Meet Samuel Obadero: photographer, former staff, and member of YMCA Calgary. Sam’s journey has spanned from Nigeria to Canada, from IT to photography, and from uncertainty to belonging. Throughout it all, YMCA Calgary has remained a huge part of his life for more reasons than one.
When Sam moved to Calgary from Nigeria, he wasn’t sure what to make of this new city. However, after building a community around himself with the help of the YMCA, he knows this city is his home.
Sam started his YMCA journey in 2018, working in our IT department at Eau Claire YMCA. Early on, Sam discovered the YMCA was more than a place to work.
"The YMCA sparks community spirit in Calgary. As an immigrant, the YMCA has not only played a big role in my life, but the lives of those like me, too. We are better people because of the YMCA.”
Outside of work, Sam explored his love for photography, which bloomed in Nigeria after his father gifted him a film camera. While none of the photos on his first roll of film turned out, his curiosity spiked, and he continued to explore his new passion.
Sam initially concealed his love for photography when he started working at the YMCA, apprehensive that it might undermine his commitment to IT. However, everything changed for him when he received an award for photography at the Mayor’s Lunch for Arts Champions in 2019. Unknown to Sam at the time, Shannon Doram, YMCA Calgary's President & CEO, was at the awards ceremony and was absolutely elated by Sam's achievement. Shannon sent an email to all YMCA staff, extending her congratulations to Sam. The announcement exposed Sam's "secret," which led to widespread joy and support for him. As a result of this community spirit, Sam felt encouraged to pursue his true passion full-time.
All of this has led Sam to be where he is today: finding out what life means, through his lens.
“When I left [the YMCA], I thought that was it,” he explains. “But my story with the Y was not over.”
While no longer in the IT department, Sam continued to champion the work of YMCA Calgary through his extraordinary photography efforts, including photographing YMCA events, such as our Stampede Breakfasts in July and Report to Community and AGM in May.
Today, Sam proudly says he is a product of the YMCA, not only because he worked and found his community here, but because the YMCA helped him uncover his true potential.
"The Y for me is the people that helped me set up and find home in Calgary.”
The values Sam has learned through the YMCA are something he makes a point of extending to others: his ongoing mission is to pay forward the kindness that the YMCA showed him when he needed it the most.
"There’s nothing bigger than love, and the YMCA is love.”
Learn more about Sam’s photography business: HOME | Motif Photography
YMCA Calgary connects people through diverse and shared experiences. As a trusted charity, YMCA Calgary helps create spaces and communities that are welcoming and inspiring, allowing people to be the best versions of themselves. Sam's transformation stands as a testament to the YMCA's impact, kindling his potential.
If you have a Y Story, reach out to us at communications@calgary.ymca.ca - we’d love to hear from you!