Gen Next

Young professionals shaping the future of their community

Get involved with Gen Next

What’s the best way for young professionals to create social change and connect face-to-face over philanthropy? Gen Next! This exclusive United Way program brings together local changemakers in their 20s and 30s to take action and inspire the next generation of community leaders.

Attend an Event

Gen Next events bring together professionals in their 20s and 30s to network and chat about how to make an impact on the community.

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Join “The Next”

This flagship program for our next generation of community leaders offers public speaking training, volunteer opportunities and networking with business leaders.

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Culbert Family Award for Philanthropy

The Culbert Family Award for Philanthropy is presented annually to two young professionals for their charitable giving and outstanding work in their community. Winners of this award receive $2,000 to invest in their professional development or philanthropic endeavours.

Jackson McDonough created and launched Beacons of Hope, which supports at-risk youth in partnership with the Calgary Police Youth Foundation and YouthLink. The initiative aims to support local police and build trust and confidence in the community, culminating in a day-long festival at McMahon Stadium in May of 2023. The youth-focused event offered entertainment, games, displays from Calgary Police and food trucks. To date, Beacons of Hope has raised more than $150,000. Jackson is also active within United Way’s Gen Next program, creating a casual event that brought together 85 young professionals to learn more about giving with United Way and creating the future of philanthropy in Calgary.

Jackson McDonough - Culbert Family Award for Philanthropy
Jason Ribero - Culbert Family Award for Philanthropy

Jason Ribero is the creator of Surge ASSIST, a collaboration between the Calgary Surge Professional Basketball Club and Kids Up Front Calgary. Together, they ensure that kids who love basketball but do not have the means to attend a game can experience professional basketball for free. Surge ASSIST raised $100,000 from corporations and donors in Calgary, allowing them to help 49 local charities and send nearly 1,000 deserving kids to basketball games. The initiative also distributed hundreds of souvenir t-shirts and removed transportation and food barriers to ensure everyone was able to take part.

Run a fundraising campaign

Develop leadership skills, get to know your colleagues, and support your community by running a workplace campaign.

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Join Gen Next

Just share a few details with us and you’ll be the first to know about Gen Next opportunities, or follow Gen Next on Instagram. We’d love to hear how you’re taking action. Let us know and help inspire others by tagging us, @unitedwaycgy!

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Gen Next Committee

Co-Chairs

Sherry Sweeney
TD Bank Group

Jessica Robichaud
Liberty Mutual

Committee Members

Claudia Belanger
Chubb Insurance

Zachary Hertz
Trafigura

Kendra MacLean
Heritage Royalty

Awurama Oteng
AON

Tracy Qi
Pembina Pipelines

Marcus Rocque
ARC Financial

Jermyn Voon
Community Member

Ange Williamson
NuVista Energy

Thank you to our sponsor

ARC Financial Corp

Gen Next is proudly sponsored by ARC Financial Corp.

Sponsorship opportunities

If you are interested in supporting the Gen Next program, please contact us.

United Way of Calgary and AreaGen Next