Alberta is a Place of Opportunity

As I sit down to write this post, I’m reminded of how much of my career and life has been spent with JA Southern Alberta. Both of my children (now 13 and 10) have only ever known this as my employment.

My origin story is like that of so many Calgarians; A Manitoban drawn to the economic opportunities of Alberta is welcomed with open arms by Calgary and becomes immersed and involved in the community. All of the sudden, the definition of home is two provinces west.

A simple economic decision becomes more than one could have ever imagined.

When I started with Junior Achievement of Southern Alberta over 13 years ago, I knew I was joining a purpose-driven, respected organization that, for years, had made an indelible impact on thousands of young Albertans, but–just as my move to Alberta years ago–it became so much more than that over time.

I never thought that I would have the honour of working with some of Calgary’s best and brightest entrepreneurs, philanthropists, educators, and community builders, or that we would expand our student reach from 16,000 in 2010 to over 55,000 students this year, or that I would play a role in ensuring that the Alberta Government included financial literacy in the curriculum, or that we would develop partnerships with community organizations and Indigenous communities to increase our impact in incredible ways.

I never could have imagined that I would be involved in welcoming 44 inductees into the Alberta Business Hall of Fame. Getting to know and learn from this esteemed group has been a career highlight. Filming legacy videos to honour Business Hall of Fame inductees, has led to some incredible memories; meeting former Premier Peter Lougheed, tossing a football at McMahon Stadium with John Forzani, flying down the highway at terrifying speeds with John Adlred, flying a West Jet simulator with Clive Beddoe, having a front row seat, in an empty King Eddie, while Ron Mannix noodles on a 6 string, and paying homage to my rural roots by checking cattle with Stan Grad and traipsing through riding stalls with Marg Southern in oversized rubber boots.

I never thought that an organization as lean as JA Southern Alberta could be so mighty - could have such an impact.

My team and I have worked collaboratively with the private, public, and non-profit sectors to equip young people with the skills and tools they need to thrive in a global economy.

I never could have dreamed of the journey I’ve had at JA Southern Alberta. I never could have imagined what I was giving to this organization as President and CEO would come back to me as an individual tenfold by way of fulfilment and career satisfaction, purpose, and community.

I have seen the boundless potential of our young people, and the ways in which all of us can thrive when we are empowered with the skillsets and mindset needed to do so.

I have seen how resilient Albertans can be; how strong our communities are during times of need; and how much we each step up for our neighbours when they need it.

My work at JA Southern Alberta has provided me with a unique lens from which to view the boundless potential of our city and province.

The next chapter I’m about to embark on will build on so many of the important concepts I’ve learned during my time at JA; collaboration, innovation, and community in the non-profit sector are invaluable.

The nature of the business community in Calgary is unique in that it isn’t filled with transactional people or relationships. In Calgary, the definition of gift extends far beyond a narrow, financial scope. Philanthropy comes to the table with a genuine investment in the cause; which is often worth more than the number of zeros written on the cheque.

In this city, we care about the strength of our business community, but we also recognize that every single Calgarian has a role to play in meeting our collective potential, and it’s our job to come together to support organizations like the Calgary Food Bank that are bridging the gap for so many individuals and families that need support.

With the rising cost of living, so many Albertans now face food insecurity and are having difficulties meeting their basic needs. If we cannot lend a hand to those in need, we cannot fully realize our collective potential.

As Calgarians, we don’t leave one another behind.

To all those who have supported me at JA Southern Alberta: thank you. For your support, your encouragement, your ideas, your engagement. You’ve made our city and province a better place to live.

I’m humbled to step into a new role at the Calgary Food Bank and I sincerely hope to draw on the optimism and generosity of our community to ensure no individual or family is left behind. To ensure that every Calgarian, wherever they have come from, is able to thrive in this community the way I have been blessed to.?