By Ben Tsui
Calgary, Canada – Last night, Ms. Tseden Dhogonpa from Calgary, Alberta, Canada was presented the coveted “2006 Calgary Immigrant Aid Society Immigrants of Distinction Community Service Award”. This award was given annually to a Canadian immigrant who has provided meritorious service to the city of Calgary and the immigrant community either as a volunteer or a human services professional.
Born in India after her parents escaped from Tibet, Tseden Dhogonpa grew up in the refugee camps of Orissa. She pursued an academic career, receiving her Master of Arts in India. since arriving in Canada in 1987, Tseden has worked for the Tibetan cause, helping immigrants from Vietnam, Africa, the Phillippines, India and China to integrate into our Canadian society.
The founder and president of Tibet Canada Women’s Foundation, Tseden currently serves on the boards of Alberta Network for Immigrant Women and Tibetan buddhist Meditation Temple. In addition, she serves as president of the Tibetan Women’s Assoication and has held board positions with For The Love of Children Society of Alberta and Calgary Immigrant Women’s Association.
Tseden’s community activism extends to international activities. She works wih the Tibetan refugee camps that she once called home, giving her time to various projects including mosquito screening, road development, water safety and kindergarten classes.
In January 2005, Tseden had the privilege of a private audience with His Holiness the Dalai Lama. In 2006, she received the Women’s Eve Award from the Calgary Girls’ School for her achievement in community service and was listed by the Calgary Herald as an Unsung Adult Heroine for her untiring humanitarian efforts for the women and children of Tibet.
Congratulations, Tseden!
