Board Members, 2023-2024/5
ANETA POPA, 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.
XIMENA ESPANA, First Vice 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.
NIMET MANJI, Immediate Past President
Nimet Manji is an investment and wealth advisor at RBC Dominion Securities. Her work extends beyond investment advice as she addresses her clients’ concerns related to their financial, retirement and estate planning goals. Nimet earned her Bachelor of Commerce from University of Calgary specializing in Marketing and Finance. She has her Certified Financial Planner designation, Financial Management Advisor certification, Professional Financial Planning certificate, Registered Retirement Consultant designation and has completed the Canadian Securities Course. Nimet is an active volunteer of the Ismaili Community and teaches financial literacy classes for Junior Achievement. She has also volunteered with the Girls Guides Association. She served as a mentor and as First Vice President at BPW Calgary.
ZAHRA AGHABABAEI, VP 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.
SMRITI ARORA, VP Communications
Smriti Arora is an Employment Counsellor at the Calgary Catholic Immigration Society. With a strong background in Communications and Public Policy as well as a keen interest in Social Inclusion and Community Development, Smriti’s goal is to empower newcomers in Calgary. Smriti earned her Master’s Degree in Public Policy after obtaining her Bachelor of Arts Honours Degree in Economics. Smriti has researched Alberta’s employment programs and collaborated with stakeholders including civil society organizations of Calgary as well as the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) on food security and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Smriti remains dedicated to driving social change and advancing women’s empowerment to make impactful contributions to societal progress.
ADETOLA ERAS, VP Young BPWs
Adetola Eras is a project management professional with more than 12 years of expertise in overseeing diverse project portfolios, encompassing energy and renewable projects, construction endeavours, and digital transformation initiatives. Her extensive career has seen her navigate various industries, including Banking, Oil & Gas, Transportation, Energy, Education, and Information Technology. Presently, she holds the position of Sr. Scrum Master at IBM. Adetola earned her Bachelor’s degree in psychology from the University of Lagos in Nigeria and holds certifications from esteemed project management organizations such as the Project Management Institute (PMI) and the Scaled Agile Framework (SAFe). She has played pivotal roles in enhancing organizational processes, leading change management programs, fostering high-performance team dynamics, and facilitating framework transitions. Adetola devotes her time to volunteer work with Slum2School, where she serves as a mentor and extends her support to underprivileged children in Lagos, ensuring they access quality education. She is a fervent advocate for women’s empowerment and the education of the girl-child.
ADITI GUPTA, Secretary
Aditi Gupta is an Accounts Payable Specialist within the Finance Department of the Calgary Catholic Immigration Society. For over a decade as a Senior MI Analyst in India with Fidelity International, she worked on cost optimization exercises. Aditi also handled the collection, preparation and processing of data using financial models built in Excel. She is passionate about developing and implementing new procedures and processes that enhance financial operations. Aditi is a profound believer in giving back to the community. She has participated in BPW Calgary’s Mentorship Program. In her leisure time, Aditi enjoys travelling and exploring diverse cultures. Aditi also finds joy in cooking and experimenting with new recipes.
CAYLEE GORITZA, Chairperson, Resolutions
Caylee Gorzitza has a non-traditional background of becoming an automotive mechanic and years of specializing in male-dominated industries. Working as an aircraft engine assembler for Pratt & Whitney Canada since 2008, she is now shifting her career path. Obtaining her BSc in psychology from the University of Lethbridge and her MA in Industrial/Organizational Psychology from Adler University in Chicago, Caylee plans to assist businesses in excelling in operations, leadership, policies and approaches through a consultant role. She is committed to working alongside the strong, inspiring women at BPW Calgary and supporting the VP resolutions committee nationally.
Committee Vacancies:
Communications, Programs and Events
Email President@bpwcalgary.com – to express your interest.