
leaders
The Kingston Young Professionals network is a community of driven and motivated young professionals who are looking to connect, grow and learn from each other. Our goal is to empower young professionals with the knowledge, skills, and resources necessary to achieve their professional and entrepreneurial goals.
Whether you are just starting out in your career or have already achieved some level of success, our network is designed to provide you with the support and guidance you need to take your career to the next level.
40 under 40 Awards
Kingston Young Professionals 40 Under 40 celebrates the exceptional achievements and contributions of individuals under the age of 40 who are making a significant impact in their profession and the greater Kingston community. This initiative aims to recognize and honour talented, innovative and inspiring young leaders who are shaping the future of Kingston.
In a city known for its rich history, thriving arts scene and vibrant community, Kingston Young Professionals 40 Under 40 serves as a platform to showcase the incredible talent and diverse accomplishments of our young professionals, entrepreneurs, artists and change-makers. These individuals represent a wide range of fields, including sustainable manufacturing, health innovation, business, technology, education, arts and culture, social services and more.
How to nominate
To nominate an outstanding individual for Kingston Young Professionals 40 Under 40, complete the official nomination form by August 8, 2025, at 11:59 PM EST. Self-nominations are welcomed and encouraged. Nominators must provide accurate and complete details to ensure the nominee is properly considered.
Each nomination should include the nominee’s full contact information, a brief biography, and a thoughtful, well-supported explanation of the nominee’s achievements, leadership qualities, and positive impact on the Kingston community. Nominators are also encouraged to provide a professional link that highlights the nominee’s work, such as a LinkedIn profile, personal website, or public social media account. To strengthen the application, supporting documents such as a résumé, letters of support, awards, or publications may also be submitted.
All nominations will be reviewed by an external selection committee committed to identifying young professionals whose innovation, dedication, and community-minded spirit are shaping the future of Kingston.
Tips for a strong nomination
1. Be clear & descriptive: Share specific examples that highlight the nominee’s accomplishments and impact. Use clear language and avoid vague or general statements.
2. Include a professional link: Provide a link to a LinkedIn profile or public social media account that showcases the nominee’s work. You can also include a personal website or portfolio.
3. Submit relevant files only: A résumé or CV that outlines the nominee’s achievements is preferred. Include only essential supporting documents.
Eligibility
Kingston Young Professionals 40 Under 40 recognizes individuals under the age of 40 who are making a meaningful impact in their profession and the Kingston community. Nominees must be residents of Kingston or the surrounding area and demonstrate outstanding achievements in their respective fields.
This initiative celebrates emerging leaders across a diverse range of sectors and professions, who demonstrate a strong commitment to community betterment through philanthropy, volunteerism, or other civic contributions.
All nominees must be under the age of 40 as of December 31, 2025.
2025 Awards Gala
Join Kingston Economic Development honouring Kingston Young Professionals 40 Under 40 winners at the awards gala on September 17, 2025 6 – 8 pm at the Frontenac Club.
Kingston Young Professionals 40 Under 40 Awards Previous Recipients
Wael Abuzeid, Queen’s University
Sebastian Alamillo-Falkenberg , RxN Hub
Adam Allore, Wavve Boating
Jennifer Baker, Jennifer Baker Consulting
Dr. Rachel Baker, Queen’s University
Marco Bassendowski, mb Prototyping Ltd
Jessica Bredschneider, St. Lawrence College
Ian (Rowena Whey) Burns, Performer/Activist
Scott Compeau, BGC South East
Radford Cowan, Knifey Spooney
Marina Darling, Queen’s University
Dr. Kevin De France, Queen’s University
Kaitlyn del Rosario, Providence Care
Rachel Doornekamp, The Inclusive Play Project
Sophie Anne Felleiter, Queen’s University
Gerhard Freundorfer, Spark at St. Lawrence College
Liv Halliday, Benjamin Hotels – BPE Group
Dr. Hesam Hassan Nejad, Parsam Immigration Services Inc.
Glenn Hendry, Pinchin Ltd.
