7:00 p.m. Theatre doors open (music in theatre by the Russell Broom Memorial Orchestra)
7:30 p.m. Main presentation/awards ceremony begins
8:30 p.m. Reception in main lobby area (music in lobby by Kenna Burima)
10:30 p.m. Last Call
R EGISTRATION
EVENT MAP
MEDIA WALL
COCKTAIL TABLE RESERVED SECTION
FOOD STATIONS
CONNECT FIRST CALGARY SURGE
PIANO
AUDITORIUM WASHROOMS
COAT CHECK
COCKTAIL TABLES CALGARY ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
CALGARY CHAMBER
B LOOM B ENEFITS LOUNGE
C HECK OUT OUR SPONSOR ACTIVATIONS
• Become an Avenue cover model with Oxford Properties’ photo opportunity
• Grab a snack before the main event with connectFirst
• Visit the Bloom Benefits Lounge for a photo with Cosmo Photo Booths
CALGARY T ELUS CONVENTION CENTRE
• Be creative with the Telus Convention Centre and artist and Top 40 alum Dean Stanton; enter to win a section of the finished product
• Visit the Calgary Chamber of Commerce’s Bistro for a sweet treat
• Shoot some hoops at the Calgary Surge’s in-house court (second level; active following the main program)
class of 2024
Last year, we celebrated 25 years of Top 40 Under 40. Now, we kick off the next 25 years of celebrating the artists, builders, entrepreneurs, innovators, researchers, philanthropists and leaders who make Calgary a vibrant, thriving city. This year’s list features a fresh group of young Calgarians who excel in their fields, contribute to our community and inspire us all. Avenue magazine is very, very proud to present the Top 40 Under 40 class of 2024.
PHOTOS BY JARED SYCH
PHOTOGRAPHED AT OXFORD PROPERTIES
400 THIRD BOW VALLEY SQUARE CENTENNIAL PLACE AND EAU CLAIRE TOWER
Some things are just better together. And all businesses are better with us.
Become a member of the Calgary Chamber and be part of Calgary’s most supportive community.
ELUVIER ACOSTA & JUAN CASTILLO
CEO (ACOSTA) AND VICE-PRESIDENT (CASTILLO), MAS STUDIOS
WHY THEY’RE TOP 40S
They are internationally known for their photo and video work and are growing Calgary’s creative sector with their welcoming and vibrant production studio.
“WE WANT PEOPLE TO DO WHAT THEY WANT, ANYWHERE THEY WANT TO DO IT. EVEN IF THAT’S STARTING THEIR OWN BUSINESS THAT LOOKS A LOT LIKE OURS.” –ELUVIER ACOSTA
ELUVIER ACOSTA (LEFT) AND JUAN CASTILLO.
PIERRE BILLON
ASSISTANT PROFESSOR, DEPARTMENT OF BIOCHEMISTRY AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY, CUMMING SCHOOL OF MEDICINE, UNIVERSITY OF CALGARY
WHY HE’S A TOP 40
His transformative contributions to the emerging field of genomics medicine are making international waves.
“I COULD LIVE ANYWHERE IN THE WORLD TO START MY OWN LAB, BUT CALGARY IS A CITY OF OPPORTUNITIES. I’M IMPRESSED BY THE GENEROSITY OF THE PEOPLE HERE.”
MACKENZIE KAMÂMAK BROWN
ARTIST; OWNER AND OPERATOR, KAMÂMAK
WHY SHE’S A TOP 40
She’s helping bridge the gap between Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities through art, education and mentorship.
“TO CREATE IS A PART OF WHO WE ARE. IT’S HONOURING WHO WE INNATELY ARE AS INDIGENOUS PEOPLE. IT’S FUNDAMENTAL TO OUR WELL BEING. ”
IAN CANTELO
CO-OWNER AND FOUNDER, ATHLETIC EDGE; ASSISTANT COACH AND STRENGTH TRAINER, CTA WEST BASKETBALL; SAFETY ADVISOR, PROPAK
WHY HE’S A TOP 40
A decorated veteran, he co-founded an athlete-development program to help young athletes earn post-secondary scholarships, while coaching and supporting amateur sport in Calgary.
“SOMETIMES
YOU CAN DO EVERYTHING IN YOUR POWER AND STILL FALL SHORT, BUT THAT DOESN ’ T MEAN THAT YOU ’ RE NOT A SUCCESS. SUCCESS COMES FROM KNOWING THAT YOU DID EVERYTHING THAT YOU COULD.”
