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Event schedule

Time: 6 - 8:30 pm (doors open at 5:45 pm)

Welcome Reception: 6 – 6:45 pm

Panel Program: Begins at 7 pm

Location: Muttart Theatre - Stanley A. Milner Library (basement level)

Every community has people whose stories reach across generations — people who have spent their lives bringing others together, creating opportunities, giving back and helping shape the places they call home.

Roots that Reach is a new community-focused event series from Edmonton Community Foundation that brings Edmontonians together to hear those stories, learn from the wisdom of community elders and leaders, and consider how each of us can play a role in shaping our city’s future.

Our inaugural event: Edmonton’s South Asian community

For our first Roots that Reach event, we’re turning our attention to Edmonton’s South Asian community and its significant contributions to the cultural, social and economic fabric of our city.

Join us for an evening of meaningful storytelling and conversation featuring:

• Her Honour, the Honourable Salma Lakhani, Canada's first Muslim Lieutenant Governor
• Radhe Gupta, philanthropist and founder of Rohit Group
• Shiraz Jiwani, philanthropist, community builder and CEO of AMAN Builders
• Jai Parihar, visionary first Chief Investment Officer at Alberta Investment Management Corporation (AIMCo)

The conversation will be moderated by former Edmonton Mayor and Federal Minister of Natural Resources Amarjeet Sohi

Together, our panelists will reflect on their lived experiences and the lessons they have learned through community leadership, volunteerism, philanthropy and building connections across generations.

The conversation will explore questions such as:

• What does it mean to build a strong community?

• How have our communities changed across generations?

• What can we learn from the people who came before us?

• How do cultural identity and belonging shape the communities we build?

• What role can each of us play in creating a stronger Edmonton?

The evening is designed for all Edmontonians — whether you have deep roots in Edmonton, are new to the city, or simply want to learn more about the many communities that make our city what it is.

Come curious. Come ready to listen. Come ready to connect.

And leave inspired by the people, stories and experiences that continue to shape Edmonton.

The evening will begin with a reception with small bites and an opportunity to connect.

About Roots that Reach

Roots that Reach is intended to be an ongoing series celebrating the wisdom, stories and contributions of community elders and leaders from across Edmonton.

Each event will shine a light on a different community, creating opportunities for Edmontonians to learn from one another, build connections across generations and discover the many stories that make our city stronger.

Roots that Reach is presented by Edmonton Community Foundation in partnership with Edmonton Public Library and The Sifarish Network