Calgary, Alberta, Canada
Gunnpreet Minhas I am currently a third year student in the Community Rehabilitation and Disability Studies program with a minor in Law and Society.
Title of Project: Beyond the Algorithm - AI, Equity & Civic Engagement Artificial intelligence is no longer a distant technological concept; it shapes how people access healthcare, find employment, interact with social media, learn in schools, and engage with public services. Yet its benefits and risks are not distributed equally. Algorithmic bias, data privacy concerns, the digital divide, and the concentration of AI development in the hands of a few powerful actors all raise urgent questions about equity, accountability, and the public good. This project invites university students to move beyond surface-level familiarity with AI and engage critically with its real-world impacts. Using AI tools, credible academic and policy sources, and independent research, students will investigate how artificial intelligence affects different communities - with particular attention to marginalized, racialized, low-income, and vulnerable populations. Students will then translate their findings into a creative, publicly accessible output that contributes meaningfully to civic understanding of AI. This project is designed to develop skills in research and evidence synthesis, systems and stakeholder analysis, equity-focused critical thinking, and public communication of complex issues.
In this role, I contribute to program coordination, customer service, and event support, ensuring a welcoming environment for the community. I am passionate about promoting recreation, fostering positive experiences, and helping others enjoy the game of golf.
I have been employed with the City of Calgary for over three and a half years, beginning my journey at the age of 16. Throughout my tenure, I have gained valuable experience working in various community programs, including CAS, Park n Play, and Neighbourhood Adventures. These diverse roles have allowed me to develop strong skills in program delivery, participant engagement, and teamwork, while contributing positively to the local community. My long-term commitment reflects my dedication and passion for serving Calgary residents through recreational and community initiatives. Key Responsibilities: 1. Plan, lead, and deliver recreational, sport, fitness, and social programs for children, youth, and adults, including day camps, special events, and after-school activities. 2. Supervise participants to ensure their safety and well-being during programs and events. 3. Prepare, set up, and maintain equipment and supplies needed for activities. 4. Maintain accurate records, monitor attendance, and provide feedback on program effectiveness. 5. Serve as a positive role model and mentor to program participants and volunteers. 6. Collaborate with team members to develop and implement meaningful cultural and social initiatives. 7. Enforce safety rules and provide emergency first aid when necessary. 8. Communicate professionally with supervisors, participants, caregivers, and community partners. 9. Assist with administrative tasks such as scheduling, reporting, and program evaluation. 10. Promote an inclusive, respectful, and welcoming environment reflecting City of Calgary values around equity, diversity, and community engagement.
Disability and Sexuality Lab with Dr. Alan Martino (Community Rehab and Disability @UCalgary) and Dr. David Ben Shannon (Education @ University of Sheffield). Website: https://www.disabilitysexualitylab.com/ Mission Statement: We promote social change by co-creating research and resources with communities to tackle silences around disability and sexuality.
Current Project Title: Computational Urban Accessibility: Understanding, Mapping and Scoring Barriers in the Built Environment. Campus Accessibility Maping Project (CAMP) with Dr. Meaghan Edwards (Community Rehab and Disability Studies @ UCalgary), Dr. Victoria Fast (Geography @ UCalgary) and Dr. Kassi Boyd (Geography @ UAlberta, Accessible Mapping Research Lab). Purpose of this Study: 1. Learn about the lived experiences of physical barriers that the disability community faces daily in Calgary 2. Engage with individuals who have lived experiences with disability 3. Inform the public and decision makers to advocate and create an accessible city Key Responsibilities: 1. Conduct literature reviews and surveys to support ongoing research projects. 2. Collect, organize, and manage data, ensuring accuracy, confidentiality, and adherence to ethical standards. 3. Assist in recruiting and communicating with study participants, including obtaining informed consent and coordinating interviews. 4. Support fieldwork activities such as processing and conducting focus groups. 5. Analyze research data using statistical software and prepare reports, presentations, and manuscripts for dissemination. 6. Maintain detailed records and documentation, supporting grant proposals and ethics applications. 7. Participate actively in team meetings and foster professional relationships with researchers and participants. 8. Ensure compliance with research protocols, privacy legislation, and university policies. 9. Manage administrative tasks related to the research project, such as scheduling, correspondence, and inventory management.
