Helen Ong works as a Settlement Counsellor dedicated to helping new immigrants to settle down in Canada. She is also an experienced language interpreter, helping social workers and new immigrants who do not understand the English language. Originally immigrated from Malaysia in 1998, as a member of 3rd generation Chinese descent, Ong has grown up with traditional gender roles and patriarchal values. Sadly, these values did not encourage women's participation in politics nor in the workplace. Furthermore, racial discrimination was also a major topic in her home country. As a result, she felt afraid to speak up at that time. Helen Ong is involved in Malaysian Singaporean Bruneian Community Association as a VP Malaysia and Activity Coordinator; Canadian Indonesian Social Club as a Social Director. Her hobbies include biking, swimming, singing and dancing. In her free time, she participates in non-profit organizations and communities.
Before arriving in Calgary from Venezuela in 2017, Alex graduated with a Bachelor of Law and successful leadership experience with many international humanitarian non-governmental organizations, such as the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, the United Nations System and other global humanitarian operations promoting human rights and access to public services for refugees. Since arriving in Calgary with limited English proficiency, Alex worked to find his place in Calgary’s society and readjust Is professional path. From working in retail to volunteering in animal shelters, he has quickly become a contributing member of the Calgary community and completed a Master of Arts in Leadership from the Royal Roads University. Before being appointed Diversecities’ CEO, Alex was the Director of Project and Engagement with Pro Bono Law Alberta and a current member of the Board of Directors with Miskanawah Community Services Association and Calgary Fetal Alcohol Network. Alex also has in-depth experience working within Calgary’s immigrant sector at Calgary Regional Immigrant Employment Council.