Lucas Heney, James Media
Céline Klein, Jamstone Productions
Jenna Knight, Jenna Knight Strategy Co. & Women Making Impact
Ksenia Knyazeva, Patriam Coffee
Yu Jier Kou, Kingston Immigration Partnership
Dr. Alanna Kuhn Sauer, ND, Natural Route Health Inc.
Morgan Lehtinen, RxN Hub
Erica McIlquham, Queen’s University & Livingston Co
Jenna Morley, Loopstra Nixon LLP
Michele Morningstar, Queen’s University
Colin Morris, Kingston Frameworks
Dr. Rebecca Palmer, Bayridge Animal Hospital
Erin Peterson, Distributive
Lisa Petrie, Petrie Ford
Abdul Razak Jendi, Kingston Economic Development Corporation
Holly Ryan, art by Holly Ryan
Zach Skolnick, ABNA Investments Ltd.
Lindsay Stoness, St. Lawrence College
Kelsey Tucker, Providence Care
Allison Turner, PnuVax
Hill Werth, Slow & Intentional
Prashant Agrawal, Plantee Bioplastics
Dr. Jenn Bossio, Tri Health Clinic
Rishabh Chopra, Cyclic Materials
Jacqui Collier, Tamarack Developments
Francisco Corbett, FORWORLD
Dan Desjardins, Distributive
Braden Dragomir, Untold Storytelling
Malcolm Eade, Spectra Plasmonics
Melissa Eapen, Improbable Escapes & Visual Menace Waypoint
Tianna Edwards, Queen’s University & Keep Up With Kingston
Zach Fang, Miss Bao & Royal Bank of Canada
Cory Firth, Neuma
Emma Fitzgerald, Assante Financial – Fenlon Financial Division
Patrick Garrett, M.Sc., C.Chem., Cambium Inc.
Jessica Hellard, Jessica Hellard Real Estate Group
Connor Holway, Royal Bank of Canada
Alexandra (Ali) ten Hove, Sail Canada
Liz Jensch, Grains and Goods Farmstead
Krista LeClair, Kingston Accommodation Partners
Daniel Liao, St. Lawrence College
Maddee Linton, Maddee Rose Design
Kailey Longhurst, Grabbing Grapefruit
Kel Martin, Yellow House & Queen’s University
James McCarthy, Cunningham Swan
Constantin Mugenga, Imperial Painting Reno & Imperial Cleaning System
Dr. Daniel Mulder, MD, PhD, Kingston Health Sciences Center
Jennifer Ng, Templeman LLP
Laura Novitsky, Jobwell Social Enterprise
Cedric Pepelea, Cedric Pepelea Consulting
Rathi Perumal, Uyir Engineering Co.
Melissa Phelan, Missy Welds & St. Lawrence College
Latoya Powder, Patry Group
Alyssa Proderick, Amherstview Gold Course
Gregory Ridge, City Councillor
Adam Rondeau, Daft Brewing
Liv Rondeau, Limestone District School Board
Tori Stafford, Kingstonist
Sina Tahamtan, Rogers & Trainor
Anne-Sophie Verhaege, Umicore
Irsa Wiginton, mDETECT
Find out more about our network!
Here are some of the benefits of joining our Young Professionals Network:
· Connect with other young professionals in your industry and beyond.
· Attend exclusive events featuring successful young professionals who will share their insights and experiences.
· Receive updates and news about upcoming events and opportunities.
Our network is open to young professionals in all industries and fields. Whether you are a recent graduate or a seasoned professional, we welcome you to join our community of like-minded individuals.
To receive updates on our events, activities, resources and opportunities, sign up for our Young Professionals Newsletter below!
Welcome to Kingston’s premiere network for young professionals!
Contact Abby Fitzhugh
Operations Coordinator
613-544-2725 x 7223
Cell: 613-530-5894
fitzhugh@investkingston.ca
Contact Ghazal Abdullah
Project Coordinator, Life Sciences
613-544-2725 x 7242
Cell: 343-422-7305
abdullah@investkingston.ca