Don’t miss our monthly meet-ups! They’re the perfect opportunity for members to connect, share stories, and gain insights from top-notch guest speakers who delve into today’s most compelling topics. Join us in person or hop on Zoom—either way, it’s an energizing experience you’ll want to be part of!
Date: Tuesday, April 14th, 2026
Location: Limerick’s Traditional Pub, 7304 Macleod Trail, Calgary, Alberta, on the main floor (private meeting room to the right of the entrance).
Parking: Free parking is available at the back of the restaurant.
5:00 PM – 7:00 PM – Dinner and drinks are available anytime after 5:00 PM. To view the Limericks menu – CLICK HERE
Food and Drink Specials:
7 PM – 8:30 PM – Member Meeting (agenda to be provided in advance)
Join the ZOOM Meeting at 7 PM: Link to be provided before the meeting
8:30 PM to ??? – Socializing after the meeting
Guest Speaker: Fariborz Birjandian, Retired CEO of Calgary Catholic Immigration Society. Please see his biography below.
Discussion Topic: “Iran and the Middle East: The Past, Present, and Future”
Biography
Fariborz Birjandian is a prominent Canadian humanitarian and the former long-standing CEO of the Calgary Catholic Immigration Society (CCIS). His life is a remarkable journey of transition from a high-ranking military officer in Iran to one of Canada’s most influential advocates for refugees and immigrants.
Early Life and Naval Career
Born in Iran, Birjandian’s early career was defined by his service in the Iranian Navy. He received a formal education in Maritime Science and Administration Management and spent 15 years in the naval service, eventually rising to the rank of Lieutenant Commander.
During this period, he was part of an elite group of officers who received specialized training abroad. He graduated from the Royal Naval College in Dartmouth, England, and notably, underwent training with the United States Navy. As a captain of Iranian naval vessels, he managed complex operations at sea, a background that later informed his disciplined and strategic approach to leadership in the non-profit sector.
From Refugee to Humanitarian
As a member of the Baháʼí Faith, Birjandian faced increasing religious persecution following the Iranian Revolution in 1979. Despite his high rank and service to his country, the pressure to renounce his faith became intolerable. In 1987, he and his family fled Iran, seeking safety in Pakistan.
It was during this time in Lahore, Pakistan, that Birjandian began his lifelong mission of service. He worked with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) to assist other displaced families. This experience served as a foundation for his future career, as he helped approximately 1,800 refugees resettle while still a refugee himself. He also later collaborated with the UN to develop a global handbook to guide the reception and integration of resettled refugees.
Leadership at CCIS
Birjandian arrived in Canada as a refugee in 1988 and joined CCIS as a settlement counselor. His rise within the organization was rapid:
Legacy and Recognition
Birjandian is widely recognized for his “constructive resilience.” He has been a key advisor to the Canadian government on major resettlement initiatives, including the Syrian and Afghan refugee crises, and served as the national co-chair of Canada’s Afghan Resettlement Operation. He is also regularly called upon to speak at and be a panelist at national and international Metropolis Conferences on topics such as meeting global refugee challenges and settlement and integration best practices.
For his contributions to Canadian society, he has received numerous prestigious awards, including:
Optimist International is recognized worldwide as the premier volunteer organization that values all youth and helps them develop to their full potential.