding addiction while advancing comprehensive outpatient treatment through programs like the Rapid Access Addiction Medicine program in Calgary.

ASIAN CHANGEMAKERS: How Sunny Minhas cultivates excellence by empowering student-athletes

7 months ago

Duration 4:22

Sunny Minhas, an educator and basketball coach at Lester B. Pearson High School, drives academic and athletic growth through initiatives like the Manmeet Singh Bhullar Memorial Scholarship, fostering excellence and community engagement among student-athletes.

ASIAN CHANGEMAKERS: How Miwa Takeuchi empowers through education

7 months ago

Duration 4:45

Miwa Takeuchi, associate professor at the University of Calgary's Werklund School of Education, pioneers experiential service-learning projects like "Soil Camp," engaging local refugee children and youth in land-based education for social and environmental justice. Her work blends community engagement with academic research, challenging deficit perspectives to amplify marginalized voices and foster pedagogy grounded in equity, anti-oppression, and anti-colonialism.

JURY 

• Omar Sherif is an Egyptian-Canadian multi-platform journalist with CBC Calgary. He often highlights  voices and stories of communities that are underrepresented in media.

• Karina Zapata is a reporter with CBC Calgary. She previously worked for newsrooms and programs across Ontario and the Northwest Territories as the 2021 CBC News Joan Donaldson Scholar.

• Malika Karim is an Associate Producer with CBC Calgary's TV team. Prior to joining CBC Calgary in 2021, Malika worked as a Video Journalist and Anchor with Global News in Winnipeg and Lethbridge. She is passionate about telling community stories and highlighting work done by minority groups - showcasing their cultures and integration into Canadian life.

• Teresa Woo-Paw is a tireless advocate for equity, diversity, inclusion and civic participation. Over a span of 45 years, she has founded and built eight non-profit organizations to serve and advocate for the marginalized communities. She has served on the boards of over two dozen public and non-profit organizations, always trying to raise awareness, increase capacity and effect systemic changes towards a more equitable and inclusive society.

• Dr. Devesh Oberoi is a health Researcher, City University of Seattle faculty member and also runs a non profit called Indian Society of Calgary. Oberoi was also a Queen Elizabeth II's Platinum Jubilee Medal recipient in 2022.

• Mae Chun is the Chief Executive Officer of MPC Foundation a registered charity in Alberta that is focussed on mitigating social isolation for seniors. Mae is an immigrant from Malaysia about 30 years ago and has dedicated her life to helping new immigrants and seniors from all backgrounds.

• Paolo Oliveros is an experienced communicator with roots in journalism. With a passion for community building, he has extensive experience working in non-profit organizations, giving communities voice through story-telling. In addition, Paolo has both feet in the multi-media space, as a producer, writer, and director of the documentary series, Hiraya.