5:30 p.m. Doors open to VIP reception in TransAlta Pavilion - 2nd floor (Music by Rick Climans Trio)
6:25 p.m. VIP Gérard Bertrand Toast to Class of 2025
6:30 p.m. Doors open to Celebration (lobby level)
7:00 p.m. Bella Concert Hall doors open (music in theatre by the Top 40 Band)
7:30 p.m. Main presentation/awards ceremony begins
8:30 p.m. Reception in main lobby area (music in lobby by DJ Goodbar)
10:30 p.m. Last Call
PLEASE VISIT OUR HOSTED LOUNGES
Mezzanine Level:
Bloom Benefits photo booth and desserts
YW Health catering and music
Main Level:
Hunter Hub for Entrepreneurial Thinking catering and sketch artist
T HIS YEAR’S TOP 40 UNDER 40 L IST REFLECTS THE GROWTH AND E XPANSION OF IDEAS THAT C ONTINUE TO MAKE CALGARY A W ORLD-CLASS CITY. THE CLASS OF 2025 F EATURES SCIENTISTS AND R ESEARCHERS, ENTREPRENEURS A ND INVESTORS, ARTISTS, FILMM AKERS, AUTHORS, ATHLETES, R ESTAURATEURS, AND MORE. AVENUE MAGAZINE IS PROUD TO C ELEBRATE THIS GROUP OF YOUNG C ALGARIANS WHOSE EXCELLENCE C ONTINUES TO INSPIRE US ALL.
PHOTOS BY JARED SYCH
PHOTOGRAPHED AT MOUNT ROYAL UNIVERSITY
BY TSERING ASHA, KENDALL BISTRETZAN, CATRINA BOWLES, ELIZABETH CHORNEY-BOOTH, SARAH COMBER, RILEY FONGER, CHRISTINA FRANGOU, XIMENA GONZÁLEZ, DANYAEL HALPRIN, ALYSSA HIROSE, CHRIS LANDRY, ALICIA L'ARCHEVÊQUE, FABIAN MAYER, OLIVIA PICHÉ, VIANCY SALUBRE, ALANA WILLERTON, SEAN P. YOUNG
NEEPIN AUGER
ARTIST; VICE-PRINCIPAL, MANYHORSES HIGH SCHOOL
WHY SHE ’ S A TOP 40
Neepin Auger is an established painter and full-time educator who champions Indigenous visibility and cultural understanding through art.
“IT'S IN EVERYTHING, MY [INDIGENOUS] CULTURE JUST KEEPS ME GROUNDED IN WHO I AM AS A PERSON, EVERYTHING I DO — MY ARTWORK, RAISING MY KID, EVERYTHING.”
SAYEH BAYAT
DIRECTOR, HEALTHY CITY LAB; ASSISTANT PROFESSOR, SCHULICH SCHOOL OF ENGINEERING, UNIVERSITY OF CALGARY
WHY SHE ’ S A TOP 40
Sayeh Bayat’s cutting-edge research uses AI with everyday technologies to reimagine aging and help older adults live longer, healthier, more independent lives.
“THERE'S
A LOT THAT CAN BE DONE TO MAKE AGING AND CARE BETTER FOR PEOPLE, AND THERE'S A LOT THAT THE TECHNOLOGIES WE HAVE CAN DO TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE IN PEOPLE'S LIVES.”
KIRSTIE BOYLE
CEO, ENVIROSOFT CORPORATION
WHY SHE ’ S A TOP 40
Kirstie Boyle has combined her impressive skills in science, technology and business to help energy companies reduce their large-scale, major emissions, while promoting the inclusion of women in STEM.
“I GET SO MUCH FULFILMENT OUT OF TAKING CUTTING-EDGE TECHNOLOGY AND PUTTING IT INTO ACTION THAT RESULTS IN REAL-WORLD OUTCOMES.”
ANGELA CLARKE
CHIEF STRATEGY OFFICER, TRELLIS SOCIETY
WHY SHE ’ S A TOP 40
Angela Clarke leads a non-profit that serves more than 7,000 of Calgary’s most vulnerable community members and has grown the organization’s annual fundraising by more than $4 million.
“YOU
HAVE TO PARK YOUR EGO AT THE DOOR — BECAUSE THE WORK CAN'T BE ABOUT YOU. IT HAS TO BE ABOUT THE COMMUNITY.”
TRENT COLBERG
FOUNDER AND OPTOMETRIST, EVOLUTIONEYES OPTOMETRY
WHY HE ’ S A TOP 40
Trent Colberg created a new model of eye care by bringing a mobile eye clinic to patients, helping the communities that need it most.
