Kingston Young Professionals

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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 NovitskyJobwell 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!









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Abby Fitzhugh Headshot

Contact Abby Fitzhugh

Operations Coordinator
613-544-2725 x 7223
Cell: 613-530-5894
fitzhugh@investkingston.ca

Ghazal Abdullah

Contact Ghazal Abdullah

Project Coordinator, Life Sciences
613-544-2725 x 7242
Cell: 343-422-7305
abdullah@investkingston.ca