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INCLUSIVE - AHC Entrepreneur Profile

Entrepreneur: Karem Velez

Growing up in Mexico, Karem Velez knew from an early age that the world is a very diverse place. Velez also understood that people are equal regardless of their colour, race, and place of origin. It was this understanding that inspired her to start her own company; an organization that aims to empower immigrant women.

The organization — named INCLUSIVE —, specializes in workforce development programs created to specifically help immigrant women succeed in the labour market. The organization provides the tools, strategies and support to help women achieve their goals without losing their cultural heritage by embracing a multicultural environment and developing their skills and abilities.

“My focus is to help them move from where they are to where they want to be,” Velez says.

Having seen the difficulties firsthand, Velez’s passion is to support the immigrant community to adapt and evolve. 

“As an immigrant, I understand and relate to the struggles that individuals and families encounter when starting a new life in a different country.”

Velez says the Business Supports Program (BSP) at Action for Healthy Communities (AHC) “was crucial in the physical manifestation of my dream.”

The program was adjusted to her individual needs and guided her through every step business start-ups required: incorporations, business operations etc. 

“The program provides a clear path full of knowledge and support,” Velez says. 

Currently, Velez is in the process of developing her website and social media platforms. For more information about INCLUSIVE contact Velez at vkaremllara@gmail.com 
For more information about the Business Supports Program email business.supports@a4hc.ca

Article by: Ishita Verma

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As an organization working towards improving peoples’ well being, we acknowledge our presence on Treaty 6 territory and Métis Nation of Alberta Region 4, a traditional meeting grounds, gathering place, and travelling route for the Cree, Saulteaux, Blackfoot, Métis, Dene, Ojibway, Anishinaabe, Nakota Sioux, and Inuit, as our responsibility to extend support for healing to our Indigenous Community members during this difficult times. 
We acknowledge all the many First Nations, Métis, and Inuit whose footsteps have marked these lands for centuries and whose histories, languages, and cultures continue to influence our vibrant community.

As an organization, we commit ourselves to continue to acknowledge, learn, understand, and create opportunities to educate our staff, volunteers, and community members about the lived experiences of First Nations, Inuit and Métis, walking the path of reconciliation.

Action for Healthy Communities Society of Alberta (AHC's) Diversity and Inclusion Statement

AHC is a proud proponent of diversity in the workforce, and we support an inclusive workplace that values the diversity of ideas.

AHC fosters diversity and inclusion at all levels of our organization. It is among the cornerstones of our core values of inclusion, collaboration, participation, personal development, innovation and excellence. We understand that equity deserving individuals and communities possess huge potential for growth and development but facing myriad of challenges which can be addressed through their capacity building by hiring and retaining individuals with an array of competencies, talents, experiences, and ideas to propel the innovation that drives our success. 
A diverse workforce and inclusive culture help us strengthen performance and inspire creative solutions. We believe the attention given to diversity and inclusion makes us more responsive, agile, trustworthy and innovative.

AHC's diversity and inclusion policies aim to foster an inclusive space that encourages more meaningful engagement among all program participants, employees, volunteers and other stakeholders to strengthen our performance.
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