Optimist Club of Calgary

Monthly Club Meeting Tuesday April 14th - Guest Speaker Fariborz Birjandian
2026-04-14 17:30 - 20:30 (America/Edmonton) | Limericks Traditional Public House, 7304 Macleod Trail, Calgary, Alberta, T2H 0L9, Canada
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:

Tuesday food and drink specials include a AAA Steak Sandwich for $12.99 and local YYC draught beer (18 oz) for $7.25. Happy/Appy Hour from 2 PM to 6 PM.

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”

With Fariborz’s unique perspective as a former immigrant from Iran, combined with his leadership as CEO of CCIS and his advisory roles to both the Government of Canada and the United Nations, he will offer informed insight into Iran’s historical context, the current geopolitical landscape in the Middle East, and his views on the region’s future trajectory.

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:

1994: Appointed CEO of CCIS.
Growth: Under his 28-year leadership (until his retirement in late 2022/2023), CCIS transformed from a small charity with a handful of staff into the largest immigrant-serving agency in the Canadian Prairies.
Impact: He oversaw more than 70 programs, 450 employees, and thousands of volunteers, helping tens of thousands of newcomers find dignity and hope in Southern Alberta.

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:

The Queen Elizabeth II’s Platinum Jubilee Medal (2022)
The Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Medal (2012)
The Alberta Centennial Medal (2005)
The Government of Canada’s Citation for Citizenship