MARISA CLARK
FASHION DESIGNER AND FOUNDER, FAUN STUDIO
WHY SHE’S A TOP 40
She fights fast fashion through mindfully made clothing and represents Calgary’s design scene on the global stage.
“I’M VERY PROUD OF THE FACT THAT I’VE BEEN ABLE TO SHOW CALGARY’S TALENT TO AN INTERNATIONAL COMMUNITY. ”
CONTRA
CREATIVE DIRECTOR AND CO-FOUNDER, FOREIGNERZ; CREATIVE DIRECTOR, BUMP FESTIVAL; MUSICIAN
WHY SHE’S A TOP 40
She is a creative tour de force, putting Calgary on the map in visual art and music.
“I
WANT THE CITY TO BE A LITTLE BIT MORE WEIRD.”
MARY JANSEN DUNBAR
PEDIATRIC NEUROLOGIST AND ASSISTANT PROFESSOR, CUMMING SCHOOL OF MEDICINE, UNIVERSITY OF CALGARY Age
WHY SHE’S A TOP 40
She’s helping to change the understanding of brain injuries in children and infants, including babies still in utero.
“I LOVE WORKING WITH CHILDREN AND I LOVE UNDERSTANDING THE BRAIN.”
MARCIE HAWRANIK
FOUNDER AND CEO, CANADIAN EQUALITY CONSULTING AND EQUALITY 360
WHY SHE’S A TOP 40
She has accelerated diversity, equity and inclusion across the country and funded numerous grassroots movements via her social enterprises.
“I BELIEVE
IN THE IMPORTANCE OF GIVING BACK TO YOUR COMMUNITY.”
MICHELLE HOOGVELD
ARTIST
WHY SHE’S A TOP 40
She is a prolific artist whose work is getting international recognition.
“TRUST YOUR INNER VOICE AND INTUITION AND YOU CAN ACHIEVE ANYTHING.”
KELLE HURD
PHYSICIAN AND CLINICAL ASSISTANT PROFESSOR, CUMMING SCHOOL OF MEDICINE, UNIVERSITY OF CALGARY
WHY SHE’S A TOP 40
She creates safe spaces in medicine for Indigenous patients to access culturally safe care.
“IF I HAVE HELPED ONE PATIENT AND THEIR FAMILY, THAT IS A MEANINGFUL IMPACT.”
JENNIFER JACKSON
NURSE-SCIENTIST AND ASSISTANT PROFESSOR, FACULTY OF NURSING, UNIVERSITY OF CALGARY
WHY SHE’S A TOP 40
She’s a health-care advocate who uses research and collaboration to increase public safety and help vulnerable people get access to support.
“I WORK TOWARD A FAIRER CITY AND A FAIRER WORLD.”
TRACY JOHNSON
CEO, CALGARY PUBLIC LIBRARY FOUNDATION
WHY SHE’S A TOP 40
She became CEO of the Calgary Public Library Foundation while still in her 20s and now works to support the Library with funding for enhanced programming and services.
“MY BIGGEST ADVICE IS TO FOLLOW YOUR PASSION, TRY TO STAND OUT, AND ADVOCATE FOR YOURSELF EVERY STEP OF THE WAY.”
NKETTI JOHNSTON-TAYLOR
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, CALGARY REGION IMMIGRANT EMPLOYMENT COUNCIL
WHY SHE’S A TOP 40
She leads the team that has garneredmillions in funding to support international workers as they integrate into Calgary’s labour market.
“MY LIFE’S MISSION IS TO EMPOWER AND UNLEASH THE POTENTIAL OF INDIVIDUALS, COMMUNITIES AND ORGANIZATIONS THAT I COME INTO CONNECTION WITH.”
EVA KIEFER
CO-FOUNDER AND CFO, AKIRA IMPACT
WHY SHE’S A TOP 40
She has recharged the Calgary energy sector through her innovative approach to strategic finance, and by advocating for sustainability, equity and education.
“ORGANIZATIONS ARE MORE INNOVATIVE, PRODUCTIVE, CREATIVE AND EFFECTIVE WHEN THERE ’ S DIVERSITY AT THE TABLE.”
ANDREW KIM
CO-FOUNDER AND CEO, WOW HOLDINGS LTD.
WHY HE’S A TOP 40
He is a driven entrepreneur who creates authentic Korean dining and retail experiences through his WOW brands.
