Since the TalentED YYC pilot project began, we have been honoured to support many non-profit organizations who are eager to work with student talent. As we head into the holiday season, we wanted to highlight the amazing work that these non-profits are doing to create positive change in Calgary. 

Meet the Ladies in the Family Foundation

What if Calgary became a city where every immigrant woman, especially Black women and girls, had the resources and support to reach her full potential? That’s the vision behind the local non-profit, Ladies in the Family Foundation (LIFF), led by Bukola Ojemakinde.

Earlier this year, TalentED YYC was able to connect Bukola with students who are eager to support and empower Black women in Calgary. By using our centralized job posting portal, Bukola was able to connect with qualified student support interested in this type of work. Additionally, the portal helped to streamline the recruitment process, making it easier to bring dedicated individuals onto the team.

“Services such as skill-matching and networking opportunities have proven particularly beneficial, ensuring that the right volunteers align with the needs of our programs and enhancing the overall impact of our initiatives.”

– Bukola Ojemakinde, LIFF Executive Director

By working through TalentED YYC, Bukola found UCalgary MBA student, Shashank Balooni, who is now gaining hands on experience with LIFF and making a significant impact to the community.

“This role provides me an opportunity to give back to the community and actively contribute to the development of African culture in Canada.

In this role, I look forward to leveraging my MBA skills, particularly in Market and Industry Analysis, to support the African Fashion Home initiatives. My current coursework in Market Research focuses on consumer feedback, focus groups, and surveys. I’m excited to apply these tools and learning in a way that can directly benefit the foundation’s objectives.”

– Shashank Balooni, MBA student

Bukola explains that students like Shashank are an invaluable addition to the LIFF team. They can assist in organizing events, facilitating workshops, or supporting outreach efforts, bringing fresh perspectives and innovative ideas that enhance the foundation’s initiatives.

“By engaging with the community, students not only contribute to LIFF’s mission but also cultivate a sense of responsibility and connection to their surroundings. Ultimately this empowers the next generation of leaders.”

– Bukola Ojemakinde, LIFF Executive Director

More about LIFF 

Bukola says that LIFF is committed to nurturing personal development and cultivating leadership. By offering a diverse range of transformative programs, the foundation creates a vibrant environment where women and girls can thrive.

A few of LIFF’s programs that promote essential knowledge and skills include

• camps for girls that feature workshops in STEM entrepreneurship and the arts
• professional workshops for women that support career growth
• a mental health initiative that supports mental health awareness and resilience
• empowering women to explore careers in trades, technology, and leadership

Through these innovative programs, LIFF aims to inspire participants and equip them with the tools needed to become influential change-makers in their communities. Visit LIFF to learn more about their specific program offerings. 

How Can You Support LIFF’s Mission?

Is Your Non-profit Ready for Student Support?

To learn more about how TalentED YYC can support your non-profit organization by hiring a student, check out our Top Three Resources for Non-profit Organizations. Additionally, our Employer Engagement specialists can answer any questions that you may have about student recruitment. To connect with a specialist, contact us today!

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