TIES CEO Awarded for Immigrant Excellence in Alberta

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Sally Zhao, President and CEO of TIES (The Immigrant Education Society), has been recognized by the Alberta Government for her tireless work in helping immigrants succeed.

Zhao accepted the 2025 Alberta Immigrant Impact Awards: Immigrant Excellence honour at the prestigious awards ceremony on Sept. 30^th at the Calgary Zoo.

“The award means a lot to me,” Zhao said proudly.

“The recognition of a newcomer’s passion and efforts to help fellow newcomers and other vulnerable people, will not only encourage them to do better and achieve more – it will also motivate more like-minded people to join the force helping others.”

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The Journey to TIES

Zhao joined TIES as a volunteer ESL tutor in 2005. Since then, she has advanced through various roles, becoming President and CEO in 2014.

Born in China, Zhao holds a Ph. D in ESL Testing and Assessment and multiple degrees in education, language, and communications from universities in China and the UK.

Her academic expertise and personal experience as a newcomer have fueled her commitment to empowering everyone who walks through TIES’ doors.

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Sally is always open to new ideas, and she is always ready to fill me in on what is happening with TIES,” M’Liss Edwards, TIES Board Chair said.  

“She is amazingly organized and always cares about the people involved.”

“I admire her work ethic and her warm personality. She is truly one of my heroes.” 

Zhao’s colleagues echoed those sentiments, adding her “visionary leadership” has helped TIES grow from a modest agency into one of Alberta’s leading institutions in newcomer support, mental health, research, and language training.  

“Nominating Sally was not just an honour, it was a heartfelt celebration of a leader whose vision, kindness, and courage are transforming both our organization and our community,” Fatemeh Kazemi, Senior Researcher, TIES Centre for Immigrant Research said.

“What makes Sally truly extraordinary is not just her professionalism and strategic vision, but the heart she brings into everything she does. She has built an environment where people feel seen, valued, and supported—a true reflection of her deep compassion and unwavering commitment to others.”

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Commitment to Community

Beyond TIES, Sally’s generosity of spirit extends into the broader community.  

She is an active community volunteer who serves on several boards, and she has also earned numerous honours.

Zhao said this latest award is more needed awareness of the work that still needs to be done.

“The ripple effect of the award will help spread the positive energy that our society will thrive harmoniously and be stronger when we work together to support each other.”

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More about the Alberta Immigrant Impact Awards

• Formerly known as the Alberta Newcomer Recognition Awards

• Recognize youth, women, entrepreneurs, academics, artists, athletes, professionals, and community builders born outside of Canada but are now Canadian citizens, permanent residents and currently living in Alberta

• Categories: Arts and Sports, Career and Academics Contribution, Entrepreneurial Spirit, Immigrant Excellence, Inclusive Workplace, Small Community Enhancement, Immigrant Women’s Impact and Young Leader

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Media RSVP, Interviews & Inquiries:

Tomasia DaSilva

Media and Relationship Strategist

Email: tomasiadasilva@immigrant-education.ca

Phone: 403-291-0002

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