Meet Calgary's Mayor

Jyoti Gondek Mayor of Calgary

I love this city. The energy, the entrepreneurial spirit of the people who live here, the warmth of communities, and how Calgarians come together, whether in crisis or to celebrate the Stampede. It was my love of Calgary that led me to run for Ward 3 Councillor in 2017.

Being elected Mayor allowed me to continue to serve Calgarians and connect with all of you who live here to find solutions for some of the biggest issues facing the city. I’ve learned that Calgarians are compassionate and care about this city and their neighbours, particularly when times are tough. As your chosen leader, my job is to bring that compassion forward and advocate for every Calgarian, growing this City and taking care of those who live here. I work to connect the dots between the City’s economic growth and social well-being to make big, bold choices that will serve Calgary now and for the future. As Mayor and as a Calgarian, I must balance the books, and be a steward of the city’s finances and spend carefully on your priorities.

My Promise to Calgarians

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  • Graduated from University

    In 1993, Jyoti received one of her first degrees after studying sociology and criminology at the University of Manitoba.

  • Early Career

    After graduating, Jyoti began her early career advising the Manitoba Government and later served in corporate roles for Greyhound Canada and Credit Union Central.

  • Making Calgary Home

    In 1997, Jyoti and her husband, Todd, made Calgary home. Together they welcomed their child, Justice, a few years later.

  • What makes you ‘Tick’?

    In 2002, Jyoti started her own consulting firm called ‘Tick’ in the energy and city-building sector.

  • Journey of Learning

    Jyoti graduated with a Master of Arts specializing in organizational sociology in 2003, followed by her receiving a Ph. D focused on urban sociology in 2013.

  • Leader in Real-Estate Studies

    In 2014, the University of Calgary approached Jyoti to lead the Westman Centre for Real Estate Studies in the Haskayne School of Business.

  • City Council

    In 2017, Jyoti was elected as the Ward 3 Councillor where she served for four years, placing emphasis on community representation, budget and finance.

  • Calgary’s Mayor

    On October 18, 2021, after a four-year stint on City Council, Jyoti Gondek was elected as the City of Calgary’s 37 Mayor.

A Story of Resilience and Leadership

From growing up on the prairies to becoming Calgary’s first female Mayor

Born in the U.K., Jyoti Gondek immigrated to Canada with her Punjabi family at the age of four, settling in Brandon, Manitoba. Growing up in the prairies, she embraced Canadian culture while retaining her Punjabi heritage, facing barriers as one of the few visible minority families in town. Her upbringing emphasized the importance of language and culture, which she continues to advocate for.

Jyoti completed her undergraduate degree at the University of Manitoba before moving to Alberta with her husband Todd in 1997. Her career journey included roles at the Credit Union and Greyhound Canada, where she honed her skills in community engagement and leadership. The loss of her father, a significant influence in her life, further fueled her dedication to public service.

In 2017, Jyoti was elected as Ward 3 Councillor in Calgary, and in 2021, she became the city's Mayor. Her tenure has been marked by efforts to address public safety, economic development, and community building. Her commitment to diversity and inclusion is reflected in her advocacy for marginalized groups and her own journey in truth and reconciliation with Indigenous communities.

Jyoti’s educational background includes a Ph.D. in urban sociology and significant contributions to the real estate sector. Her leadership and community-focused approach have earned her the Blackfoot name Nattoyipittakii, meaning Holy Eagle Woman, symbolizing her guiding presence and resilience. Jyoti lives in North East Calgary with her husband Todd, son Justice and mother, Surjit.

For more about Jyoti Gondek's inspiring journey, read the full biography here.