5th Annual Building Inclusive Communities Forum: Sustaining Impact and Scaling Inclusive Change 

Join us for the 5th Annual Building Inclusive Communities Forum, hosted by Action for Healthy Communities. This annual event brings together grassroots organizations, community leaders, government representatives, and sector partners to celebrate achievements, strengthen partnerships, and advance inclusive community development across the greater Edmonton area. 

This year’s theme, Sustaining Impact and Scaling Inclusive Change, builds on the momentum of 2025’s Impact of Collective Actions. The forum will highlight successful grassroots initiatives, explore strategies for long-term sustainability, and promote collaboration to expand inclusive practices and create lasting community impact. 

*This event is invite only

 

Event Objective

Grounded in a commitment to capacity-building, inclusive leadership, and collective impact, the event aims to:

• Sustain Community Impact
• Scale Inclusive Practices 
• Strengthen Collaborative Networks 
• Promote Learning and Innovation
• Advance a Shared Vision 

 

Collective Action Forum Participants 

The event will bring together approximately 150+ participants, including: 

• Around 40+ grassroots community organizations 
• Representatives from the community development sector 
• Municipal, provincial, and federal government representatives 
• Community leaders and stakeholders committed to advancing inclusion and community well-being 

All participants share a common goal of transforming community impact into sustainable and scalable change.

 

• Grassroots organizations showcase initiatives that have created lasting community impact 
• Community leaders strengthen partnerships and collaborative networks 
• Attendees explore strategies to replicate and scale successful inclusive models 
• Stakeholders exchange knowledge and innovative approaches to community development 

 

Event Information

Date: Tuesday, October 6, 2026 

Location: Chateau Louis
11727 Kingsway NW
Edmonton, AB T5G 3A1 

Parking: Free parking is available at the venue. 

Refreshments: Coffee and tea will be provided throughout the event, along with a light lunch. 

Participation is by invitation only.Thank you for your dedication to our shared vision of an inclusive community. 

 

Featured Community Initiatives

Coming soon.

 

Past Building Inclusive Communities Reports

Action for Healthy Communities (AHC) was pleased to welcome community members, partners, volunteers, staff, and supporters to our Open House and Annual General Meeting (AGM) on June 17.

The afternoon began with an Open House, giving guests the opportunity to explore AHC’s programs and services, meet members of our team, and learn more about the work taking place across Alberta. Visitors connected with staff, asked questions, and discovered how AHC supports newcomers and equity-deserving individuals and communities through settlement, employment, entrepreneurship, literacy, youth and family programs, and community development initiatives.

The event provided a valuable opportunity to strengthen relationships with community members and partners while showcasing the impact of AHC’s programs and services. Meaningful conversations throughout the afternoon highlighted the importance of collaboration in building welcoming, healthy, and inclusive communities.

Following the Open House, AHC members gathered for the Annual General Meeting. During the meeting, members reflected on the organization’s accomplishments over the past year, received organizational updates, and participated in discussions that will help guide AHC’s future.

The AGM marked the introduction of new Board Members Angel Yu, Mary Thomas, Leanne Hedberg, Irene MacLean, and Saniya Ghalehdar. As we welcome new Board leadership, we extend our sincere appreciation to former Board Chair and Directors Petchphilin (Pauline) Ismael and Colin Christensen, and Board Secretary Rajiv A. Bansal for their dedication and service to Action for Healthy Communities. 

During the AGM, AHC also recognized the service and contributions of Executive Director Aftab Khan, Small Centre Program Manager Lisa de Gara, Youth Jobs and Life Skills Coordinator Basem Alabd Alrahim, and Site Liaison Omar Al-abdullah. Their leadership, dedication, and commitment to strengthening communities have helped shape AHC’s growth and positively impact the lives of countless individuals and families across Alberta.

Thank you to everyone who attended, connected with our team, and contributed to another successful Open House and Annual General Meeting. Your support helps strengthen our mission of empowering individuals and building healthier communities across Alberta.

We look forward to continuing this work together and welcoming our community to future AHC events.

 

On June 24, 2026, Action for Healthy Communities (AHC) hosted the EMPOWER Success Celebration at the AHC Event Centre, bringing together more than 65 participants, community partners, stakeholders, facilitators, and guests to recognize the achievements of newcomer and underrepresented women who completed the program.

The celebration marked an important milestone for participants as they received their Certificates of Achievement and reflected on their personal and professional growth throughout their EMPOWER journey.

