Jyoti Gondek grew up in small towns, embracing Canadian prairie life—playing basketball, curling with jam cans, and skating on frozen ponds. These early experiences shaped her sense of community connection while teaching resilience and the value of inclusion as one of the few visible minority families in her schools and on her sports teams.
Guided by her parents’ teachings of selfless service, Jyoti developed a lifelong commitment to giving back and creating positive change. Her professional journey took her from leadership roles at Credit Union Central and Greyhound Canada to founding her own business, where she supported Calgary’s growth during a period of rapid economic and regulatory shifts.
In 2021, Jyoti became Calgary’s first female Mayor, and her leadership has been transformative.
1. Providing Strong Leadership During the Water Emergency
When Calgary faced a critical moment with the rupture of a major water feedermain that threatened the water supply, Jyoti ’s decisive leadership was paramount. She declared a state of emergency, ensuring swift action and heightened coordination across city services. Consulting with third-party energy industry experts, she expedited the repair process and implemented comprehensive communication strategies to keep Calgarians informed and encourage reduced water usage. This proactive approach safeguarded the city’s water supply and underscored her commitment to the health and safety of the community.
2. Advocating for Calgary’s Energy Industry and Energy Transition Initiatives
In August 2024, Jyoti was selected as the new vice-president of the World Energy Cities Partnership (WECP), an international coalition of cities whose economies are deeply connected to the energy sector. This prestigious role allowed her to bolster Calgary’s leadership on the global energy stage and strengthen initiatives supporting the city’s energy industry, including the pursuit of alternative and renewable energy sources. Her vice-presidency reinforced Calgary’s position as an innovative energy hub with a sustainable future.
3. Making Calgary’s Streets Safer
Committed to addressing Calgarians’ safety concerns, Jyoti initiated the Downtown Safety Leadership Table. This initiative brought together experts, stakeholders, and community members to understand and tackle the root causes of safety issues in the city. Additionally, she secured necessary funding for Calgary’s emergency services, ensuring they were equipped to respond effectively. Through these concerted efforts, Jyoti ’s approach laid the foundation for enduring safety improvements and enhanced wellbeing for all Calgarians.
4. Leading Revitalization of the Downtown Core
Jyoti led substantial efforts to rejuvenate Calgary’s downtown, focusing on making streets safer and revitalizing the area to attract businesses and residents alike. Her leadership facilitated the conversion of outdated office spaces into vibrant, homes and options for post-secondary campuses as demonstrated through the Downtown Development Incentive Program. This transformation brought renewed energy and economic activity, including the addition of hotels, restaurants, and a reinvigorated community spirit that strengthened the core of the city.
5. Advancing Calgary’s Role as a Prairie Economic Gateway
Understanding the need for economic resilience and growth, Jyoti focused on positioning Calgary as a vital prairie economic gateway. By leveraging the city’s strategic location and robust infrastructure, she championed efforts to expand Calgary’s role as an inland port, facilitating efficient trade routes and boosting its logistics capabilities. These initiatives were designed to support the city’s economic future by attracting investment, enhancing supply chain networks, and fostering sustainable growth that benefits all Calgarians.
Through these achievements, Jyoti reinforced her dedication to championing Calgary and building a city that is resilient, vibrant, and full of opportunity for its residents.
Her hard work earned Jyoti the inaugural Mayor of the Year award from Municipal World Magazine, recognizing her resilience, innovation, and commitment to her community.
Jyoti lives in North Central Calgary with her family, and their dog Smokey. Her multigenerational home reflects the values she upholds as Mayor—fostering community, inclusion, and a vision for a bold and thriving Calgary.
