Arden Bissila

Arden Bissila is the Settlement and Case Management Services Coordinator at FRAP Red Deer, a Francophone organization dedicated to supporting French-speaking newcomer communities in Red Deer and surrounding areas. In this role, he works closely with individuals and families navigating settlement, integration, and community connection, with a strong focus on empowerment and long-term success.

Arden brings a truly global perspective to his work. He has lived and worked across Africa; including the Republic of the Congo, Cameroon, Gabon, Equatorial Guinea, Chad, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and South Africa; as well as in the Middle East, notably in the United Arab Emirates and Oman. His professional training spans Africa, Europe, the United States, and Canada, enriching his cross-cultural competence and international outlook.

Originally trained as an engineer, Arden holds degrees in Mechatronics and Electrotechnics and built an extensive career in the Oil and Gas sector as a Well Intervention Coiled Tubing Field Specialist. Alongside his technical career, he has consistently demonstrated a deep commitment to social impact and leadership. At the Cape Peninsula University of Technology in Cape Town, South Africa, he served as Team President and later Co-Faculty Advisor for Enactus, a global non-profit organization focused on entrepreneurial action for social empowerment, where he oversaw and mentored more than 200 students. He also served as Secretary General and Chairperson of the Association of International Students at CPUT with more than 3000 students, advocating for inclusion and student representation.

Since relocating to Red Deer with his family in July 2023, Arden has continued his dedication to community leadership. He serves on the Diversity Advisory Board at the RCMP (police) of Red Deer and is actively involved in the Red Deer Local Immigration Partnership Central Planning Council and Anti-Racism Focus Group.

Arden’s work is grounded in a strong commitment to inclusivity, cultural awareness, and the dismantling of systemic barriers; including racism, while fostering belonging and opportunity for the communities he serves.