A Decade of Impact: with Jyoti Gondek and Sonya Sharp

Ask Her was founded in 2016 with a mission to encourage more women to run for city council. In the decade since, we've seen three election cycles, 100s of program participants, and alumni on election ballots and city councils across Alberta. We're celebrating this milestone with fireside chats with Jyoti Gondek and Sonya Sharp, two women who've shaped Calgary politics.

They'll discuss their own political journeys, how gender representation on council has evolved over the years, and what a more equitable future might look like.

These conversations will be moderated by Annalise Klingbeil of Champion Communications and PR, bringing extensive experience across journalism, political communications, and civic affairs.

Doors open at 6:30 PM, with the program beginning at 7:00 PM.

Light refreshments will be served.

The venue is conveniently located just outside City Hall LRT station, with paid parking available at Lot 36 and Platform Calgary, plus free street parking near the Central Library.

Our Speakers:

Jyoti Gondek is a sociologist, academic, and politician who became Calgary’s first female mayor in 2021. She previously served as City Councillor for Ward 3 (2017–2021) and holds a Ph.D. in Urban Sociology and an M.A. in Organizational Sociology. Her career spans academic leadership, consulting, and community-building initiatives, including leading the Westman Centre for Real Estate Studies at the Haskayne School of Business.

Sonya Sharp is a lifelong Calgarian, business owner, and former Ward 1 City Councillor (2021–2025). She brings over 20 years of experience in planning and development with the City of Calgary, alongside 16 years as a local business owner, with a strong focus on supporting small businesses and strengthening the local economy.

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