Our Team

Jaya is a networking enthusiast passionate about volunteering and community engagement. These assets have helped her redefine her identity as a newcomer to Canada.
Born and raised in India, Jaya has extensive experience working in the Middle East for over 15 years before immigrating to Canada with her family in 2011. She currently works at Onward Homes as Community Engagement Coordinator, working closely with vulnerable populations across Calgary.
She strongly believes a positive attitude and an open mind go a long way towards social integration. Jaya is proud to call Calgary, a multi-cultural and dimensional city, her home.
Jaya’s passions include building community, practicing mindfulness and meditation and mentoring new immigrants seeking opportunities!

• Facebook
• X
• LinkedIn

Smriti has a background in policy advocacy, research, and strategic planning, with a strong commitment to food solidarity and supporting equity-deserving groups. In India, she led a public health initiative to combat anemia by integrating iron-rich millets into the Public Distribution System, improving nutrition and creating local income opportunities.
After moving to Canada, she worked with organizations like the Cultivate Cochrane Society and the Calgary Catholic Immigration Society, supporting communities through food education and newcomer employment counselling. Inspired by Calgary’s growing food insecurity crisis, she co-founded Roots of Arnica to develop sustainable, community-driven solutions grounded in social justice and evidence-based policy.

• Facebook
• X
• LinkedIn