New speaker series invites Abbotsford to explore what makes communities thrive
Inaugural event brings education, community services and local business together through public dialogue
ABBOTSFORD, B.C., Oct. 5, 2026 — The University of the Fraser Valley (UFV), in partnership with Archway Community Services and the Abbotsford Downtown Business Association, is launching a new community speaker series under the theme of a thriving community.
The inaugural event, Thriving Communities, will take place on Thursday, Oct. 8, 2026, at Matsqui Centennial Auditorium. Doors open at 6 p.m., and the panel discussion begins at 6:30 p.m. The event is free to attend.
The panel will feature Rod Santiago, CEO of Archway Community Services; Ross Siemens, Mayor of Abbotsford; and Dr. Joy Enyinnaya, Assistant Professor, UFV School of Communication. The discussion will explore what thriving communities look like in everyday life and the roles residents, institutions, businesses and leaders play in helping communities flourish.
“With elections approaching, bringing education, community services, and local business together to explore what a thriving community looks and feels like is especially timely and meaningful,” says Ryan Leonhard, Executive Director, Abbotsford Downtown Business Association.
“Learning does not happen only in classrooms. It also happens when people come together to listen, question assumptions, and make sense of the challenges and possibilities their community faces. This series creates an opportunity for people to learn from one another and imagine how we might build stronger, more connected communities together,” explains Amea Wilbur, Associate Professor of Adult Education, University of the Fraser Valley.
The series is being developed with the active involvement of Wilbur; Muhi Bakini, Supervisor of Diversity Education at Archway Community Services; and Ryan Leonhard, Executive Director of the Abbotsford Downtown Business Association. Their collaboration brings together perspectives from higher education, community services and the local business community.
“This is not a conversation reserved for experts or institutions,” said Bakini, who will moderate the panel. “It is an invitation for community members to consider what thriving means, what may be standing in the way and what each of us can contribute.”
Attendees can enjoy light refreshments and connect with panellists and other community members. Register through Eventbrite, email Abhinoor.Sidhu@Archway.ca or call 604-309-8643.
Event details
Event: Thriving Communities
Date: Thursday, Oct. 8, 2026
Time: Doors open at 6 p.m.; panel begins at 6:30 p.m.
Location: Matsqui Centennial Auditorium, 32315 South Fraser Way, Abbotsford
Registration: Eventbrite, Abhinoor.Sidhu@Archway.ca or 604-309-8643
Media contact
Stacy Kirpichova
Director of Communications, University of the Fraser Valley
Stacy.Kirpichova@ufv.ca | 604-440-6044
Event and initiative contacts
Amea Wilbur, Associate Professor, Adult Education
University of the Fraser Valley
Amea.Wilbur@ufv.ca
Muhi Bakini, Supervisor, Diversity Education
Archway Community Services
muhi.bakini@archway.ca
Ryan Leonhard, Executive Director
Abbotsford Downtown Business Association
ryan@downtownabbotsford.com
