Two Filipinas are among Calgary’s 20 ‘Most Compelling in 2023’ 

The Calgary Herald annually honors 20 noteworthy Calgarians whose achievements and impact on the city are significant but at times outside the public spotlight. Two Filipina Canadians are among the “20 Most Compelling Calgarians in 2023.”

Award-winning entrepreneur and food-security activist Lourdes Juan (left photo) looks for innovative concepts that get “food to people, with dignity.” (RescueFood Photo).

Lourdes Juan, 38, is an entrepreneur, urban planner, tech startup founder and food security activist. The University of Calgary master’s of environmental design has her own planning firm, Hive Developments in addition to Soma Spa.

She also founded Leftovers Foundation, one of Canada’s largest, tech-enabled food rescue charities, and social enterprise Fresh Routes Inc., a mobile grocery store providing healthy and affordable food.

A successful YMCA pilot program enabled her to get funding to expand Fresh Routes this year, including a possible bricks-and-mortar outlet, while her logistics app will help food rescue organizations around the world, according to the Herald.

Juan has received several awards for her advocacy, including the Culbert Family Philanthropy Award from the United Way, the L’Oreal Paris Women of Worth Award, and a UCalgary Alumni Arch Award.

Roxanne Singlot uses her own experiences to help women newcomers to Calgary adjust to their new home. (FACEBOOK)

Roxanne Singlot arrived as a 19-year-old in Calgary 10 years ago from the Philippines. She uses her experiences in overcoming culture shock, a new school system and language barriers to help youth and immigrants coming to the city.

For six years, she has been program co-ordinator for mental health and wellness, especially for new families, with the Alberta Network of Immigrant Women, which also advocates for employment access and equity for immigrant women.

Singlot is also a volunteer board director with the Youth Empowerment Program of the Philippine Festival Council of Alberta.