Leaders in social enterprise honoured as Haskayne Alumni Awards celebrate 25 years

This year marks the 25th anniversary of the Haskayne Alumni Awards, 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’s recipients, who are making significant strides in social enterprise and community impact: Madison Savilow, Nabeel Ramji, and Dr. Michael Giuffre. 

This year’s recipients exemplify the values of Haskayne — using business as a force for good. Whether it’s promoting sustainability, advocating for accessibility, or advancing health-care innovation, these alumni are leaders in their fields.

Rising Star Award: Madison Savilow, BComm’19

Madison Savilow, the recipient of this year’s Rising Star Award, is a force to be reckoned with in the sustainability sector. As the director of Corporate and External Affairs at Carbon Upcycling, Savilow has made waves in the cleantech industry. She co-founded Oco, a consumer brand that brings innovative low-carbon products to market. Savilow’s 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’ Top 30 Under 30 list of Sustainability Leaders and has been a staunch advocate for climate action.

One of Madison’s proudest achievements is the collaboration between Oco and Adidas, where they developed low-carbon ink for footwear. 

"Our mission isn't just about reducing carbon emissions—it'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’08

This year’s Big Ideas Bold Leaders Award goes to Nabeel Ramji, whose life and work are a testament to resilience and innovation. Ramji, who lives with cerebral palsy, co-founded Pedesting, 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’t just about infrastructure—it’s 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’s about creating a city where everyone belongs."

Management Alumni Excellence Award: Dr. Michael Giuffre, BSc'77,  MD'84, EMBA'01

The Management Alumni Excellence Award honours Dr. Michael Giuffre, a pediatric cardiologist, healthcare consultant, and clinical professor at the University of Calgary. 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’s leadership extends beyond his clinical work—he serves on numerous boards in the healthcare and biotechnology sectors, including BrightSquid and Diamedica. 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’s nothing more rewarding than being able to help a child and their family through some of the most challenging times of their lives,” says Dr. Giuffre. “When you see a child recover and live a full life, it reminds you why you chose this path in the first place. It’s that connection with families that keeps me going, and I feel privileged to be part of their journey."

To get your tickets and join us in honouring the 2024 Haskayne Alumni Award recipients on November 20^th. Don’t miss this chance to celebrate these inspiring leaders and their remarkable achievements in social enterprise!