Cabinet Members

Dave Hughes was the Vice President of Investor Relations at Imperial Oil prior to his retirement at the end of 2023 after 34 years of service. He was in this current role for seven years. Prior to that he held a range of positions within the company’s upstream, downstream and corporate groups. His experience includes refining, supply and transportation, logistics, business analysis and reporting, upstream project management, and commercial pipeline work. Dave’s career also includes an international assignment with ExxonMobil, where he spent five years in various roles in Fairfax, Virginia and Houston, Texas. Dave holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering (BSc) from the University of Calgary and a Masters of Business Administration (MBA) from Queen’s University, and holds a Professional Engineer designation. He is the past board chair of Social Venture Partners Calgary, a non-profit modelled around engaged philanthropy, focused on provided financial support and professional expertise to other Calgary non-profit organizations. Dave currently sits on the board of the Canadian Investor Relations Institute (Alberta).

Cayla brings over 18 years of experience in the utilities industry. She began her career at AltaLink in 2005, and has held a number of increasingly senior customer service-based positions over that time. Cayla has extensive experience working with external stakeholders and has led the development of several AltaLink programs focused on improving service to a variety of AltaLink’s customers in project execution, operational delivery and regulatory engagement. As Vice President, Government Relations and Commercial, she is responsible for policy advocacy and engagement with all levels of government, and leading AltaLink’s commercial business. Cayla holds a Bachelor of Arts in Communications and Culture from the University of Calgary.

Claudia is a local Calgary philanthropist, corporate go getter, runner and outdoor enthusiast. She completed a Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology at Queen’s University followed by a Graduate Diploma in Business and is currently working as a Life Sciences Resident Advisor for Western Canada for Chubb Insurance. Claudia is extremely passionate about creating accessibility to a healthy life style throughout her community. She has spearheaded the Chubb’s annual United Way campaign for the past 3 years and is currently the Calgary Branch Lead for the reRUN Shoe Project, a non for profit organization that collects lightly used to new running shoes and re-donates them back to local schools and organizations. Claudia is extremely passionate and excited to be a part of United Way and the GenNEXT community to help promote philanthropy and see the first hand impact it can have on the amazing Calgary community.

Dennis Cosmas is excited and grateful to be part of United Way of Calgary and Area’s GenNEXT committee, where he collaborates with young professionals committed to making a meaningful impact in the Calgary community. Through this opportunity, he aims to deepen his connection to philanthropy early in his career while building strong relationships with future leaders.

Dennis holds a Bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering from the University of Alberta and currently works as an Evaluation Engineer at McDaniel and Associates Consultants Ltd. When he’s not keeping up with energy-related news, he can often be found biking along the Bow River or immersed in a thrilling novel.

Zachary Hertz is currently working as a Deals Desk Analyst with Trafigura. He previously spent time in investment banking and equity research with Peters & Co. Zachary holds a Bachelor of Commerce in Finance and a Bachelor or Arts in Economics from the University of Calgary. He has sat on the GenNEXT Committee since January 2023. In his spare time, he enjoys golfing, cycling, skiing, and staying active.

Lucia Lipon is the Business Development Manager at Modular Green Technologies Inc. (MGTI), a clean-tech company transforming landfill waste into renewable energy. Her work spans amongst building strategic partnerships, sustainability planning, and community outreach, allowing her to spearhead solutions at the intersection of environmental and economic impact.

With a strong belief in inclusive innovation, Lucia is passionate about creating spaces where all voices are heard and valued. Her drive for social impact is deeply personal – shaped by her experience growing up alongside a sister with an intellectual disability – and has led her to champion initiatives that promote equity, access, and belonging.

Lucia is soulfully committed to building stronger, more connected communities. She sees young professionals as powerful catalysts for change and is energized by working alongside others who share a vision for a more inclusive and empowered future.

Kendra MacLean works in the energy sector as a Business Analyst at Heritage Royalty. Her role involves data management, technology implementation, agreement/geospatial analysis, and project management. As a process innovation enthusiast, Kendra is part of Heritage’s Artificial Intelligence Working Group. Kendra holds a Bachelor of Commerce specializing in Finance and Risk Management from the University of Calgary (2021).

Kendra’s interest in creating positive change was ignited during her volunteer work with the United Way of Calgary and Area in Spring 2019. She participated in The Next, GenNEXT’s leadership and development program, in 2022, and joined the GenNEXT Committee in 2023 to further support GenNEXT initiatives.

Awurama Oteng is an Associate Broker at Aon Reed Stenhouse and is committed to helping businesses navigate complex risk management and insurance challenges. With a strong foundation in insurance, risk management and finance, she brings strategic insight and a people-first approach to the role.

Beyond her corporate career, she is passionate about education, financial literacy and giving back to the Calgary community. Awurama’s desire to engage in social impact and make a positive change in the world is what drives her. She has organized numerous events and initiatives to fundraise and make a difference in the lives of individuals experiencing homelessness, poverty and mental health challenges. A few years ago she joined the United Way’s The NEXT program and now GenNEXT in an effort to channel this passion into other areas.

Awurama believes supporting your community and giving back is essential to creating a sense of unity and building stronger relationships. She is motivated by opportunities to bridge the gap between to corporate world and philanthropy and she enjoys connecting with others who are equally passionate about creating lasting positive change.

Adejoke Popoola is a Nigerian-born gospel artist, songwriter, and co-founder of Gracious Hearts Music. With a Master’s degree in International Events Management from the University of Surrey, she combines academic insight with creative purpose. Since launching her music career in 2020, she has released several faith-filled tracks centered on hope, mercy, and redemption. Through her platform, she has supported over 40 artists, overseen the production of more than 60 songs, and provided free music training—efforts that have earned her multiple awards and recognitions across Africa and the UK.

Now based in Canada, Adejoke serves as a GenNEXT Committee Member with United Way, where she helps plan and deliver youth-focused community events in Calgary. Her work emphasizes leadership, empowerment, and connection, reflecting her ongoing commitment to making a positive impact wherever she goes.

Tracy Qi holds an undergraduate degree in Accounting from the University of Calgary and is a designated CPA. She has a diverse background in finance and energy, having spent three years at PwC before broadening her expertise at BMO Investment Banking. Now, as a key member of Pembina’s Corporate Development team, Tracy utilizes her skills to identify strategic growth opportunities, drive business expansion, and contribute to the company’s long-term success.

Throughout her career at PwC, BMO, and Pembina, Tracy has actively participated in the United Way Campaign. She is eager to apply her diverse experience to GenNEXT, with the goal of making a real impact in Calgary.

Grateful to have called Calgary home for over 20 years, Cole is a digital marketing and fundraising professional with a passion for community, connection, and growth. With a background in Business, Leadership, and Marketing, he has helped drive impact through supporting small businesses in Alberta, social media strategy, and executing events for neurodiverse communities. His recent travels through Southeast Asia deepened his appreciation for Canada and reignited his commitment to helping all Calgarians prosper. He has a passion for bringing people together through events, sports, and the outdoors. In his spare time, you will find him on his bike, on the soccer field or volleyball courts, in the mountains, or connecting with and expanding his community.