The evening featured inspiring stories, meaningful conversations, and opportunities to connect with others who share a commitment to supporting newcomer women as they pursue employment, entrepreneurship, education, and professional development goals. Guests heard welcoming remarks from AHC’s Director of Programs, Suzana Dumo, and viewed a commemorative video highlighting AHC’s 30 years of service and impact in building healthy, inclusive, and welcoming communities.

Keynote speaker Patience Ndlovu shared reflections on resilience, leadership, and the importance of community support during the integration journey. Attendees also enjoyed a special violin performance by Melissa Garcia, adding a memorable artistic element to the celebration.

A highlight of the evening was a panel discussion featuring EMPOWER participants and community stakeholders from the program’s Employment, Entrepreneurship, and Education and Upskilling pathways. Panelists shared their experiences, challenges, and lessons learned, offering valuable insights into the different paths participants took toward achieving their goals.

The celebration concluded with networking, refreshments, entertainment, and opportunities for participants, partners, and guests to continue building connections.

The EMPOWER Success Celebration was a meaningful opportunity to recognize the achievements of participating women and celebrate the dedication, perseverance, and progress they demonstrated throughout the program. AHC remains committed to supporting newcomer women as they build confidence, develop skills, and create new opportunities for themselves and their communities.

Hosted by Action for Healthy Communities (AHC), the charity run brought together participants of all ages and backgrounds for a morning of movement and community connection. Participants took part in the 10 km and 5 km timed races, as well as the 1 km fun run, with both experienced runners and first-time participants joining the event.

This year’s Action Dash welcomed 149 registered participants, including 22 AHC clients who were able to take part through sponsored enrollment. Through the generosity of participants, sponsors, donors, and community supporters, the event raised funds to support Action for Healthy Communities’ work in strengthening communities across Alberta.

The weather may have been unpredictable, but the atmosphere at William Hawrelak Park was anything but. Throughout the morning, participants cheered each other on, celebrated finish-line moments, and connected with people they had never met before. What started as a race became an opportunity for community members to share an experience, encourage one another, and celebrate reaching the finish line together.

AHC thanks all participants, volunteers, sponsors, and community partners who helped make Action Dash 2026 possible. Your support helped create a memorable event and brought community members together in support of healthier communities across Alberta.

We look forward to welcoming everyone back for Action Dash next year.

 

 

Action for Healthy Communities (AHC) is pleased to welcome Faisal Shafiq as Board Chair, along with five new members to its Board of Directors. The new leadership team was introduced during AHC’s Annual General Meeting (AGM) on June 17, 2026, where members gathered to reflect on the organization’s achievements and look ahead to the future. Supporting Shafiq in Board leadership are David Bourne as Treasurer and Irene MacLean as Board Secretary.

 

Welcoming Our New Board Chair

 

 

Faisal Shafiq has spent more than 20 years working at the intersection of public health, technology, and international development, with a career centered on creating meaningful impact for people and communities. From leading multi-million-dollar healthcare and justice system transformation programs with organizations such as Alberta Health Services, Saskatchewan Health Authority, and CGI Inc., to managing large-scale global initiatives with the World Health Organization and AMAL Human Development Network, he has helped improve access to services, strengthen systems, and create opportunities for sustainable growth and development.

Throughout his career, Faisal has built a reputation for successfully delivering complex, high-profile initiatives that require strategic leadership and thoughtful stakeholder engagement. He has led large-scale IT transformations, strengthened organizational capacity in underserved communities, and supported change across diverse stakeholder groups, with a focus on advancing practical, inclusive solutions that create lasting impact.

Today, as Founder and Principal Consultant at Xcelerra Inc., Faisal leverages his experience in management and technology consulting to help organizations navigate complexity, align strategy with execution, and achieve measurable results. His academic background includes an MA in International Health from Monash University Australia, an MSc in Economics, and an MBA from Pakistan, along with advanced expertise in project management, change management, and organizational transformation.

Faisal brings this same commitment to service, collaboration, and community impact to his role as Board Chair at AHC. He is passionate about advancing equity, fostering meaningful partnerships, and helping build a stronger future for the communities AHC serves.

 

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Welcoming Our New Board Members

 

AHC is pleased to welcome the following new members to its Board of Directors:

 

Angel Yu is a strategic sales and public sector leader with experience in government relations, community partnerships, and organizational leadership across healthcare, technology, and telecommunications. She has worked with non-profit and public sector organizations, supporting community-focused initiatives and Indigenous reconciliation efforts. With expertise in strategic planning, stakeholder engagement, and inclusive collaboration, Angel brings valuable experience in community engagement and capacity building to the AHC Board. She holds an MBA from the University of Liverpool and is committed to mentoring emerging professionals and supporting marginalized communities.

