From heroin, crack cocaine and homelessness to redemption, that is Jessie Singleton’s story. He founded Kingdom Coffee to offer up hope with a cup of coffee and conversation to the homeless every week.

Lesia T Bear’s indigenous Cree name is Whispering Two Moons but her friends and fans know her best as Lesia T. Bear. Now an elder and a mentor, Lesia brings inspiration and breathes a new sense of purpose in those she meets and works with.

Old Guys in Action (OGIA) was founded by Dr. Bernie Potvin and Ross Weaver in 2008. Beyond using their scheme-a-dreams to fundraise, OGIA is committed to making a difference.

Chantelle Little is the Founder and CEO of Tiller, a Calgary-based web and brand agency. She is passionate about supporting the tech ecosystem in Canada but equally passionate about inspiring the next generation of business leaders.

With over 22 years working for the Calgary Fire Department, Ross "Memphis" Pambrun holds the rank of Captain. As a musician, he sings and plays guitar in “Memphis and the Grande”. As a Métis businessman, “Memphis” plays an important role in connecting indigenous stakeholders with shareholders in Industry and Academia.

Carlamay has spent the past 20 years in law enforcement. Immigrants, immigrant youth, and youth at risk have always had a place in her heart and she has taken her passion and placed it into Diamond in the Rough Consulting Ltd.

Dennis Halstead has been in the business of making people laugh for the last 25 years, however, he spent the first 30 years of his professional life as a firefighter. Firefighting ultimately introduced Dennis to the world of being a rodeo clown where he holds numerous titles including eight-time Canadian Pro Rodeo Association Entertainer of the Year.

Verna Marzo was born and raised in the Philippines. In March 2017, her life took a dramatic turn when she suffered a medical trauma leaving her a quadruple amputee. She has locked into a new purpose of inspiring others by showing them what is possible for those who believe in the power of positivity.

Brett Wellman leads the Calgary team of Purpose Realty which is a Canada-wide real estate business that gives a minimum of 50% of net profits to charity. Their mission is to provide an exceptional real estate experience and create passion and purpose through working together with clients, charities, and associates, to make a positive and lasting change in our world!

Kerry is a recovering crystal meth addict who was born and raised in Edmonton, Alberta. He is a second-generation residential school survivor and a survivor of childhood sexual abuse. Kerry is now a published author, actor, husband, and father, and Director at the same treatment center he arrived at 12 years ago from prison.

Rhonda Louise lends everything within her to her songs. She knows the feelings of loneliness and emotional pain, having suffered emotionally throughout her childhood and adult life. However, because of the past heartache, she knows better about contentment, peace, joy, and appreciation for every seemingly insignificant gift.

The Honourable Leela Aheer was first elected as the Member of the Legislative Assembly of Alberta for the Chestermere-Rockyview on May 5, 2015. She is a passionate advocate for inclusivity and equal rights. She is dedicated to creating an Alberta that is strong and free for future generations regardless of who you are, who you love, where you come from, or to whom you pray.

Quinn has always felt a burning desire to help others. Empowering women is her life and the heart of her business. She is the reigning Miss Woman World Canada 2023 and was a finalist for Miss Universe Canada 2022 and also starred as the leading lady in the new Canadian film called February’s Dog.

Dr. Dean Vause is the Executive Director of the Alberta Adolescent Recovery Centre (“AARC”), a long-term, intensive treatment program for severely addicted youth and their families. AARC is the culmination of Dr. Vause’s over 35 years of research into adolescent addiction.

Candisse is the unstoppable 40-year-old entrepreneur, disabled influencer, keynote speaker, and woman with boundless ambition. Living with SMA type 2, she has shattered all expectations and proved wrong those who told her she wouldn't live beyond 5.

As artistic director of Rosebud Theatre, Morris sits at the helm of Rosebud’s theatre department. His 35-year career in the theatre includes design and/or directing credits at The Stratford Festival, The National Arts Centre, and many more. He is recipient of ten Sterling and one Dora Mavor More awards.

Barbara is a mezzo soprano who currently resides in Calgary, Alberta, where she thrills audiences with her exquisite vocal command of a three-octave range. Barbara is also the co-founder Calgary Concert Opera Company with her husband and Divas Opera with soprano Kathleen Morrison.

Dr. Ivan has developed a passion to see health disparities mitigated in both the developing and developed world. After obtaining an honours degree in Kinesiology, he completed a master’s degree in Global Health followed by his Medical Degree.

