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Jyoti Gondek

Jyoti Gondek is a Canadian politician who served as the 37th mayor of Calgary from 2021 to 2025 and was the city’s first female mayor.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Jyoti Gondek is a Canadian politician who served as the 37th mayor of Calgary from 2021 to 2025 and was the city's first female mayor. Born in London, England, she moved to Canada as a child and later built a career in municipal politics, academia, and public policy.

Early life and education

Gondek was born in London, England, and immigrated to Canada with her parents when she was four. She grew up in Manitoba and completed post-secondary studies in sociology, later earning graduate degrees in sociology from the University of Calgary.

Career before politics

Before elected office, Gondek worked in policy analysis, sales and marketing, consulting, and university leadership. She also taught at the University of Calgary and led the Westman Centre for Real Estate Studies at the Haskayne School of Business.

Political career

Gondek entered municipal politics and was elected to Calgary city council in 2017 as the councillor for Ward 3. In 2021, she was elected mayor of Calgary, becoming the first woman to serve in that role.

Mayoral tenure

Gondek served as Calgary's 37th mayor from 2021 to 2025. She was defeated in her 2025 re-election bid.

Key facts

  • She was elected mayor of Calgary in 2021 and became the first woman to hold the office.
  • Before becoming mayor, she served as Calgary city councillor for Ward 3 from 2017 to 2021.
  • She was born in London, England, to Punjabi Sikh parents and moved to Canada at age four.
  • She studied at the University of Manitoba and later earned graduate degrees from the University of Calgary.
  • Before entering politics, she worked in policy, consulting, and university research and administration.
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Canadian context

Gondek is a prominent figure in Calgary municipal politics and a notable Canadian city leader, especially as the first woman to serve as mayor of Calgary.

Frequently asked questions

Who is Jyoti Gondek?
Jyoti Gondek is a Canadian politician who served as mayor of Calgary from 2021 to 2025 and was the city's first female mayor.
How old is Jyoti Gondek?
She was born in 1969, so she is about 56 or 57 years old in 2026, depending on her birthday.
What is Jyoti Gondek known for?
She is best known for serving as Calgary's first female mayor and for her prior role as a Calgary city councillor.
When was Jyoti Gondek elected?
She was elected mayor of Calgary in the 2021 municipal election.
What party is Jyoti Gondek?
Municipal elections in Calgary are non-partisan, and Gondek is generally listed as an independent.
What is Jyoti Gondek's background?
She was born in London, England, moved to Canada as a child, grew up in Manitoba, and later worked in policy, consulting, and university administration before entering politics.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jyoti_Gondek
    Supports: Birth name, birth year, birth place, immigration to Canada, education, and service as Calgary mayor from 2021 to 2025.
  2. CBC News — https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/calgary/calgary-municipal-election-results-2021-1.6215720
    Supports: 2021 election as Calgary mayor, first female mayor, prior service as Ward 3 councillor, and background.
  3. CBC News — https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/calgary/jyoti-gondek-calgary-mayoral-candidate-1.6202154
    Supports: Birth in the United Kingdom to Punjabi immigrant parents and election coverage.
  4. Calgary Journal — https://www.calgaryjournal.ca/2018/06/18/jyoti-gondek-weighs-in-on-why-she-moved-from-volunteering-to-city-hall/
    Supports: Background, education, and path toward city councillor.
  5. Municipal World — https://www.municipalworld.com/feature-story/jyoti-gondek-mayor-of-the-year/
    Supports: Political timeline including planning commission, city council election in 2017, and mayoral election in 2021.
  6. University of Calgary News — https://ucalgary.ca/news/calgary-elects-first-woman-mayor-dr-jyoti-gondek
    Supports: Academic credentials and identification as Calgary’s first woman mayor.