Our success as a city relies significantly on the leadership of individuals who push good things forward through their efforts. It could be a business, an arts initiative, a community event — really, it could be anything that elevates our city in some way.
Through a nomination process, the editorial team at Edify wants you to identify the Edmonton-and-area residents and organizations who exemplify the energy, focus, innovation and creative thinking that builds this city.
Edify will celebrate six Edifier award recipients and whose contributions to our city deserve to be recognized.
The Jan/Feb 2026 issue of Edify will profile these people and organizations, and tell the stories of those who are contributing in a significant way to our community.
Individual
Community Builder 2026
A community builder is a person who values a sense of belonging and imparts that to others by creating connections, encouraging participation and building consensus amongst diverse groups.
This award recipient is a leader, teacher, supporter, cheerleader, listener — that one person who builds us all up, creates connections between us and leaves a lasting impression on everyone about what it means to be valued.
A maverick is an individual or organization that bucks a trend, or goes against the grain or in some way does not go along with the norm, yet makes a positive contribution. It could be a creative streak, or an eccentric one, but not accepting established rules or customs still gets results. Delightfully stubborn and definitely original, this person or group adds something special to our community.
An early career leader, this award will go to a person with high potential – someone who is a young leader in the community and showing positive growth in career development and engagement. A person with ideas, engaged in the community and already laying a track record of business accomplishments.
This is a person who is helping the Edmonton arts community flourish. Involved as a leader, advocate, curator, programmer, volunteer, philanthropist or any other role, this person demonstrates community engagement, strategic thinking, best practices and support of equity in the arts community. A cultural leader who shows others the relevance and importance of artistic activity in our city.
This is a person who is making a major difference in the community by bringing a depth of experience and perspective to foster a positive approach to citizen development. Leading the way in being a positive influence, this person is a catalyst for transformative change. A champion of equity and empowerment of marginalized voices, the recipient of this award fosters inclusive cultures and moves their business or organization forward to be a place where inclusion is the norm.
A trailblazer is a person or an organization who is at or near the top of their area of interest or expertise and leads the way for others to follow. Trailblazers are those rare individuals or groups with a sense of direction and the fortitude to lead the way.
Characterized by fearlessness and innovation, a trailblazer is turning heads, moving things forward in new ways or is simply that person or group that you just have to follow
