The Calgary Arab Arts and Culture Society appreciates its advisors and volunteers.
BoardMembers
Chairman
Moness Rizkalla
Moness Rizkalla is the co-founder of CAACS. A well-respected Professional Engineer, with over 40 years of engineering, management and business leadership experience in the energy transmission industry. An extensively published and recognized technical leader with expertise and a track record of achievements. Mr. Rizkalla supports several volunteer and philanthropic interests.
Director
Hashem Kadri
Hashem Kadri is a well-established, international business advisor of professional and personal contacts, complemented by a reputation as a trusted member of the community through leadership roles in academic and work projects. A natural relationship-builder and persuasive communicator with a collaborative ability to present complex information to the audience.
Director
Balkan Farage
As a dedicated banking professional, Balkan is committed to advancing her goals by embracing change and delivering effective solutions. With years as a Business Relationship Manager, she earned her the ‘Best of the Best’ distinction many times, along with high achievement awards. Her active community involvement that is clear is effective partnerships.
Director
Norma Lewis
With well over twenty years of experience in Calgary's theater scene, Norma Lewis has worked with various theater companies and has become a recognized, and respected figure in the community. As the co-founder of 8Rojo, a collaborative performance company, Norma has been at the forefront
of creating innovative, fantastical theater experiences. For more than a decade, she has produced, co-created, and performed in several original works. She is also a writer. A passionate storyteller, Norma, with her unique voice and incredible stage presence, continues to explore the intersections of writing, voice, mask, and movement, solidifying her place as a versatile and dedicated artist.
Director
Sura
Sura is one of CAACS newest members. Her dedication to community engagement has led her to hold diverse volunteer positions ranging from front-line volunteer work to serving on boards focused on social work and language learning. She is a professional in energy policy and regulation, with a focus on emerging trends and industry engagement. She looks forward to supporting CAACS in expanding Calgary's access to the beauty of Arab culture.
Director
Ranny Shibley
Ranny Shibley is the founder and CEO of Bloom Benefits Group. Born and raised in Calgary, he attended the University of Calgary, earning a bachelor's degree in geomatics engineering. He worked in the energy industry for 15 years, then transitioned to the venture world for seven years, finally ending up in insurance when he founded Bloom in 2022.
Director
Sleman Aldib
Sleman Aldib is the Founder and Artistic Director of The Arab Canadian Theatre, Kawalease ACT. He is an accomplished actor, writer, performer, theatre director and also professional photographer. Sleman is a recipient of the Canadian Arab Institute's "30 Under 30" Initiative Award.
Treasurer
Abbadi Hicham
Hicham was a co-founder of CAA&CS in addition to leading his own Accounting firm, Abbadi Professional Corporation, plus being a director at Horizon Academy Institute. With an MBA, along with certifications as a CGA and CPA, Hicham chose recently to step down from the board and focus on administering its finances as its funding and repertoire increased.
Secretary
Lindsey Rizkalla
Lindsey is one of the founders of the Calgary Arab Arts & Culture Society. With double majors in Sociology and Commerce, specializing in organizational development, Lindsey has been the second longest serving board member. She has been instrumental in managing volunteers, leading film selection committees and marketing beside her role as a Secretary of the Society. Her banking career and living in Victoria, British Columbia hasn't hindered her input and presence at the Society's board functions, committees' meetings and major events. Lindsey is known to be very accurate and a wonderful communicator, and takes great joy in sharing Arab art with Calgarians.
AdministrativeBody
Executive Director
Bassem Hafez
Bassem, an academic, graduate of Political Science who teaches Immigration & Refugee Law at CDI and Academic Writing & Business Communication at MCG College. BigB was the founder of the Calgary Egyptian Association in 2012 and many metal music bands since 1992. He is a published writer, musician, playwright and has sat on many boards, such as ANTYX, Calgary Outlink, and currently ICAI and is the chairperson of the board of CJFF. In 2023, Bassem obtained his Arts Manager Diploma from the Rozsa Foundation and Haskayne Business School.
Marketing Manager
Abdesslam Bouayad
Abdesslam is a marketing guru who has an academic background in sales and marketing. He is social and determined! He has been capable of adapting to contextual changes, motivated to learn, customer-oriented and driven by challenges. Since he was in Morocco, his passion to serve nonprofits, has charged his interest. Since his arrival to Canada, he has been adding to the marketing force of the Calgary Arab Arts & Culture Society, revolutionizing its presence. He has been an active member of the community, participating in many social initiatives with his knowledge, critical thinking and Motivation!