“WE PUSH TO CREATE WOW MOMENTS. WE WANT TO WOW OUR CUSTOMERS, AND WE WANT TO BE KNOWN AS A COMPANY THAT ACTIVELY TRIES NEW THINGS.”
MICHAEL KRYSHTALSKYJ
SENIOR RESIDENT, OPHTHALMOLOGY, CUMMING SCHOOL OF MEDICINE, UNIVERSITY OF CALGARY; CO-FOUNDER, EYES ON UKRAINE Age 29
WHY HE’S A TOP 40
He started a charity to help war-torn Ukraine, providing more than $1.5 million in surgical equipment and helping hundreds of patients with eye injuries.
“ANYONE CAN STEP UP, VOLUNTEER AND MAKE A DIFFERENCE.”
DALLIN LAYCOCK
SENIOR GEOLOGIST, CONOCOPHILLIPS; CO-FOUNDER, GEOLOGY IN MOTION
WHY HE’S A TOP 40
His scientific knowledge and volunteer work has made significant environmental strides and gotten the attention of NASA .
“WE HAVE SHOWN THE SCIENTIFIC COMMUNITY THAT CALGARIANS ARE DOING GREAT THINGS FOR THE WORLD.”
QUAN LY
FOUNDER AND CEO, MCRALLY; CFO, GLOBAL PHILANTHROPIC CANADA
WHY HE’S A TOP 40
He’s a well-rounded and innovative entrepreneur who gives back through a range of philanthropic endeavours.
“IT’S IMPORTANT TO HAVE A STRONG SENSE OF SELF, KNOWING WHO YOU ARE AS AN INDIVIDUAL, AS A PERSON, AND THE VALUE THAT YOU CAN BRING.”
IN VE NT
ALLISON LYNCH
ACTOR, COMPOSER, SINGER, MUSICIAN
WHY SHE’S A TOP 40
She’s an award-winning artist who is committed to championing inclusive theatre and creating a vibrant, world-class performing arts scene in Calgary.
“IF
YOU HAVE THE KNOWLEDGE THAT ONE PERSON BELIEVED IN YOU, AND YOU HAVE YOUR BELIEF IN YOURSELF, ALL YOU HAVE TO DO IS BE OPEN AND LISTEN.”
CONGRATS
Dallin Laycock , P.Geo.,
on receiving an
Avenue Top 40 Under 40 award!
The Association of Professional Engineers and Geoscientists of Alberta (APEGA) regulates the practices of engineering and geoscience in our province—and has for more than a century. We safeguard the public interest of all Albertans while driving Alberta forward with courage and innovation.
NADIA MAAROUF
CLINICAL SCIENTIST; ANALOG ASTRONAUT
WHY SHE’S A TOP 40
She’s a scientist working to prevent and cure heart disease for people everywhere, even in space.
“I ALWAYS HAD A HEALTHY DISREGARD FOR W HAT OTHERS DEEMED IMPOSSIBLE.”
JOSEPH M acDONALD
PHYSICIAN AND OWNER, PRIME HAIR CLINIC
WHY HE’S A TOP 40
He helms an internationally renowned clinical and surgical practice for hair-loss treatment and advocates to raise industry standards.
“I SEE MENTORSHIP AS PAYING IT FORWARD.
I HAVE SUCH GRATITUDE FOR THE GUIDANCE
I MYSELF RECEIVED DURING MY EARLY CAREER.”
MEG MARTIN
SENIOR DIRECTOR, STUDENT WELLNESS AND ACCESSIBILITY SERVICES, UNIVERSITY OF CALGARY
WHY SHE’S A TOP 40
She develops critical programs and services to educate people about sexual and gender-based violence and how to prevent it.
“YOU CAN'T SPEND ALL YOUR TIME INTERVENING ON WHAT HAS HAPPENED AND WHAT WILL CONTINUE TO HAPPEN. YOU NEED TO INVEST IN SOLUTIONS.”
Grounded in Safety, Quality, & Innovation
It’s our people & experience that deliver results.
Building local
,
lasting legacies
Places people want to be part of
It starts with the people, not the building. We focus on understanding what our occupiers want today and will need tomorrow. We create places that inspire lives and transform communities.
400 Third | Centennial Place | Eau Claire Tower
AMY MATYCHUK
LAWYER AND FOUNDER, PRISON & POLICE LAW
WHY SHE’S A TOP 40
She founded a law firm that holds the police and prison system accountable and protects the rights of marginalized Calgarians.
