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.
ANETA POPA, Immediate Past President
Aneta Popa is a Team Lead and an Employment Specialist with the Calgary Catholic Immigration Society. As an employment specialist, she assists professionals launch the career they desire and securing the job they need. Aneta is passionate about empowering new Canadians to accelerate their future success and support them to become thriving members of Canadian society. Aneta earned her Bachelor’s degree in General Business from the Athlone Institute of Technology in Ireland. She is also a Certified Career Strategist. Aneta serves the greater Calgary community through her volunteer efforts with not-for-profit organizations such as Calgary Seniors’ Resource Society and Salvation Army. When she is not at work, Aneta enjoys exercising, hiking, and spending time with family and friends.
ZAHRA AGHABABAEI, Vice President Membership
Zahra Aghababaei has a strong background in human resources, recruitment, and customer service. She is pursuing a degree in Health and Human Services Management at Bow Valley College while working at Intact Insurance. With over six years of experience, including as a Human Resources Advisor for the Municipality of Tehran, Zahra excels in HR processes, time management, leadership, and team building. She is skilled in healthcare policy, quality improvement methodologies, and effective communication. Committed to fostering a positive environment, Zahra aims to enhance membership processes and satisfaction within 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.
ANASTASIA HORSHKOVA, Secretary
Anastasia Horshkova is a manager at a privately-owned association management company in Calgary that engages with more than 30 trade, industry and professional associations throughout the province. In her role, she manages member engagement, coordinates event planning and logistics for large events and provides support with marketing and communications. Anastasia earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Journalism and a Master’s Degree in Psychology in Odessa, Ukraine. As a multilinguist, she converses in English, Russian, and Ukrainian. Anastasia was a Human Resources Manager and a Dance Coach in Ukraine before she moved to Canada in 2023.
Committee
MARIA KIM, Mentorship Chairperson
Maria Kim is a corporate and commercial lawyer specializing in oil and gas, renewable energy, mergers and acquisitions. With roles at Cassels Brock and Blackwell LLP, Whissell Contracting Ltd., PrairieSky Royalties Ltd. and Encana Corporation, she has also volunteered at Land and Energy Management Association of Canada (LEMAC) Education Committee. Dual-qualified in Argentina and Canada, Maria obtained her J.D. degree at the University of Buenos Aires. She undertook Canadian Common Law at Peter A. Allard School of Law, University of British Columbia. Maria also brings extensive experience working with not-for-profit organizations such as Association of Korean Professionals and Korean Canadian Lawyers Association Prairies Chapter (“KCLAP”). She is fluent in English, Spanish and Korean. Maria enjoys traveling, playing tennis, and golfing.
JENNY GULAMANI-ABDULLA, Nominations Chairperson
Committee Vacancies: Resolutions Chairperson and Members.
Email your bio and photo to Communications@bpwcalgary.com – to express your interest.