As we continue building momentum at the IIBA® Calgary Chapter, I want to take this opportunity to highlight three areas that remain central to the value we provide our members: events, education, and volunteering.
Our chapter exists to support business analysis professionals across Calgary and Southern Alberta, whether they are experienced CBAP® professionals, emerging business analysts, project professionals, product owners, process improvement practitioners, or individuals who may not yet have “business analyst” in their title but are already doing business analysis work every day.
Events That Connect and Strengthen Our Community
Chapter events continue to be one of the most visible ways we bring value to our members. Whether we are hosting professional development sessions, networking opportunities, career-focused workshops, or community-building events, our goal is always the same: to create meaningful opportunities for members to learn, connect, and grow.
These events are not simply calendar items. They are opportunities to exchange ideas, meet fellow professionals, hear from experienced speakers, and stay current in a profession that continues to evolve rapidly. As business analysis expands into areas such as AI, process transformation, product ownership, data, cybersecurity, and enterprise change, our chapter events help keep our members engaged, equipped, and connected.
Education as a Core Member Value
Education remains at the heart of what we do as a professional association. Through chapter learning events, study groups, guest speakers, workshops, and shared resources, we want to help our members continue developing their business analysis capabilities and confidence.
Whether someone is preparing for certification, strengthening their understanding of the BABOK® Guide, learning how to apply business analysis in Agile environments, or exploring how AI is reshaping our profession, the chapter has an important role to play in supporting that journey.
Our commitment is to provide practical, relevant, and accessible learning opportunities that help members bring greater value to their organizations, clients, teams, and careers.
Volunteering: The Engine Behind the Chapter
None of this happens without volunteers.
The IIBA® Calgary Chapter is powered by dedicated individuals who give their time, talent, ideas, and energy to serve our professional community. From planning events and supporting communications, to coordinating education, mentoring members, welcoming new participants, and helping shape chapter strategy, volunteers are the engine behind everything we do.
We are also pleased to welcome two new volunteers to the chapter team:
Sajini Senaratna joins us as Event Coordinator, helping support the planning, coordination, and delivery of chapter events that bring our members together for learning, networking, and professional growth.
Zheng Wang joins us as Study Group Coordinator, supporting one of the chapter’s important educational offerings for members who are pursuing certification, strengthening their business analysis knowledge, or looking to engage more deeply with the BABOK® Guide and related learning resources.
Please join us in welcoming Sajini and Zheng. We are grateful for their willingness to contribute their time and talents to the IIBA® Calgary Chapter.
Volunteering with the chapter is also a powerful professional development opportunity. It allows members to build leadership experience, expand their professional network, contribute to the business analysis community, and develop skills that extend well beyond their day-to-day roles.
If you have ever considered getting more involved, I encourage you to reach out. There are many ways to contribute, and we would be pleased to help you find a volunteer opportunity that aligns with your interests, strengths, and availability.
A Well-Deserved Shout Out to Our Mentorship Program
It is also time to give special recognition to our IIBA® Calgary Chapter Mentorship Program, under the direction of Achala Vinnakota and Opeyemi Tomori.
Mentorship is one of the most meaningful ways we can support one another as professionals. It creates a space for encouragement, shared experience, career guidance, skill development, and practical wisdom. For newer business analysts, it can provide direction and confidence. For experienced professionals, it offers an opportunity to give back, reflect, and help shape the next generation of business analysis leaders.
Achala’s leadership of the Mentorship Program is deeply appreciated. Her commitment helps strengthen the chapter’s ability to support members in a personal and practical way. To Achala, our mentors, and our mentees, thank you for investing in each other and in the future of our profession.
This program reflects what a professional community should be: people helping people grow.
We Want to Hear From You: Chapter Member Survey Coming Soon
As we look ahead, we also want to better understand what our members need, want, and suggest for the future of the chapter.
In the near future, we will be inviting members to participate in a chapter survey. The purpose of the survey is simple but important: to listen.
We want to hear your thoughts on the types of events you value most, the educational topics you would like us to explore, the professional development opportunities that would best support your career, and the ways the chapter can continue improving member value.
Your feedback will help guide our planning and priorities. It will help us better understand what is working, where there are gaps, and how we can continue to serve our members with greater focus and impact.
When the survey is released, I encourage every member to take a few minutes to complete it. Your voice matters, and your suggestions can help shape the direction of the chapter.
Moving Forward Together
The strength of the IIBA® Calgary Chapter is found in our members, our volunteers, our mentors, our learners, our speakers, and everyone who contributes to this professional community.
As we continue forward, our focus remains clear: delivering value through events, education, volunteering, mentorship, and meaningful member engagement.
Thank you for being part of the IIBA® Calgary Chapter. Thank you for showing up, contributing, learning, mentoring, volunteering, and sharing your ideas.
Together, we will continue building a stronger, more connected, and more valuable chapter for business analysis professionals across Calgary and Southern Alberta.
