As a long time collaborator and friend of one of our founding organizations, Sunrise Community Link, Salimah has a great respect and admiration for the people and the work of our vital and vibrant organization. Her career has been committed to finding solutions that work to solve the complex and persistent problem of poverty in our communities and she couldn't be more excited to work with the Rise Calgary team and volunteer community so that together we can design and create a better day-to-day reality for Calgarians living on low incomes. 

 

With a highly empathetic, resourceful and driven leadership style, she's determined to make meaningful impacts on the people and systems in Calgary. Bringing a bright vision to execute strategy, galvanize resources, track results, and make lasting shifts in society. With a Masters’ in Public Policy from the University of Calgary she strives to utilize her background has a subject matter expert in policy development, asset-building, poverty reduction, social housing, community economic development and behavioral economics.

 

As Manager of the Financial Empowerment Network for United Way Calgary and Area, she acted as a key player in launching, building and executing Calgary’s poverty reduction plan and Canada’s national financial empowerment movement. Prior to joining United Way, Salimah spent five years working for Momentum, Community Economic Development, partnering with individuals and families experiencing living on a low income to create positive financial change in their lives.
 

Outside of her working life, she also sits as the President of the Board at Downstage Theatre, and as a board member with Cornerstone Youth Centres, and often volunteers with the Ismaili Muslim community. This all builds a deep appreciation for the role art plays in solving complex social issues.

 

If you would like to connect over a coffee, please feel free to reach out to Salimah and help us to build a community where everyone moves forward.