Amanda Calkins

Biography

Amanda Calkins became a volunteer at the Women's Resource Centre in September 2007 when she enrolled in the women's studies degree program at the University of Calgary. She was one of the most familiar faces at the Women's Resource Centre, making many great friends through her volunteering and contributing to a strong sense of community within the centre. 

Amanda volunteered with the peer support program and worked on projects including: organizing the Women's Resource Library, compiling a resource binder, and initiating and facilitating a weekly knitting circle that has become one of the most popular regular events at the WRC. Amanda loved engaging in activism and was always a catalyst for discussions on a variety of women's issues. 

In her spare time, Amanda enjoys spending time outside, reading, and hanging out with her cats. She is passionate about working with at-risk youth in the Calgary community and has made a positive impact on the lives of countless youth and women.  After she finishes her degree, Amanda plans to complete a Masters degree in Social Work. She hopes to work with youth and women who have experienced trauma and abuse. 

Amanda was chosen by her peers as the 2008 recipient of the Sheila O'Brien Award for Excellence in Women's Leadership because of her consistent demonstration of the core values of the WRC: kindness, wisdom, resilience and compassion.