“I’M GRATEFUL FOR WHAT I’VE BEEN GIVEN IN LIFE. IF I CAN HELP OUT AND MAKE SOMEONE’S DAY A LITTLE BIT BETTER, THEN WHY SHOULDN’T I?”
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Cheers to the 2025
Top 40 Under 40
Empowering change, inspiring others, and creating lasting impact. 0 Und ering nspiring othe ating heers op 4 mpow r , ct.
ADAM CRAGG
PARTNER AND CO-FOUNDER, OSNEY CAPITAL
WHY HE ’ S A TOP 40
Adam Cragg’s venture capital firm gives early stage startups the funding they need to fight digital threats and make Calgary a national leader in cybersecurity.
“I'M A BIG BELIEVER IN TRYING TO MAKE ENTREPRENEURSHIP THE RESPITE OF THE NOT-ALREADY PRIVILEGED.”
HALEY DANIELS
STRATEGIC SPONSORSHIP MANAGER, BANFF CENTRE FOR ARTS AND CREATIVITY
WHY SHE'S A TOP 40
Olympian Haley Daniels champions diversity and equity in sport and helps both female athletes and arts organizations get funding from brand sponsorships.
“WHAT I LOVE MOST ABOUT SPONSORSHIPS IS GIVING ATHLETES THE TOOLS TO STAND ON THEIR OWN BY BUILDING A BRAND, CREATING A BUSINESS PORTFOLIO AND COVERING THE HIGH COSTS OF SPORT IN CANADA.”
GEORDIE DAY
FILMMAKER, NIGHTSCHOOL FILMS/TWO CANOES MEDIA
WHY HE'S A TOP 40
Geordie Day is an award-winning documentary filmmaker who elevates local stories to a global stage.
“A LOT OF THE STORIES THAT I TELL ARE BASED ON CALGARIANS, AND A LOT OF THE CREW I HIRE ARE BASED OUT OF CALGARY.”
NIKI (DUNNE) DOENZ
PARTNER, DIRECTOR AND PORTFOLIO MANAGER, SANDSTONE ASSET MANAGEMENT
WHY SHE ’ S A TOP 40
Niki Doenz helps Calgary families build their artistic, athletic and financial legacies for generations to come.
“W
ORKING TOGETHER T HROUGH INTERACTIONS W ITH P EOPLE CAN HELP EACH O F U S B ECOME BETTER V ERSIONS OF OURSELVES.”
KAREN DOMMETT
MAJOR SPORTS EVENT EXECUTIVE
WHY SHE ’ S A TOP 40
Karen Dommett is raising Calgary’s profile in Canadian sports as an inclusive host city for athletes with disabilities.
“IT’S MY CORE BELIEF THAT SPORT HAS THE OPPORTUNITY TO INFLUENCE THE TYPE OF SOCIETY WE ALL DESERVE.”
COURTNEY DRAGANI
CHIEF GROWTH OFFICER, THE51 AND MOVEMENT51
WHY SHE ’ S A TOP 40
ventures,
“INVESTING
IN WOMEN IS NOT CHARITY. IT'S NOT PHILANTHROPY. IT'S A REALLY COMPELLING ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITY.”
By funding women-led
Courtney Dragani is putting Calgary on the map for gender-aware, high-growth investing.
BROCK GEIGER
PROFESSIONAL
MUSICIAN; OWNER, STUDIO B
WHY HE ’ S A TOP 40
For more than 15 years, award-winning artist Brock Geiger has put Calgary’s music scene on the map in TV and film while mentoring and working with local artists.
“A NEW IDEA OR A NEWPERSPECTIVE CAN REALLY PUT THINGS ON ITS HEAD, OFTENTIMES FOR THE BETTER.”
CONGRATS TO THE 40 UNDER 40
Focus on w a ’s .
Book your refractive surgery consultation today
Trusted in Calgary since 1984
JACK GOODWIN
CO-FOUNDER, VACANT LOTS FARM CLUB
WHY HE ’ S A TOP 40
For more than a decade, Jack Goodwin has been a driving force in the fight against food insecurity through urban farming.
APRIL HICKE
FOUNDER AND CEO, TOAST
WHY SHE ’ S A TOP 40
Less than five years after co-launching her tech recruitment firm, Toast, April Hicke is helping women secure careers in tech and millions in salary increases.
“THE BEST ADVICE I CAN GIVE WOMEN IS TO TRUST YOUR GUT.”
