Community Stories: Meet Adriana
NHA likes to tell stories of our residents' success! However a huge part of our model is respecting the anonymity of all of our residents. In this series, we'll keep telling those stories but we will at times change names and remove details that could point to a particular individual (dependent on each person's preferences and comfort).
In this instance, explicit consent was received to share names and photos :)
We hope you'll find these stories demonstrate our commitment to serving individuals and families with dignity - wherever they're at.
Tell us a bit about yourself!
I was born in Mexico and raised in Panama City, with a Panamanian mother and a Mexican father. The Panamanian side of my upbringing shaped me the most — lively, friendly, and full of energy for as long as I can remember.
I’ve lived in Toronto and now Alberta, and I’ve embraced the multicultural spirit of both places. I work in public service and have spent most of my career in diverse administrative roles. I’ve also volunteered as a Spanish–English translator, which has been a meaningful way to stay connected to my roots and support my community.
I’ve always loved animals, but I didn’t become a pet owner until adulthood. Over the years I’ve had a Ninfa bird, dogs, betta fish, a white mouse, and cats. Today I’m the proud mom of Lagheta, my almost‑four‑year‑old Sphynx cat.
Looking ahead, my intention is to keep building connections in my community — especially through dance — and to continue enjoying Calgary and the wonderful people who live here.
How did you find out about Norfolk Housing Association (NHA) and why did you choose to live here?
In 2024, I was searching for a home that offered stability, community, affordability, good values, and a location where I could truly settle. Norfolk Housing checked every box. I feel very fortunate that everything aligned, and I was able to become part of this community in early 2026.
Has living in a diverse, inclusive community had an impact on your life and if so, would you describe it?
Absolutely. Living here has given me a real sense of belonging. I feel genuinely welcomed, and that warmth has made a noticeable difference in my day‑to‑day life. Being surrounded by diversity and kindness has inspired me — I feel more energized, more focused, and more motivated to give back and help others feel included too. My mental state has lightened; there’s a calmness and positivity in this community that truly supports my well‑being.
What’s one thing you wish people understood about housing, whether affordable/community housing or just more generally?
I wish people understood that community housing is about dignity, stability, and belonging. Mixed‑income, inclusive communities benefit everyone — they create safer, kinder, more connected neighbourhoods. Affordable housing doesn’t mean a lack of quality; it means giving people the foundation they need to thrive. The residents who live in these communities are diverse, hardworking, and valuable contributors to the city.
Adriana has started community dance classes at NHA, for both residents and neighbours alike! You can get more details by emailing [email protected].
We asked Adriana to share more about why she’s sharing this gift so freely, and here’s what she said:
For me, teaching dance here isn’t just about steps or technique. It’s about creating connection and belonging. It’s my way of giving back to a community that has welcomed me so warmly.
When I moved to Norfolk Housing, the idea of offering dance classes came naturally. One day, Paulah asked me if I had any skills I might want to share with the community, and that simple question opened the door. My first instinct was to offer something uplifting —something that could help people navigate today’s stressful life, a way to help people cope with today’s stressful realities— I wanted to create a free space where people could move, connect, and find joy through dance. Music and movement have always helped me reconnect with myself, and I wanted to share that sense of lightness and energy with others.
Read more about Adriana’s impressive dance history below!
What’s your favourite thing to do, see, or visit in the neighbourhood?
I love walking through the neighbourhood. The colourful houses, the calm streets, and the quiet atmosphere make every walk feel grounding. There’s something so enticing about the silence — no noise, just a peaceful space to breathe and enjoy the surroundings.
What’s your superpower?
People have told me many things over the years, but the qualities that feel strongest in me are my empathy and my resilience. I naturally love people, and I enjoy helping, teaching, and sharing — whether it’s culture, knowledge, food, or anything that brings connection. I’m a giver by nature, and I think that ability to care deeply and uplift others is my true superpower.
Adriana has started community dance classes at NHA, for both residents and neighbours alike! One Friday a month, you can get more details by emailing [email protected].
We asked Adriana to share more about why she’s sharing this gift so freely, and here’s what she said:
“Dance has been part of my life since childhood. At age seven, I entered my first dance competition and won first place, which opened the door to school dance groups and community performances. By eleven, I had created my own choreography and performed it on a local TV show in Panama. Dance was always around me — my mother and aunt owned a hip‑hop school in the early 90's — so movement and rhythm became a natural part of who I am.
As I grew older, dance continued to follow me. While studying in Monterrey, Mexico, I joined the university’s cultural division, and a group of five of us competed in a municipal dance showcase where we won first place again. Later, in the early 2000's, I joined the Arthur Murray dancing school in Mississauga, Ontario, where I trained, performed, and learned teaching techniques from well‑known instructors from the United States who were expanding into Toronto.
As a single mother of three, dance also became a way to support my family. I took on a third job, performing at The Rose Convention Centre in Brampton, Ontario, with my partner, Bobby. We danced at weddings, Sweet 16s, and many other events the centre hosted. We also taught group classes together at a Filipino restaurant in Mississauga, Ontario — people would see us dancing, come up to us, and ask to learn. That’s how our students found us.
Even when life got busy, I never stopped dancing. Sometimes it was professional, sometimes community‑based, and sometimes just for fun — but it always remained a source of joy.”