 

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Mary Thomas is an award-winning author, communications professional, and community advocate with more than 25 years of experience in stakeholder engagement, storytelling, and non-profit leadership. She is passionate about building partnerships, connecting diverse communities, and advancing initiatives that create positive community impact. Mary brings valuable experience in communications, collaboration, and community engagement to the AHC Board.

 

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Leanne Hedberg brings over 15 years of consulting and senior leadership experience, specializing in organizational strategy, workforce wellbeing, and performance improvement. She holds an MBA in Ethical Leadership and a PhD in Strategic Management, bringing a research-informed approach to governance and strategic decision-making. Through her work, Leanne supports organizations in translating complex insights into clear, actionable direction and is passionate about advancing equitable, community-based initiatives that strengthen capacity and improve outcomes.

 

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Irene MacLean is an independent consultant specializing in business transformation, governance frameworks, and sustainability-aligned strategy. With more than 20 years of experience leading technology, risk, and operational initiatives, she brings a seasoned perspective to complex organizational challenges. Irene has served in regulatory and advisory roles and volunteers her time to several social impact initiatives. She graduated from the University of Alberta and holds a Master’s degree in Project Management from The George Washington University (DC). Irene is committed to community development, continuous learning, and responsible innovation.

 

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Saniya Ghalehdar is a facilitator and Program Administrator dedicated to advancing equity, inclusion, and belonging. She designs and leads learning experiences that strengthen intercultural understanding and support meaningful community engagement. Saniya previously served on the City of Edmonton’s Women’s Advisory and continues to contribute to the NorQuest Living Library Committee. She is passionate about building stronger, more connected communities through dialogue, collaboration, and lifelong learning.

 

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Thank You to Our Outgoing Board Members

 

As we welcome new Board leadership, we extend our sincere appreciation to former Board Chair and Directors Petchphilin (Pauline) Ismael and Colin Christensen, and Board Secretary Rajiv A. Bansal for their dedication and service to Action for Healthy Communities.

Their leadership, expertise, and commitment have helped strengthen AHC’s governance and support our mission of building healthy, inclusive, and welcoming communities across Alberta. We thank Pauline, Colin, and Rajiv for their contributions and wish them continued success in their future endeavours.

We look forward to working with our new Board Chair and Board members as we continue supporting newcomers and strengthening communities across Alberta.

Learn more about our Board of Directors

Discover Local Businesses at the AHC’s  Market Place During KDays 2026!

 

Shop at more than 55 local entrepreneurs and small businesses at the AHC’s Market Place during KDays 2026!

Explore a wide selection of locally made products, unique gifts, specialty foods, fashion, home décor, cultural products, beauty items, children’s products, and discover something new during Edmonton’s biggest event!

• • July 17–19, 2026
  •  11:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m. daily
  •  Edmonton EXPO Centre – Pop-Up Market (Halls G & H)

Aparnaa Pradhan

Aura Fashion

Ay Wey Gummies

Belle Delice

Bizmah Clothing

CL Cubed

Color Hope

COSW

DL Royal Beads Clothing

Étnica Yeg

Gerry’s Prime Cleaning Corp

Gul Maira

JCM Group Services

Jeuxd’Attraction

Melika Okbe

Mexcanart

Naiga Made

Royaltech Canada Building Corp

Sister Corner Edmonton

Straight from the Hearth

Surprises Magical Dayi

Teresah Jane Muturi

Vida Dress

 Other Participating AHC Vendors at K-Days

• Action for Healthy Communities
• Africa Caribbean Heritage Alliance Foundation
• Afghan Clothes and Jewelry
• Alfajores YEG
• Alusi Woven Creations
• ArtMuse Collective & MusArt Events
• Bethel Fashion and Kitchen Inc.
• DD Fashion
• Etnica YEG – Farmwoman
• Euphloria

• Grandma Ema’s Crochet
• Halyna’s Handmade!!
• Heart and Hat by Ale Pineda
• Himalayan Jewelry and Handicrafts
• Jyoti Pradhan
• KISA90 Massage Therapy and Spa
• Leah’s Piñatas & Crochet Creations
• Liubov Kostetska
• Luci Fashion
• Mama Ivoire Beauty Supply

• Mauricio’s Garden
• Mexican Soul
• Motherly Foundation
• Noé & Mi Care
• North South and Bridges
• Pakiza Fashion
• Queen’s Bridal Collection
• Sajedas Henna
• Viva Ink