JASMINE ING
FOUNDER, CALGARY RAINBOW FAMILIES
WHY SHE ’ S A TOP 40
For more than 20 years, Jasmine Ing has ardently supported Calgary’s queer community by creating safe spaces, promoting 2SLGBTQIA+ visibility and fostering connection in the community.
“I REALLY LOVE IT HERE, AND I WANT THIS PLACE TO BE GOOD FOR ME, GOOD FOR MY FRIENDS AND GOOD FOR THE PEOPLE I DON'T KNOW.”
SAFIQA KARA
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, GENERATIONS CALGARY
WHY SHE ’ S A TOP 40
Safiqa Kara is redefining aging in Calgary with engaging, active and communityoriented multi-generational care.
“I
TRULY BELIEVE WE ARE BROUGHT INTO THIS WORLD TO LEAVE IT IN A BETTER PLACE, AND, WHATEVER PATH YOU CHOOSE, THERE'S REALLY AN OPPORTUNITY TO SERVE AND GIVE BACK TO THE COMMUNITY.”
JOE KENDAL
ORTHOPEDIC ONCOLOGY SURGEON; CLINICAL ASSISTANT PROFESSOR, UNIVERSITY OF CALGARY
WHY HE ’ S A TOP 40
Joe Kendal launched the SMarT Bone Program, making Calgary a globally recognized hub for cancer treatment, innovation and research.
“I
WANT TO TRY TO MAKE CALGARY A CENTRE OF EXCELLENCE FOR MANAGING METASTATIC BONE DISEASE. I THINK WE'RE ON OUR WAY.”
ASHLEY KING
ARTISTIC ASSOCIATE, INSIDE OUT THEATRE
WHY SHE ’ S A TOP 40
Ashley King is a blind actor and playwright advocating for accessibility in theatre.
“I LOVE BEING ABLE TO SHARE THEATRE WITH PEOPLE WHO NEVER THOUGHT THEATRE WAS FOR THEM.”
DAVID LANGELIER
ASSISTANT PROFESSOR, UNIVERSITY OF CALGARY; MEDICAL LEAD, ALBERTA CANCER PHYSIATRY PROGRAM
WHY HE ’ S A TOP 40
David Langelier co-founded a first-of-its-kind cancer physiatry program that has become a national model for cancer-rehabilitation care.
“WHAT WE'VE CREATED HERE IS REALLY SPECIAL.”
JASE LEE
FOUNDER AND CEO, RYUKO AND VISIONARY CATERING
WHY HE ’ S A TOP 40
By recognizing the potential in others, Jase Lee has grown his family’s small café into a multi-million-dollar group of businesses.
“PEOPLE MIGHT THINK WE'RE GROWING AGGRESSIVELY, BUT I’M SURROUNDED BY GREAT TALENT.”
DALMY MANAN AND RAJ MANAN
VICE-PRESIDENT, CLIENT RELATIONS (DALMY); PRESIDENT AND CO-CEO (RAJ), ACCOMSURE
WHY THEY ’ RE TOP 40S
In just seven years, Dalmy and Raj Manan have helped thousands of Canadian families who’ve filed an insurance claim because of incidents like natural disasters find temporary housing.
“I ALWAYS WANTED TO BUILD A BUSINESS, BUT PEOPLE AROUND ME SAID IT WAS TOO RISKY. I STILL MANAGED TO BREAK OUT AND DO IT — AND IT’S WORKING.” RAJ MANAN
ALEX HAWKE MANITOPYES
INDIGENOUS FASHION DESIGNER
“I ADVOCATE FOR INDIGENOUS AND TWO-SPIRIT REPRESENTATION IN FASHION, CHALLENGING INDUSTRY NORMS AND CREATING SPACE FOR MORE DIVERSE VOICES.”
WHY THEY ’ RE A TOP 40
Alex Hawke Manitopyes’s luxury fashion brand, Sacrd Thndr, fuses traditional Indigenous artistry with modern design.
MARIA MARIANAYAGAM
CHILDREN’S BOOK AUTHOR
WHY SHE ’ S A TOP 40
As the author of eight published children’s books featuring diverse voices, Maria Marianayagam entertains, educates and empowers, while making STEM accessible to young readers.
“I WRITE THE BOOKS THAT I WISH I HAD GROWING UP, AND I WRITE THE BOOKS THAT I WISH MY KIDS HAD RIGHT NOW.”