“YOU
DON’T HAVE TO BE THE SMARTEST PERSON OUT THERE — OR THE MOST INNOVATIVE PERSON OUT THERE — TO DO SOMETHING THAT IS A BIT OFF THE BEATEN PATH.”
LUCAS Mc CARTHY
CEO, SHOWPASS
WHY HE’S A TOP 40
His tech company has become one of the largest independent ticketing providers, serving more than 1,500 event organizers and selling 20 million tickets internationally each year.
“LEARNING WAS ALWAYS A PRIORITY FOR ME. I WAS ALWAYS A VERY CURIOUS PERSON.”
JANA McDONALD
FOUNDER AND CEO, GUARDYAN CONSERVATION CORP.
WHY SHE’S A TOP 40
She’s a leader in the energy industry who helps companies obtain maximum benefit from reducing their emissions.
“I WOULD DIE BEFORE I WOULD FAIL. I HAVE THIS UNRELENTING OPTIMISM.”
ROBERT MILLER
CLINICAL ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR, CUMMING SCHOOL OF MEDICINE, UNIVERSITY OF CALGARY; CARDIOLOGIST, ALBERTA HEALTH SERVICES
WHY HE’S A TOP 40
He uses AI to improve cardiac patient care through more accurate and efficient diagnosis and risk assessment.
“BE FLEXIBLE AND OPEN-MINDED. CONSIDER OPPORTUNITIES AS THEY COME UP; SUCCESSES DON’T NECESSARILY HAPPEN BECAUSE OF PLANNING OR A GRAND SCHEME.”
JAMIE PARKER & MIKE WENZLAWE
PRESIDENT (PARKER), VICE-PRESIDENT (WENZLAWE) AND CO-FOUNDERS, CANADIAN HERITAGE ROASTING COMPANY
WHY THEY’RE TOP 40S
They created a local coffee roasting business that has gone national, while remaining dedicated to conservation initiatives.
“I THINK THAT IS LIFE ’ S GIFT — TO ENJOY THE QUEST WHILE YOU ’ RE ON IT AND CHALLENGE YOURSELF ALONG THE WAY.” –JAMIE PARKER
PARKER Age 34
WENZLAWE age 35
JAMIE PARKER (LEFT) AND MIKE WENZLAWE.
FORTY EXAMPLES OF WHAT’S POSSIBLE
IN THE
BLUE SKY CITY
NABEEL PEERMOHAMED
PARTNER, BROWNLEE LLP
WHY HE’S A TOP 40
One of the youngest equity partners at Brownlee LLP, he is dedicated to mentoring up-and-coming lawyers and to community service.
“I F YOU PARTICIPATE IN MENTORSHIP, L EADERSHIP OR EDUCATION, YOU ARE D OING WHAT YOU CAN TO ENSURE THE L ONGEVITY OF THE COMMUNITY.”
CHRIS POWELL & TRAVIS POWELL
CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER (CHRIS) AND PRESIDENT (TRAVIS), KLS EARTHWORKS & ENVIRONMENTAL AND CALGARY AGGREGATE RECYCLING
WHY THEY’RE TOP 40S
The brothers are leaders in eco-friendly construction practices and prioritize a diverse workforce and collaboration with Indigenous partners.
CHRIS Age 39
TRAVIS age 35
“THERE’S A BIG DIFFERENCE BETWEEN DREAMING ABOUT AN IDEA AND ACTUALLY IMPLEMENTING IT. YOU HAVE TO TAKE ACTION, OTHERWISE OPPORTUNITIES WILL PASS YOU BY.” -TRAVIS POWELL
TRAVIS POWELL (LEFT) AND CHRIS POWELL.
ALEX PUTICI
MEMBER AND FOUNDER, WORK NICER COWORKING
WHY HE’S A TOP 40
He built the largest co-working community in Alberta and co-founded the philanthropic organization 100 Men Who Give a Damn.
“I BELIEVE IN NURTURING A CULTURE OF C OLLABORATION, INNOVATION AND COMPASSION T HAT ELEVATES CALGARY ON BOTH A NATIONAL A ND GLOBAL STAGE . ”
Entrepreneur and philanthropist Ellen Parker founded PARKER PR in 2015 and has blazed a trail of public relations expertise ever since. With a client list spanning grass-roots movements to arts organizations, Alberta born brands like Trico Homes and Earls to global brands like Tiffany & Co., Alberta Ballet and TCN Worldwide, Parker’s namesake award-winning firm is known for providing innovative services built on expertise, authentic relationships and community engagement.
