The NEXT Program

Brooke became a social worker because there were members of her community in need of support and she felt that by becoming a social worker, she could make her career a way to help them. Victim services work was a calling to Brooke, as it enabled her to walk alongside people as they go through something difficult and provide them with resources and supports to heal. Without individuals who are well, we cannot have a healthy community.

Nicole is communications specialist focused on content strategy and development. She creates clear, engaging messaging that helps organizations connect meaningfully with their audiences. She’s especially interested in how strong communication supports transparency, collaboration and informed decision-making. She believes that supporting her community is important because real impact happens when people are willing to show up for one another and contribute their time and skills.

Jasmine is a purpose-driven leader, program coordinator and inclusion advocate working at the intersection of engagement, technology and social equity. She supports youth and marginalized communities to build confidence, skills and pathways into civic and leadership spaces. With experience across nonprofit, public and global contexts, Jasmine brings a people-centred, systems-aware approach grounded in accessibility, collaboration and care. Supporting her community matters because strong communities are built when people feel seen, supported and empowered to shape decisions affecting their lives.

Kaylyn is a Corporate Banking Director at CIBC, recognized for her leadership and commitment to client success. She is passionate about empowering others and driving positive change. Kaylyn believes that supporting her community is essential for building resilience, fostering opportunity and inspiring collective progress. She looks forward to contributing her insights and energy as a participant in The NEXT program.

Nadir is a Calgary based Development Engineer at Suncor with over 15 years of oil sands experience focused on advancing sustainable water solutions in the mine water closure space. Supporting his community matters to him because he believes being a good human means when you can be and contributing to a better world. Nadir is committed to growing as a purpose driven leader and expanding his impact through meaningful service.

Claire believes community is built through connection, bringing people from diverse backgrounds together to foster understanding, joy and hope. She values spaces where compassion grows, stories are shared, differences are respected; a space where everyone feels seen, supported and inspired to collaborate toward a kinder, more inclusive, resilient future for all our communities and generations to come and thrive together in trust.

Brianna serves as a development professional at Foothills Academy Society, where she advances strategic fundraising initiatives and strengthens donor engagement to expand access to specialized education. Passionate about mission-driven work, she believes supporting her community is essential because strong, connected communities create opportunities for everyone to thrive, especially young people. Brianna is committed to building meaningful relationships that uplift organizations and the people they serve.

Sarah is a Manager in Commercial Banking at CIBC, where she has spent the past three years working on transactions across a variety of industries and segments, from independent businesses to syndicated loans. After taking on her own portfolio, she developed a particular focus on public sector and not-for-profit lending. She works closely with organizations across Calgary, providing financial guidance to help them reach their goals. Supporting her community matters to Sarah because she believes that when local organizations succeed, it benefits everyone.

Britt is a strategic partnerships, social impact, storytelling leader, entrepreneur and marketer based in Calgary with 15+ years of experience, building cross sector collaborations across philanthropy and corporate foundations. As a Senior Community Investment Manager at TELUS, she leads regional giving and global disaster relief initiatives with measurable results. She is dedicated to authentic partnerships and community driven solutions. Britt does not believe in performative social impact and focuses on innovative approaches that create real, lasting community change.

Andrea coordinates community development and emergency projects in partnership with churches, schools and local organizations to address practical needs. Her work involves organizing projects, working through day-to-day challenges and building strong relationships. Supporting her community matters to her because she believes lasting change happens through partnership, shared effort and humility. Andrea is motivated by contributing to practical, collaborative initiatives that strengthen her community in thoughtful and sustainable ways.

Sophia is a chemical engineer from Canada’s East Coast. She brings curiosity, collaboration and thoughtful problem solving to her work in the energy industry. Community impact is deeply important to her, and she believes in using her skills and time to strengthen the places where she lives and works. Through The NEXT, she hopes to broaden her leadership and contribute to positive change.

Bailey is a sports marketing and business development professional with the Calgary Surge (CEBL), focused on growing sport in Canada through brand strategy, fan engagement and community partnerships. He works cross-functionally to create high-energy campaigns and meaningful fan experiences that strengthen the Surge’s role in Calgary. Bailey believes sport has the power to unite communities, and he is passionate about building inclusive spaces where people feel connected and inspired.

Marissa is a Process Engineer in Training at Fluor Canada. She brings curiosity, collaboration and a passion for continuous learning to her work. Outside the office, Marissa loves anything that gets her outdoors, as well as cooking and baking for friends and family. She is dedicated to helping people make meaningful connections and discover their interests. Supporting her community, especially empowering women in STEM, is important to her because everyone deserves the same opportunities to grow and succeed.

