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. Deadline to apply is January 15, 2025, at midnight. Winners will be recognized at United Way’s Community Impact Awards on March 13, 2025. Share this amazing opportunity with your network!
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 GenNEXT 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.
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.
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
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
Thank you to our sponsor
GenNEXT is proudly sponsored by ARC Financial Corp.