James, the Founder of Righteous Gelato, has ensured that his once small gelato company has become a force for good. His Righteous commitment is to have a tangible impact on how companies look, act, the way they treat their people and what is deserved for consumers.

Fern has dedicated her life to equipping others to grow, develop, and find hope. Most of her career has involved giving back through non-profit and educational settings. Drawing from her oral cancer journey, Fern is an author who invites readers to consider how to Embrace Life, Embrace Hope through the unexpected.

The owner of Dolphin Dry Cleaners, Imran, gave away his first winter coat 20 years ago. Every Saturday, Rajpoot loads a van with freshly-cleaned winter coats, as well as food, coffee and biscuits made by his wife to distribute while handing out winter wear downtown Calgary, a tradition he and his family have followed for 12 years.

Sylvia will not stop investing the time and talents that enabled her to launch Sun Ice, the family company that, at its peak, had more than 400 employees. Sylvia, her daughter Angela, and granddaughter, Corey founded Sewing Seeds Canada, a charity that helps women living in poverty in Third World countries.

Before founding PARKER PR, Ellen worked in New York City for the Institute for Children and Poverty and boutique PR firms representing a variety of celebrities, hotels, and small businesses. In Canada, Ellen has worked for among other things, the Alberta government and the Calgary Food Bank.

John, head of John Scott Motion Picture Animal Productions, has enjoyed a 36-year span in the film industry in roles such as stunt coordinator / performer, head wrangler, animal wrangler, location scout, and transportation coordinator and has been involved in the creation of over 130 projects.

As an Olympic athlete and Aboriginal woman, Wendy Lumby knows what it takes to overcome challenges. Through hard work and resilience, she rose to become one the world’s elite athletes and competed in the 1988 Winter Olympics.

Thanh Campbell is the Canadian Director for Partners Worldwide Canada. He was born in Vietnam and came over to Canada as part of the last flight out of Saigon in 1975 with 56 other orphan children.

Shayna Nackoney-Skauge was an Olympic athlete on the Canadian Synchronized Swimming Team. Shayna’s daughter, Hayley Isabel, started guitar lessons at age 8, began working with renowned vocal coach Brian Farrell at age 9 and performed at her first open mic on her 10th birthday.

Cliff Wiebe has worked in both international and domestic settings addressing poverty issues for the past 22 years. He is the Executive Director of The Salvation Army Community Services (Calgary) and works with a team that offers hope through supportive services to women, men and families.

Dr. Phil Langill is the Director of the University of Calgary’s Rothney Astrophysical Observatory and the "Jack-of-all-trades" in the Department of Physics and Astronomy. He has a Ph.D. in Astrophysics and M.Sc. in Nuclear Physics.

Lily Ahonen holds the international pageant title of Ms. Achievement World 2024. She is a Nurse and Foster Parent, caring for medically fragile children and a living organ donor, having donated her kidney in 2019.

Duane Hall is an immigrant from Jamaica who moved to Canada at the age of 8. Coming out of high school he embarked on an acting career where he had much success in stage, film, and television. After about 12 years in the industry and a degree in theatre, he switched careers and became a school teacher.

Jochen was born and raised in Ebringen, Germany. His passion for brewing began early in his childhood when his father worked at the Fürstenberg Brewery. His passion for brewing and appreciation for local farming reconverged in Calgary when he started the award-winning Brauerei Fahr.

Kimberley Courtney is a Certified life Coach Practitioner and Founder of the Narrow Road Home. She is the winner of the 2017 Soroptimist International “Making a Difference for Women Award” and has worked and supported thousands of women caught in addiction, domestic violence, self-harm, suicide, mental illness and life crises.

Charity founder, Board Director, Olympic gold medalist, husband and father - Steve Mesler wears many hats. Together with his sister, Dr. Leigh Mesler Parise, Steve founded Classroom Champions, an international ed-tech non-profit organization that provides Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) curriculum and mentorship.

Connie Jakab is the founder and CEO of the Jakab Co, author, speaker, and culture creator. She is a 2020 Women of Inspiration Health and Wellness Award Recipient and is the author of the book, Culture Rebel, released this fall 2012.

Jon Cornish, a Canadian Football Hall of Famer who spent 9 legendary years playing for Calgary Stampeders, is the 15th Chancellor of the University of Calgary, the youngest chancellor in North American history. Jon was the winner of the Lou Marsh Trophy in 2013 as Canada's most outstanding athlete, the first football player to receive the award in over 50 years.