Alex shares that as a newcomer to Canada from Venezuela in 2017, with a human rights and law background, he experienced moments of overt racism. One was when working as a cashier, a customer told him she wanted to speak to someone without an accent. He voices that there are many stereotypes about racialized and First Nations Peoples. He states there is a need to speak out and take action against racism.
Before arriving in Calgary from Venezuela in 2017, Alex graduated with a Bachelor of Law and successful leadership experience with many international humanitarian non-governmental organizations, such as the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, the United Nations System and other global humanitarian operations promoting human rights and access to public services for refugees. Since arriving in Calgary with limited English proficiency, Alex worked to find his place in Calgary’s society and readjust Is professional path. From working in retail to volunteering in animal shelters, he has quickly become a contributing member of the Calgary community and completed a Master of Arts in Leadership from the Royal Roads University. Before being appointed Diversecities’ CEO, Alex was the Director of Project and Engagement with Pro Bono Law Alberta and a current member of the Board of Directors with Miskanawah Community Services Association and Calgary Fetal Alcohol Network. Alex also has in-depth experience working within Calgary’s immigrant sector at Calgary Regional Immigrant Employment Council.
