We all know this woman. She’s your neighbour, your best friend, your parent. She shows up, takes action and drives change without title or recognition.
On April 8, United Way of Calgary and Area’s Women United network celebrated one of these women by naming Dee Adekugbe as Calgary’s first Woman of Impact.
For Dee, this recognition is deeply personal.
Her journey began in survival, navigating abuse, homelessness and the silence that often surrounds both. Motivated by her own resilience, she now works to support survivors and prevent domestic violence.
Today, she is the Founder and Executive Director of Ruth’s House, a Calgary-based, culturally grounded domestic violence prevention organization that has supported more than 7,000 individuals since 2022. Through its emergency shelter, crisis counselling, mediation and life-skills programming, Ruth’s House offers safety, dignity and a path forward.
Dee also has deep connections to United Way. Through United Way’s Community Impact Fund and network of partners, the work of Ruth’s House is strengthened, connected and able to reach more people across Calgary.
That support helped Dee launch Mandela House, a first-of-its-kind domestic violence program in Alberta dedicated to supporting men. By addressing both the impacts and root causes of violence, her approach challenges traditional models and creates space for lasting, generational change.
The heart of Dee’s leadership is vulnerability.
As a pastor and community leader, she uses storytelling to create spaces where people feel safe enough to speak and strong enough to act. Many who once sought support now lead workshops, volunteer and share their own stories, creating a ripple effect of healing and advocacy across Calgary.
Her work does more than respond to crisis. It transforms it, turning pain into purpose and survivors into leaders.
“Community saved me.” Dee shares. It’s a simple truth that shapes everything she does: building spaces where others can feel that same sense of safety, belonging and hope.
Women United is a growing movement of more than 70,000 women worldwide dedicated to creating equal opportunity for all. Locally, this inclusive group of donors and successful changemakers is committed to igniting positive change for women, families and communities. Discover how you can be part of this dynamic community by visiting Women United.