Seventeen years of Top 40 Under 40 has let us watch a generation of leaders shape this city in real time. The first decade spotlighted Gen Xers who built the foundations — arts institutions, startups and non-profits that defined Edmonton’s modern identity. Today’s honourees, largely Millennials, are pushing that legacy forward with urgency and inclusivity. They’re facing down the challenges of our moment — extreme poverty, a drug poisoning crisis and population growth straining affordability — while amplifying diverse voices and fuelling the vibrancy that makes this city lively.
These 40 industry and community leaders are proving that Edmonton’s greatest asset isn’t just grit; it’s the imagination to reinvent ourselves again and again. And as generations Z and Alpha prepare to inherit our complex future, this year’s class shows them how to lead with creativity, compassion and audacity.
Trudy Callaghan
is the president of Odvod Media and founding publisher of Edify. She has served as a judge on every Top 40 Under 40 since the inaugural campaign in 2009
Akin Akinwumi
championed award-winning writers as a literary agent and now shapes bold, innovative literature as editor-at-large at Dundurn Press
Colin Baril
serves as the director of alumni relations at the University of Alberta and the executive director of the university’s alumni association
Michael Brechtel
is a consultant who advises some of Alberta’s largest industries and organizations, helping executive teams understand their audiences and build resilient stakeholder trust
Shani Gwin
is the founder and CEO of pipikwan pêhtâkwan, an Indigenous-owned communications agency, and wâsikan kisewâtisiwin, an Indigenous powered AI tool
