Sept. 25, 2024
Leaders in social enterprise honoured as Haskayne Alumni Awards celebrate 25 years
This year marks the 25th anniversary of the , a celebration of remarkable individuals who have transformed the world through their leadership, innovation, and dedication to social enterprise.
Since its inception, the awards have highlighted the achievements of Haskayne alumni, showcasing how they have used their business expertise to drive positive change in their industries and communities.
As we reflect on a quarter-century of excellence, we are proud to announce this year鈥檚 recipients, who are making significant strides in social enterprise and community impact:鈥疢adison Savilow,鈥疦abeel Ramji, and鈥疍r. Michael Giuffre.
This year鈥檚 recipients exemplify the values of Haskayne 鈥 using business as a force for good. Whether it鈥檚 promoting sustainability, advocating for accessibility, or advancing health-care innovation, these alumni are leaders in their fields.
Rising Star Award: Madison Savilow, BComm鈥19
Madison Savilow
Adrian Shellard
Madison Savilow, the recipient of this year鈥檚鈥Rising Star Award, is a force to be reckoned with in the sustainability sector. As the director of Corporate and External Affairs at , Savilow has made waves in the cleantech industry. She co-founded Oco, a consumer brand that brings innovative low-carbon products to market. Savilow鈥檚 work embodies the power of social entrepreneurship, with a mission to use waste materials to create sustainable solutions. She was also recognized on Corporate Knights鈥 Top 30 Under 30 list of Sustainability Leaders and has been a staunch advocate for climate action.
One of Madison鈥檚 proudest achievements is the collaboration between Oco and Adidas, where they developed low-carbon ink for footwear.鈥
"Our mission isn't just about reducing carbon emissions鈥攊t's about creating a future where sustainability is woven into everyday life. We're not only transforming waste into value but changing how people think about the world around them," says Savilow. "To be part of that shift, to see tangible solutions making a real impact, is what drives me every day.
Big Ideas Bold Leaders Award: Nabeel Ramji, BComm鈥08
Nabeel Ramji
Adrian Shellard
This year鈥檚鈥疊ig Ideas Bold Leaders Award鈥痝oes to鈥疦abeel Ramji, whose life and work are a testament to resilience and innovation. Ramji, who lives with cerebral palsy, co-founded鈥, a wayfinding platform that helps people of all abilities navigate urban indoor spaces by identifying the most accessible pedestrian routes for walking and rolling. His work bridges the gap between finance and urban accessibility, ensuring that cities become more inclusive for everyone.
For Ramji, accessibility isn鈥檛 just about infrastructure鈥攊t鈥檚 about dignity and independence.
"People with disabilities deserve the same level of access to public spaces as everyone else," says Ramji. "Pedesting was created to provide people with real-time information on accessible routes, but more than that, it鈥檚 about creating a city where everyone belongs."
Management Alumni Excellence Award: Dr. Michael Giuffre, BSc'77, 鈥疢D'84, EMBA'01
Michael Giuffre
Adrian Shellard
The鈥疢anagement Alumni Excellence Award鈥痟onours鈥疍r. Michael Giuffre, a pediatric cardiologist, healthcare consultant, and clinical professor at the University of 不良研究所. Dr. Giuffre has dedicated his career to advancing pediatric healthcare, leading innovative biotechnology initiatives, and mentoring future healthcare leaders. His contributions have made a lasting impact not only on his patients but also on the broader healthcare landscape.
Dr. Giuffre鈥檚 leadership extends beyond his clinical work鈥攈e serves on numerous boards in the healthcare and biotechnology sectors, including鈥鈥痑苍诲鈥. His passion for improving patient care is evident in every aspect of his career, whether through direct clinical practice or through biotechnology innovations aimed at enhancing treatment outcomes for complex conditions like strokes and preeclampsia.
"There鈥檚 nothing more rewarding than being able to help a child and their family through some of the most challenging times of their lives,鈥 says Dr. Giuffre. 鈥淲hen you see a child recover and live a full life, it reminds you why you chose this path in the first place. It鈥檚 that connection with families that keeps me going, and I feel privileged to be part of their journey."
and join us in honouring the 2024 Haskayne Alumni Award recipients on November 20th. Don鈥檛 miss this chance to celebrate these inspiring leaders and their remarkable achievements in social enterprise!