Tatiana is a Calgary-based community leader and the founder of Sab Connections, an initiative dedicated to empowering youth, supporting families and fostering inclusive community spaces across Alberta. She leads volunteer-driven programs, cultural events and mentorship initiatives, with more than half of her volunteers being youth. Supporting her community is important to Tatiana because she believes that strong, compassionate networks create opportunities for individuals and families to thrive together.

Jaiden is an administrative professional who leads with empathy, intention and a genuine love for community. Known for her proactive approach and heartfelt care, she brings warmth and organization to every space she enters. Community is central to her values—built through kindness, collaboration and showing up for others. Guided by compassion and a commitment to uplifting people, Jaiden creates supportive, inclusive environments in every role she holds.

Ruth is the Manager of Integrated Support Services at a family shelter, where she works alongside frontline teams to strengthen systems of care and advance equity-centered, trauma-informed practice. She is deeply committed to community advocacy and collective responsibility. Supporting her community matters to Ruth because she believes lasting change happens when communities organize, uplift lived experience and ensure families have the resources, voice and power to thrive.

Supporting the community is deeply important to Kshiteeja because she believes real change begins at the local level. Through organizations like United Way, community has the opportunity to uplift families, empower youth and create access to essential resources for those who need it most. Kshiteeja is passionate about giving back because strong communities create stronger futures—for all of us. Contributing her time and support is her way of helping build a more inclusive, resilient and connected community.

Raveena is a community-focused professional with experience supporting education, youth and family-serving programs in nonprofit and community-based settings. She is passionate about creating inclusive spaces that empower individuals to learn, grow and thrive. Raveena believes supporting her community is important because strong, connected communities create opportunity, foster belonging and ensure everyone—especially those facing barriers—has access to the support and resources needed to succeed.

Yvette is a young professional with a background in community investment within the energy sector. She pursued a Bachelor of Arts in Policy Studies, with the intention to learn how to enact strategic socioeconomic policy change within Alberta communities. She has a passion for supporting communities through growth and change, to ensure that all Calgarians have equitable access to their needs as the city continues to grow.

Abby has more than five years of experience in employee communications within the energy industry. Her work spans analyzing insights, crafting leader-ready messaging and developing detailed communications plans. A highlight of her work is leading internal giving initiatives because she can rally her community together to create meaningful impact. Abby holds a bachelor’s degree in communication (public relations), a certificate in visual design and is pursuing a micro certificate in strategic public relations leadership.

Gulroob is a student leader passionate about creating meaningful impact through professional and community initiatives. She serves as VP Internal & External for the Haskayne Commerce Undergraduate Society, building partnerships and supporting student programs, and has contributed to skills-based pro bono consulting projects with nonprofits through Accenture. Gulroob also brings experience in public program administration as a Student Business Officer at PrairiesCan. She believes supporting her community is essential for fostering opportunity, collaboration and growth.

Neharika is an experienced executive assistant and corporate governance professional known for her organization, reliability and commitment to empowering corporate governance, culture of trust and strong leadership. With a talent for creating clarity, building systems and fostering collaboration, she helps teams operate smoothly and stay focused on what matters most. Supporting her community is deeply important to her, as she believes collective strength, connection and mutual support are the foundation for meaningful progress. Outside of her professional life, Neharika is driven by curiosity, personal growth and a desire to make a positive impact on newcomers’ lives wherever she can, helping immigrants settle well in a new country and sharing her own experiences and challenges of settling with a toddler and family. She believes in giving back to the community in every possible way.

Jackie is a Communication and Sustainability Advisor at Vermilion Energy, bringing creativity and strategic thinking from experience across corporate and startup environments. She is passionate about storytelling, intentional design and understanding human behaviour. Jackie volunteers as a mentor with Junior Achievement’s company program, guiding young professionals in building skills and confidence. Supporting her community is important to her because she believes meaningful connections and shared growth create lasting positive impact.

Alex is an analytic, data-focused analyst in the Oil & Gas industry, supporting commercial teams in contracting, sourcing and business intelligence. He is strategic minded and thrives in environments that challenge him, while maintaining a dedication to giving back within the community and partnering with charitable organizations. Alex values the connection that is built through volunteering and strongly believes corporations and individuals have a duty to support the community around them.

Amelie is in her fourth year of psychology (hons) at the University of Calgary. She is a research and executive assistant for Canada Career Counselling, and seeks out opportunities to engage with children. Having benefited from mentors who challenged her, and created spaces where she felt seen and capable, she views community engagement as both a privilege and a responsibility. Paying that forward, especially by supporting others through their own periods of uncertainty and growth, is what fills her bucket the most.