Calgary, 1 June 2023 – Philippine-born Jeanae Elisha Ventura, 13 years old, is this year’s recipient of the 2023 Calgary Award for the category of Community Achievement Award for Youth.

Ms. Ventura, who was six years old when her family moved to Calgary in 2016, was among the 13 awardees that were recognized by the city during the ceremony held on the night of 14 June 2023 at the Calgary City Hall. Calgary Mayor Jyoti Gondek personally handed the award to Ms. Ventura.

Established in 1994, the Calgary Awards are given to individuals, corporations, community groups, and organizations to celebrate and recognize their outstanding achievements and contributions as Calgarians. 

Ms. Ventura was recognized for her skills in performance arts as well as her food and toy drives that have helped Calgary families and children. The City of Calgary also credited her advocacy for diversity and inclusion on behalf of girls and young Filipinos in the city.