GenNEXT
Purpose-driven leaders shaping the future of their community
GenNEXT Calgary is a community of emerging changemakers in their 20s and 30s who lead, connect and give back locally. Through leadership development and meaningful community engagement, we empower young leaders to grow with purpose and contribute to lasting impact.
We believe that young, purpose-driven leaders have the power to shape the future of their communities. As such, we nurture the legacy of engaged, community-minded individuals who carry forward the values of unity and shared responsibility.
When young people struggle to find a “third space” beyond home and work, they lose access to genuine community and opportunities to grow as leaders. As a result, they feel isolated and disconnected from a sense of purpose. Currently, they turn to social circles that don’t reflect their values, leaving them unfulfilled and disengaged.
For young leaders seeking belonging and growth, GenNEXT offers community and pathways to grow as purpose-driven leaders. We connect peers and mentors who share the same values and want to make a difference, turning networking into real community.
Want to get involved?
Culbert Family Award for Philanthropy
The Culbert Family Award for Philanthropy recognizes emerging leaders in their 20s and 30s across Calgary and area who are creating positive change through community involvement and charitable giving. Annually, $2,000 is awarded to each of two selected recipients to support leadership growth and help bring their project or initiative to life. These changemakers are also celebrated at our annual Community Impact Awards. The next opportunity to apply will open in December 2026.
Claudia Belanger is the Calgary lead for Chubb’s United Way campaign, raising more than $120,000 in the past four years. She also plays a key role in the GenNEXT program, connecting young professionals and supporting leadership initiatives across Canada.
Passionate about running, Claudia leads the reRUN Shoe Project in Calgary, collecting and donating more than 1,000 pairs of shoes to organizations like the Mustard Seed and the Boys and Girls Club of Foothills. This initiative ensures individuals in need have proper footwear for physical activity and daily life.
Claudia will reinvest her award to expanding reRUN, continuing the incredible work the charity is already doing.
Sheliza Kassam is the founder and president of Children’s Birthday Miracles (CBM), a volunteer-run charity she started at age 15. Since 2013, CBM has hosted more than 200 birthday parties for children in orphanages, homeless shelters and suffering from cancer. The charity has raised more than $350M and received support from major sponsors including McDonald’s Canada, Google and Coca-Cola.
Sheliza also expanded CBM’s work to support children with cancer, partnering with Kids Cancer Care Calgary since 2016. Through CBM, she also created the Fitbit Program in partnership with Google Fitbit to track rehabilitation progress for those children.
Sheliza will invest her award to support a Family Food Trucks Picnic for Children’s Cottage Society and a Mother’s Day event with Kids Cancer Care.
Run a fundraising campaign
Develop leadership skills, connect with colleagues and support your community by running a workplace campaign.
Join GenNEXT
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For questions or inquiries, email us at gennext@calgaryunitedway.org.
GenNEXT Cabinet
Co-Chairs
Kendra MacLean
Heritage Royalty
Marcus Rocque
ARC Financial
Committee Members
Claudia Belanger
Chubb Insurance
Dennis Cosmas
McDaniel
Lucia Lipon
Modular Green Technologies Inc.
Gracelyn Masangkay
BDP
Awurama Oteng
AON
Jesse Tamayo
Surge
Thank you to our sponsor
GenNEXT is proudly sponsored by ARC Financial Corp.