Board Members
XIMENA ESPANA, President
Ximena Espana is a distinguished corporate and commercial lawyer specializing in Natural Resources, Energy, and Environmental Law. With a strong academic background from Universidad Externado de Colombia and the University of Calgary, she has excelled in roles at Parex Resources Inc., Osler, Hoskin & Harcourt LLP in Canada, and Ernst & Young LLP in Colombia. Beyond her professional achievements, Ximena co-founded Global Lawyers of Canada and engages actively in international dialogues through her membership in the Association of International Energy Negotiators (“AIEN”). Fluent in English and Spanish, she fosters cross-cultural collaboration and advocates passionately for women’s equality, aiming to create a more inclusive future for the next generation.
ERICA AMERY, First Vice President
Erica Amery is a Diversity Consultant at Intercultural Collaborations Inc., focused on creating inclusive workplaces through the understanding of intercultural competencies principles and navigating through complex interactions. She delivers customized workshops to students, administrators and instructors at post-secondary institutions, businesses and non-profit organizations. Erica has earned her Doctor of Education from the University of Calgary, specializing in Intercultural Education in Adult Learning contexts. She has travelled to over 45 countries and has worked and volunteered in 5 different countries. Erica has over 15 years of experience in managing projects and programs for post-secondary educational institutions and non-profit organizations. She was a Research Coordinator for The Immigrant Education Society and worked at the University of Calgary as a Coordinator to develop, facilitate and evaluate socio-cultural programs.
SADIKSHYA ARYAL, Vice President, Membership
Sadikshya Aryal has an educational background in Electronics and Communication Engineering. Her career spans across technology, entrepreneurship, clean energy, and community development, she has dedicated her work to creating practical pathways for women and youth to participate in the digital and green economies. As Co-founder and Project Lead at Himalayan Innovations in Nepal, Sadikshya developed and led initiatives that connected rural women with clean energy technologies, entrepreneurship opportunities, digital tools, and financial services. Through her work, she trained more than 1,000 youth stewards to deliver digital and financial literacy to over 4,500 rural women. Her focus was to bridge the digital gender divide for equality. Sadikshya’s commitment to women’s entrepreneurship and inclusive innovation was recognized through the UN Capital Development Fund (UNCDF) Women Enterprise Recovery Fund. Her Girls4Rurals initiative has also been recognized by the International Energy Agency. Now based in Calgary, Sadikshya continues to bring an international perspective to women’s leadership and community development. She has contributed as a member of Standing Committee to the organization’s Training, Environment and Sustainable Development and has participated in the M-Power Mentorship Program at BPW Calgary.
FEREBA AMINZADAH, Vice President Communications
Fereba Aminzadah has earned a Bachelor of Arts in Communications and Media Studies at the University of Calgary. Her studies focused on gender issues, new media, public relations, advertising, and international politics. This has allowed her to focus on how media affects society. Fereba understands how communication can be used as a form of empowerment as well as a tool for development, especially for vulnerable groups such as women. Fereba’s work experience has included managing communication channels between builders, trade workers and clients, and acting as the first point of contact for local manufacturing and retail businesses. Her voluntary work has included organizing fundraisers to support women, delivering prepared curriculum to students, and mentoring youth in our community.
AYOMIPO AKINYEMI, Vice President Young BPWs
Ayomipo (Nifemi) Akinyemi holds a Master’s degree in Electrical and Computer Engineering from the Schulich School of Engineering, University of Calgary, with a specialization in energy and environment. She has professional experience in project management, where she supported digital transformation initiatives, streamlined processes, and ensured sustainability remained a key focus in project delivery. Passionate about youth empowerment, Nifemi volunteers with organizations that help young people unlock their potential, develop practical skills, and grow into the best versions of themselves. She is especially committed to creating spaces where young women can thrive in leadership, innovation, and community development. In her free time, Nifemi enjoys reading, meeting new people, and engaging in meaningful conversations.
ISIS SUNNA, Treasurer
Isis Sunna is a Chartered Financial Analyst and a Credit Risk Optimization Manager at Servus Credit Union. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Finance from University of Jordan and is a Charterholder Member of the CFA Institute. Having worked at International Banks in the Middle East and Credit Unions in Alberta, she brings a unique perspective blending global financial expertise withe the cooperative principles of credit unions. She has a strong background in commercial credit adjudication, portfolio management, special loans management and team leadership. Beyond her career, Isis is a wife and mother who loves traveling and exploring new cultures. She values lifelong learning, mentorship, and building meaningful connections that create a lasting impact in both professional and personal life.
Board Vacancy: Secretary.
Committee Vacancies: Mentorship, Communications, Resolutions, Programs and Events.
Email your bio and photo to Communications@bpwcalgary.com to express your interest.