LEAH MAYO
PARKER RESEARCH CHAIR IN PSYCHEDELICS AND ASSISTANT PROFESSOR, UNIVERSITY OF CALGARY
WHY SHE ’ S A TOP 40
Leah Mayo’s groundbreaking work developing therapeutic applications of psychedelics and cannabis-related drugs as the first research chair in psychedelics in Canada is advancing mental health care.
“PSYCHEDELIC USE IN SOME INDIGENOUS COMMUNITIES HAS BEEN IMPACTED BY COLONIZATION AND A SPECTRUM OF CULTURAL MISGIVINGS THAT RANGE FROM SIMPLE MISUNDERSTANDINGS TO SYSTEMIC EXPLOITATION.”
TYLER MCCOMBS
FOUNDER AND CEO, DEVON + LANG
WHY HE ’ S A TOP 40
Tyler McCombs turned a wardrobe malfunction into a successful underwear business that gives back to local charities.
“I LOVE BEING ABLE TO TAKE AN IDEA AND MAKE IT REAL.”
ADAM MUZYCHUK
OPHTHALMOLOGIST,
GIMBEL EYE CENTRE; ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR, UNIVERSITY OF CALGARY
WHY HE ’ S A TOP 40
Adam Muzychuk is a trailblazing eye surgeon positioning Calgary as a global leader in ophthalmology.
“I'M SOMEONE WHO THINKS ABOUT THE DETAILS AND WORKS REALLY HARD AT GETTING LITTLE THINGS RIGHT.”
ANA NIKOLIC
NEUROPATHOLOGIST, ALBERTA PRECISION LABORATORIES; ASSISTANT PROFESSOR, UNIVERSITY OF CALGARY
WHY SHE ’ S A TOP 40
Ana Nikolic is advancing the understanding of glioblastoma, a common form of brain cancer in desperate need of new treatments.
“THIS FIELD IS A COOL PLACE TO BE, BUT ALSO HARD TO KEEP UP WITH. IT'S EXPANDING BY THE MINUTE.”
MEAGHAN NOLAN
CO-FOUNDER AND COO, MIKATA HEALTH
WHY SHE ’ S A TOP 40
Since 2018, Meaghan Nolan’s automated, AI-powered health-tech company has helped health-care professionals provide better, faster care to more than five million Canadians.
“MIKATA HAS BECOME ALL ABOUT HOW WE CAN CREATE TRULY INTUITIVE TECHNOLOGY THAT GIVES TIME BACK TO DOCTORS AND THEIR TEAMS SO THAT THEY CAN FOCUS ON THEIR PATIENTS.”
DAYO OGUNYEMI
LEGAL COUNSEL, ALBERTA ENERGY REGULATOR
WHY HE ’ S A TOP 40
Dayo Ogunyemi helps steer Alberta’s energy industry toward a greener future while fostering diversity in the legal profession across Canada.
“IT’S AMAZING TO WITNESS A MORE DIVERSE, BRILLIANT LEGAL COMMUNITY TAKE SHAPE IN CANADA. KNOWING THAT I WAS ABLE TO HELP BUILD MORE INCLUSIVE INSTITUTIONS IS EXTREMELY REWARDING.”
SERENA L. ORR
CLINICIAN-SCIENTIST, PEDIATRIC NEUROLOGY, ALBERTA CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL
WHY SHE ’ S A TOP 40
Serena Orr is changing the way health-care providers view and treat headache disorders.
“I'M PROUD OF MYSELF FOR PUTTING MY EFFORT AND ENERGY INTO AN AREA OF HIGH NEED.”
ASEEM PANDEY AND SHAHRUKH SHAMIM
CTO & CO-FOUNDER (PANDEY); CEO & CO-FOUNDER (SHAMIM), ENVICORE INC.
WHY THEY ’ RE TOP 40S
Aseem Pandey and Shahrukh Shamim have created a concrete solution that lowers carbon emissions in two of Calgary’s highest-polluting industries.
“CALGARY
IS BECOMING A POWERHOUSE OF INNOVATION, THERE IS NO DOUBT ABOUT IT.” SHAHRUKH SHAMIM
FELIPE ALBERTO PAREDES-CANEVARI
LAWYER AND PARTNER, RELIANCE LEGAL GROUP LLP; MUSICIAN
WHY
HE ’ S A TOP 40
In addition to being a respected litigator, Felipe Alberto Paredes-Canevari is also a globally recognized Peruvian musician.
“A LOT OF THE STORIES I TELL A RE BASED ON CALGARIANS, AND A LOT OF THE CREW I HIRE ARE B ASED OUT OF CALGARY.”
