GenNEXT
Young professionals shaping the future of their community
Get involved with GenNEXT
What’s the best way for young professionals to create social change and connect face-to-face over philanthropy? GenNEXT! 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.
Culbert Family Award for Philanthropy
Do you know someone making a difference in their community? The Culbert Family Award for Philanthropy recognizes young and emerging leaders in Calgary and Area who are shaping the future through charitable giving and work in the community. Nominate them for a chance to be awarded $2,000 to enhance their professional development or philanthropic endeavours. Winners were recognized at United Way’s Community Impact Awards on March 13, 2025. Share this amazing opportunity with your network!
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, get to know your colleagues, and support your community by running a workplace campaign.
Join GenNEXT
Just share a few details with us and you’ll be the first to know about GenNEXT opportunities. We’d love to hear how you’re taking action. Let us know and help inspire others by tagging @gennextcgy and @unitedwaycgy!
GenNEXT Committee
Co-Chairs
Marcus Rocque
ARC Financial
Jessica Robichaud
Liberty Mutual
Committee Members
Claudia Belanger
Chubb Insurance
Dennis Cosmas
McDaniel
Zachary Hertz
Trafigura
Kendra MacLean
Heritage Royalty
Gracelyn Masangkay
BDP
Awurama Oteng
AON
Adejoke Popoola
Gracious Hearts Music
Tracy Qi
Pembina Pipelines
Jesse Tamayo
Surge
Thank you to our sponsor
GenNEXT is proudly sponsored by ARC Financial Corp.