Paula Calderon, CEO, Calgary Women’s Immigrant Association

Sincere congratulations to Paula Calderon in her new role as the CEO of the Calgary Women’s Immigrant Association (CIWA)! CIWA is a culturally diverse settlement agency that focuses on the unique concerns and needs of immigrant and refugee women, girls, and their families through a staff of 200.

Heading this important organization is a role that Paula’s career has been preparing her for since she immigrated to Canada from Colombia in 2001. Now she’s eager to respond to the challenge of helping CIWA take the next steps in its development.

I first met Paula when she was Director of Services (Peel Region) at ACCES Employment. She was ready for a new challenge and was open to hearing about a position I was recruiting for at Windmill Microlending. Windmill, Canada’s largest and most successful microlending program for immigrants and refugees, needed someone to fill the newly created role of Director of Client Success. After talking to Paula, I believed she was exceptionally well suited to establishing this new role—and the team at Windmill agreed.

As a key member of the Windmill executive team, she was able to use her experience to build complex partnerships, mentor strong teams, develop new work models and manage change effectively in order to create a Client Success team from the ground up. Paula was also an effective spokesperson when sharing the experiences of Windmill clients.

I had the chance to ask Paula about her journey from New Canadian to Chief Executive Officer.

Was it difficult to make the leap from Windmill into your first CEO position?

• Growth always brings challenges, but I feel as though this transition is happening at just the right time in my career. And the CWIA Board, partners and the community in general have been very supportive.
• I’ve been coached throughout my career by mentors who showed me that in addition to being strategic and well prepared, a great leader is also compassionate and empathic, supporting their teams and leading by example.

What is the most important thing you’ve learned so far?

• Never stop learning.
• Keep growing, keep striving to be maintain a positive attitude.  

What advice would you give younger professionals?

• Stay humble and be willing to learn.
• Be patient—meaningful success does not happen overnight.
• Work hard and persevere.
• Sharpen your language and communication skills. This is the most important tool a professional can have.

Is there something you regret doing or not doing?

• I wish I had enjoyed the earlier stages of my career more. I was very focused on achievement. If I were doing it again, I would try to widen my focus and enjoy the journey rather than worrying so much about the end goal.

How has your own immigrant experience informed your career path?

• I learned how to overcome obstacles. Immigrants can face significant hurdles.
• It made me ambitious, driven. I was determined to learn and grow continuously.
• Every company, like every country, has its own culture, its own hierarchy. Being able to understand and adapt to those differences is a crucial skill.
• I love being part of an organization dedicated to helping immigrants successfully establish new lives for themselves and their families!

Paula, you have been a role model, not only for newcomers but for other professionals seeking to grow in their careers. Thank you for taking the time to chat and for sharing your knowledge.