ANNA POSIKERA
FOUNDER
AND MARKETING MANAGER, THE TISTO FACTORY
WHY SHE ’ S A TOP 40
After arriving in Canada from war-torn Ukraine, Anna Posikera launched a gourmet perogy company, and landed its products on major grocery store shelves.
“DO
SOMETHING GOOD WITHOUT EXPECTING ANYTHING IN RETURN — NOT EVEN GRATITUDE — AND YOU WILL SEE
MIRACLES BEGIN TO UNFOLD IN YOUR OWN LIFE.”
CHRISTOPHER LEE PRIMEAU
CEO, IMPACT SOCIETY
WHY HE ’ S A TOP 40
Christopher Lee Primeau has helped thousands of youth at risk of mental health crises, addiction and violence through programs that promote resilience and self-esteem.
“MY PURPOSE HERE ON THIS EARTH IS TO HELP YOUNG PEOPLE UNLOCK THEIR PURPOSE AS EARLY AS POSSIBLE.”
KATIE SAMOIL
REGISTERED NURSE
“CLINICAL CARE ENRICHES ME IN EVERYTHING THAT I DO. IT ENRICHES ME WHEN I WALK DOWN THE STREET, AND IT KEEPS ME GROUNDED IN MY COMMUNITY.”
WHY SHE ’ S A TOP 40
Katie Samoil uses her clinical-care experience as an emergency department nurse to take aerospace physiology and medical education to new heights.
to APEGA registrants:
CONGRATULATIONS
ASEEM PANDEY, P.ENG.,
on receiving an Avenue Top 40 Under 40 award!
MARIA MARIANAYAGAM , P.ENG.,
For more than a century, the Association of Professional Engineers and Geoscientists of Alberta has protected Albertans by regulating the practices of engineering and geoscience in our province. We are proud to recognize our registrants on this distinction and the role regulated professionals play in enabling safe, innovative engineering in Alberta.
Discover more at apega.ca.
ALEXANDRA DAIGNAULT SANGSTER
FOUNDER AND CEO, SARJESA INC.
WHY SHE ’ S A TOP 40
In less than a decade, Alexandra Daignault Sangster turned a university project into an expanding ethical manufacturing business and social enterprise that empowers and employs women.
“CALGARY'S REALLY FERTILE SOIL — LOTS OF BUSINESSES, LOTS OF SCRAPPY PEOPLE AND PEOPLE WHO REALLY WANT TO BE PROUD OF LIVING [HERE].”
Start Something WITH THE HUNTER HUB
We’re proud to see UCalgary innovators recognized in the Top 40 Under 40 Class of 2025 — and we’re excited to empower the next generation of changemakers.
CHARLIE TRAFFORD
FORMER PROFESSIONAL SOCCER PLAYER; CO-FOUNDER AND CO-CEO, TRAFFORD FARMS
WHY HE ’ S A TOP 40
Charlie Trafford is expanding the game of soccer in Calgary while running an agricultural business focused on growing local, sustainable food.
“THERE’S LIFE AFTER SPORT, YOU JUST NEED TO KEEP THAT SAME MENTALITY AND RESILIENCE.”
EMILY VARGA
PARTNER AND CO-FOUNDER, VML FAMILY LAW; AUTHOR
WHY SHE ’ S A TOP 40
“IT’S
SO IMPORTANT TO FOLLOW YOUR DREAMS, BECAUSE YOUR CHILDREN AND COMMUNITY WILL SEE YOU AND KNOW THAT IT’S POSSIBLE FOR THEM, TOO.”
Emily Varga is a busy family lawyer and the internationally bestselling author of a groundbreaking young-adult novel.
JESSICA VILLENEUVE
FOUNDER AND CEO, SAME STARS WELLNESS
WHY SHE ’ S A TOP 40
Jessica Villeneuve has expanded access to safe, inclusive massage therapy to thousands of Calgarians with disabilities and illnesses through the Same Stars Wellness clinic.
“I BUILT SAME STARS TO BE THE CLINIC I NEEDED, AND THE ONE OUR COMMUNITY COULDN’T FIND.”
LISETTE XAVIER
TV HOST; MUSICIAN; ENTERTAINER
WHY SHE ’ S A TOP 40
Lisette Xavier is one of CBC Kids’ most-watched TV hosts, creating uplifting and inclusive content for young audiences nationwide.
“WE ALL CARRY BURDENS IN LIFE, BUT THE BEAUTIFUL THING ABOUT ART IS THAT IT GIVES US A MOMENT TO LET GO.”