The Deputy Returning Officer (DRO) is primarily responsible for assisting the Chief Returning Officer (CRO) with the administrative requirements of the Students’ Union (SU) General and By-Election. The DRO is a resource provided to students by the SU. As such, the incumbent is responsible for promotional and administrative tasks, ensuring the SU KEY RESPONSIBILITIES 1. Assist in ensuring Election Candidates adhere to campaigning rules via poster patrol 2. Assist in the set-up, take down and staffing of polling stations and addressing students’ election-related queries. 3. Assist the CRO in distributing promotional materials related to voting days. 4. Assist the Manager, Student Services and CRO in executing and promoting the election forums and candidate fair.
I have been employed with AgeCare for over two years. Between April and December 2024, I took a temporary leave to accept a position with the Canada Border Services Agency, which allowed me to gain valuable experience while contributing to national public service. I subsequently resumed my role with AgeCare, bringing enhanced skills and perspectives from my time with the agency. Key Responsibilities: Reporting to on-site Management, the Receptionist will respond to all incoming calls, greet and direct all visitors, answering inquiries in a positive and professional manner, representative of AgeCare. 1. To answer all incoming calls, and respond to caller's inquiries in a positive, professional manner ; 2. To redirect calls as appropriate and take clear, concise messages when required; 3. To greet, assist and direct all visitors; 4. To pick up and sort internal mail; 5. To stamp, deliver and maintain mail machine for external mail; 6. To prepare packages and arrange courier pick up; 7. To arrange meeting room schedule and bookings; 8. To update phone and distribution lists; 9. To maintain a clean, safe, fully stocked and well organized reception area; 10. To assist with small projects as required by other administrative support (i.e. labels, bulk mailing, etc.); 11. To complete other duties as assigned; 12. To uphold and promote the organization's values and philosophy relating particularly to ethics, morality, and integrity as set out in Code of Conduct.
After completing a full year with the Calgary Inland Team, I advanced into a highly specialized and legally intensive position within the Hearings unit of the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA). This involved preparing cases concerning the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act, ensuring data integrity and accuracy in system inputs such as GCMS and NCMS, and delivering timely and professional responses to complex legal inquiries. This position demanded a strong understanding of legal procedures and immigration enforcement, as well as the ability to manage sensitive, confidential information in adherence to privacy legislation. Primary Roles: 1. Provide a range of administrative support, including creating and maintaining files, processing mail, scanning, photocopying, and other related tasks as needed. 2. Enter and maintain data accurately and on time in required software systems (GCMS, NCMS, JOIN), ensuring data integrity. 3. Consistently meet service standards, commitments, and deadlines. 4. Arrange meeting logistics (room, equipment, hospitality, etc.), prepare meeting documents like agendas, take minutes, and share finalized records with my team. 5. Support the Hearings unit by providing timely, professional information and responses. 6. Share information as required internally and externally, always following privacy and access laws. 7. Assist coworkers by participating actively to complete tasks or files as needed. 8. Attend and contribute to meetings by sharing relevant information. 9. Take initiative to promote and achieve team and organizational goals and support a safe, productive workplace. 10. Model CBSA values, ethics, and code of conduct in behavior and work practices. 11. Help foster a respectful, inclusive, and harassment-free environment, supporting equity, diversity, and mental wellness. 12. Contribute to team efficiency through cooperation and communication across coworkers, supervisors, and other units.
Units: Inland, Investigations, Travel Document Unit and Detentions I was offered a summer position with the Calgary Inland Team, initially lasting until August. Due to my strong performance and dedication, I received an extension that allowed me to complete a full year with the team. During this period, I gained valuable hands-on experience in administrative support and contributed meaningfully to the team’s operations, which helped me develop a deeper understanding of the unit’s functions and enhanced my professional skills in a dynamic work environment. This opportunity also provided a solid foundation for my ongoing career progression within the organization. Primary Roles: 1. Provide a range of administrative support, including creating and maintaining files, processing mail, covering the front counter, scanning, photocopying, and other related tasks as needed. 2. Enter and maintain data accurately and on time in required software systems (GCMS, NCMS, JOIN), ensuring data integrity. 3. Consistently meet service standards, commitments, and deadlines. 4. Support the Inland unit by providing timely, professional information and responses. 5. Share information as required internally and externally, always following privacy and access laws. 6. Demonstrate professionalism, integrity, and respect in interactions with clients, colleagues, and management. 7. Assist coworkers by participating actively to complete tasks or files as needed. 8. Attend and contribute to meetings by sharing relevant information. 9. Take initiative to promote and achieve team and organizational goals and support a safe, productive workplace. 10. Model CBSA values, ethics, and code of conduct in behavior and work practices. 11. Help foster a respectful, inclusive, and harassment-free environment, supporting equity, diversity, and mental wellness.