We’re so excited to welcome Silvia Kallen (she/her) to Glenbow’s senior leadership team! She joins as our new VP, Advancement – leading Glenbow’s fundraising team. Silvia is joining our team at a pivotal point in our transformation and hit the ground running at the beginning of September.
About Silvia
Silvia Kallen brings more than 20 years of professional experience spanning the non-profit and private sectors, with expertise in fundraising, philanthropy, and stakeholder engagement.
Before joining Glenbow, Silvia held senior and client-focused roles at the University of Calgary, Benevity, and Hilti, where she led advancement efforts, supported Fortune 500 companies in corporate philanthropy and employee engagement, and developed business in the construction sector. This breadth of experience — from higher education to technology and industry — has given her a unique perspective on building strong partnerships and mobilizing support for ambitious goals.
At Glenbow, Silvia is leading the fundraising team at a pivotal moment in the museum’s transformation. She is committed to harnessing the power of philanthropy to shape Glenbow’s future and ensure it remains a cultural destination for generations to come.
Get to know her
We chatted with Silvia to learn more about her passion for philanthropy and her excitement for the future.
What excites you about joining Glenbow?
I am thrilled to be joining Glenbow at such a transformational time. The Shaw Family Foundation gift of $35M is an incredible example of the power of philanthropy in our community — it will dramatically change how people experience the museum for generations to come. To be part of growing that momentum and working with donors and partners to shape the future of Glenbow is what excites me most.
What have been some highlights in your first few weeks?
One of the most meaningful moments was walking through the building and remembering visiting Glenbow as a child — sitting on the staircase, looking at the Aurora Borealis sculpture and lights. To see that same space today, mid-transformation, and know how spectacular it will become when we reopen has been incredibly inspiring.
Another highlight is seeing the plans for the new rooftop terrace, designed by globally renowned artist Maya Lin. It will be a stunning new space in the JR Shaw Centre for Arts & Culture and a destination for Calgarians and visitors alike.
What’s your hope for philanthropy and membership at Glenbow in the future?
I hope philanthropy and membership will continue to grow as the foundation of Glenbow’s future. Philanthropy makes bold ideas possible, and membership builds a sense of belonging and pride in our community. Together, they ensure Glenbow isn’t just a museum people visit — it’s a place they feel connected to, invested in, and proud to support.
What are you most looking forward to for reopening?
The $25M gift from the Shaw Family Foundation to create the JR Shaw Free Admission Endowment means Glenbow will offer free general admission — a first for a major museum in Canada. I can’t wait to see more people come through our doors and experience the museum, perhaps for the very first time. Opening our doors wide to the community and welcoming everyone in will be an extraordinary moment.
We’re so happy to welcome Silvia to the team! Her passion for philanthropy, community, and building connections will play a key role as we get closer to reopening. Welcome, Silvia!