A recipient of Avenue’s Top 40 Under 40, the Queen Elizabeth II Platinum Jubilee Medal, the Mayor’s Excellence Award and one of this year’s Mount Royal University Alumni of the Year, Ellen along with her team of PR experts has made a mark on Calgary and beyond - elevating individuals, brands, communities and culture.
Visit: parkerpr.ca
ROMAN RABINOVICH
CLASSICAL MUSICIAN AND CO-ARTISTIC DIRECTOR, CHAMBERFEST WEST
WHY HE’S A TOP 40
He’s an internationally acclaimed concert pianist who strives to make classical music accessible to all.
“MUSIC IS MY LANGUAGE. IT’S HOW I CONNECT WITH THE WORLD.”
JASON RIBEIRO
VICE-CHAIRMAN AND PRESIDENT, CALGARY SURGE PROFESSIONAL BASKETBALL CLUB
WHY HE’S A TOP 40
He established Calgary’s professional basketball team to create an inclusive community for youth.
“I WANT TO MAKE A BIG CONTRIBUTION TO CALGARY. I THINK IT ’ S A RESPONSIBILITY THAT WE ALL HAVE AS CITIZENS.”
SARAH RIEGER
NEWS WRITER AND PODCAST HOST, WEALTHSIMPLE MEDIA
WHY SHE’S A TOP 40
She is an award-winning journalist who aims to make financial literacy accessible to all.
“I’VE ALWAYS TRIED TO GUIDE MYSELF USING MY MORAL COMPASS.”
ANDREW SEDOR
MOBILITY INITIATIVES LEAD, CITY OF CALGARY
WHY HE’S A TOP 40
He’s an urban-mobility trailblazer who helps mentor and inspire future urban planners .
“I
WOULD DEFINE SUCCESS AS DOING WHAT YOU’RE PASSIONATE ABOUT, AND ALSO BEING ABLE TO GIVE BACK.”
PAUL SHUMLICH
FOUNDER AND CEO, DEEPWATER FARMS
WHY HE’S A TOP 40
He established the first indoor vertical farm in Western Canada and now supplies local restaurants and grocery stores with fresh baby greens.
“YOU FIGURE OUT EVERY WAY TO NOT DO IT ON THE WAY TO FIGURING OUT HOW TO DO IT.”
APOORV SINHA
CO-FOUNDER AND CEO, CARBON UPCYCLING TECHNOLOGIES
WHY HE’S A TOP 40
His leading, innovative carbon capture and utilization technology converts CO2 emissions into valuable products.
“ ONE OF THE LEADING CEMENT DECARBONIZATION COMPANIES IN THE WORLD IS HEADQUARTERED IN CALGARY. WE’RE SEEING EXCITING MOMENTUM BUILD WITH THE FOUNDATION THAT WE’VE SET. ”
ANNA SKRZYPEK
FOUNDER, LOLA LASH BAR
WHY SHE’S A TOP 40
She has created a growing beauty empire while celebrating all-gender confidence and giving to women-centred charities.
“I WISH TO INSPIRE YOUNG ENTREPRENEURS WHO ARE PASSIONATE AND DEDICATED TO THEIR IDEA AND WANT TO MAKE IT HAPPEN. IF I CAN, THEY CAN.”
LILI YAS TAYEFI
INTERDISCIPLINARY ARTIST AND FOUNDER, LYT STUDIO
WHY SHE’S A TOP 40
She’s an innovative designer and multimedia artist who advocates for community involvement and promotes accessible arts education
“I’VE PAVED MY OWN PATH AND FACED MY FEARS
HEAD-ON. ”
JOSH TRAPTOW
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER, HERITAGE CALGARY
WHY HE’S A TOP 40
He preserves the stories of Calgary’s past while advocating for social causes in the present.
“BEING ABLE TO LEARN FROM THE PAST AND CARRY THAT INTO TODAY, AND INTO TOMORROW, IS SO INCREDIBLY IMPORTANT.”
TIM WARD
MANAGER, HOUSING SOLUTIONS, CITY OF CALGARY
He helped ensure Calgarians can access affordable housing and now raises awareness for lung cancer Age
WHY HE’S A TOP 40
“MAKING SURE THAT PEOPLE HAVE SAFE, DIGNIFIED HOUSING — THOSE ARE REALLY PROUD MOMENTS FOR ME. ”
