For 45 years, Junior Achievement (JA) has celebrated the visionaries whose leadership, innovation and unwavering commitment have shaped Alberta’s economy and enriched our communities. The Northern Alberta Business Hall of Fame is the highest honour bestowed upon these remarkable individuals—trailblazers whose life achievements have not only driven business success but also created a lasting legacy of impact and service.
This annual celebration is more than an awards ceremony; it is a testament to the power of vision, perseverance and purpose. It serves as a beacon of inspiration for the next generation, reminding us all that when bold ideas meet determined hearts, extraordinary things happen.
At JA, they believe that empowering young entrepreneurs today creates a ripple effect of innovation, opportunity and resilience—laying the foundation for stronger, more prosperous communities for generations to come.
Join us in celebrating the 2025 Hall of Fame Inductees. Their journeys exemplify the very best of Alberta’s business community, and their legacies will continue to inspire the leaders and changemakers of tomorrow.
Dave Filipchuk
Board Chair, PCL Construction
For Dave Filipchuk, a passion for building began early—first with Lego sets, then helping his father construct the family cabin. That fascination with how things come together never left him. After graduating from the University of Alberta with a civil engineering degree, Dave joined PCL Construction in 1984, and what followed was a remarkable four-decade, one-company career that has left a lasting impact on Canada’s construction landscape.
Dave rose through the ranks, taking on diverse leadership roles across PCL’s geographic and sectoral reach, culminating in his appointment as President and CEO in 2016. He now serves as Chair of the Board for both PCL Construction Holdings Ltd. and PCL Employee Holdings Ltd. Throughout his career, he has credited the company’s unique breadth and culture for shaping his leadership approach—learning from a wide range of mentors and striving to “model the way” for others by lifting them up to succeed.
Under his leadership, PCL surpassed $11 billion in annual revenue, led the way in innovation, safety and sustainability and navigated the COVID-19 pandemic with care, decisiveness and resilience. “None of us anticipated leading through a global pandemic,” he reflects. “But I’m especially proud of how our senior team supported our people and how our employees stepped up for our clients in return.”
Dave is a proud advocate of PCL’s 100 per cent employee ownership model, where only active employees can be shareholders—a culture he says fosters a “caring, sharing environment” and drives long-term commitment. His belief in empowering others is matched by his dedication to advancing equity, mentorship and inclusion within the industry, including doubling the number of women in leadership roles during his tenure.
Beyond business, Dave has been a generous and active community leader. He has served on the Board of Trustees for the Stollery Children’s Hospital Foundation and led major philanthropic initiatives, including a $1.25 million donation to MS research. His contributions have been recognized with the Canadian Business Leader Award and the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee Medal—testaments to a career defined not just by success, but by service.
While deeply honoured by his JA Hall of Fame induction, Dave is quick to share the credit. “It’s really a reflection of the incredible people I’ve had the privilege to work alongside,” he says.
To Junior Achievers, his message is both grounded and inspiring: “Be curious. Ask for help—there are so many people who’ve been where you are and want to see you succeed. And remember, patience and perseverance go a long way. Pause, take a breath and try again.”
David Kent
Founder, Chairman & CEO, Nearctic Property Group
David Kent’s entrepreneurial story began in 1979 with just $11.58 and a vision. That vision would grow into Nearctic Property Group—one of Edmonton’s most respected real estate development and management firms. With over 45 years of consistent leadership, David has developed and managed more than a million square feet of commercial, industrial and residential space, generating hundreds of millions in economic activity and creating lasting value for tenants and communities across Alberta and beyond.
Nearctic’s strength lies not just in its portfolio, but in the philosophy behind it. David built the company around core values of integrity, quality and long-term thinking. Rather than competing head-to-head with public developers, he focused on operational excellence, tenant satisfaction and community-oriented design. That focus has earned Nearctic numerous accolades—including the BOMA Toby Award for Canada’s Best Light Industrial Building (Vantage Business Park), the Mayor’s Award for Accessible Homes and Buildings (Grosvenor Manor) and an Edmonton Urban Design Award of Merit for Strathearn Heights.
Yet, for David, awards are secondary to the company’s true measure of success: the people it has supported. “Building a company that provides interesting work and a sense of purpose while giving me the time to contribute to my community—that’s been my greatest reward,” he shares.
David’s commitment to service runs deep. He has given his time and expertise to numerous causes over the years, including Valour Place, the Art Gallery of Alberta, the Snow Valley Ski Club and Alpine Canada. He served as President of several community organizations and held the role of Honorary Colonel of the 6th Intelligence Company from 2014 to 2023. Through it all, he has remained a quiet but powerful force behind philanthropic initiatives spanning literacy, healthcare, the arts and youth development.
Reflecting on his induction into the JA Northern Alberta Business Hall of Fame, David says: “The list of past laureates reads like the champions and titans of industry in the Edmonton region, so I was surprised, humbled and honoured when I received the call. I’ve been lucky enough to know and receive the wise counsel of some of those past laureates—so to be in their company is incredibly humbling.”
He credits his success to the people who believed in him—especially his wife, Janice, and early mentor Pat Grant Western Regional Director of Sun Life. “Their support,” he says, “made all the difference.”
To Junior Achievers, David offers this advice: “Be passionate, because the path isn’t a straight line—and it’s usually a long one. So, enjoy the ride.”
Bob McLean
Chairman, The Crossing Group
R.J. (Bob) MacLean’s life story is a testament to the power of hard work, vision and community spirit. Raised in a large Northern Alberta family as the eldest of nine children, Bob learned early that success came through perseverance and responsibility. After graduating from Grande Prairie High School, he attended Grande Prairie Regional College and became the first business student from the college to transfer to the University of Alberta’s Faculty of Business, where he earned his Bachelor of Commerce in 1975.
An entrepreneur from the outset, Bob began his business career with Peace Trailer Industries, which provided modular workforce accommodations and services across North America—and even reached international markets in Russia and South America. In 1997, he co-founded The Crossing Group, which has grown under the leadership of his son Ryan and a dedicated team into Canada’s largest trenchless construction company, building essential underground infrastructure across the country.
Bob also demonstrated his business acumen through real estate development, including major Edmonton projects such as College Plaza and the Varscona and Metterra Hotels. A licensed pilot since 1979, he helped establish the Oliver Helicopter Company in Grande Prairie and co-founded AirSprint, Canada’s first fractional aircraft ownership company.
Throughout his career, Bob has remained grounded in a strong commitment to community. He served as Chair of the Edmonton Eskimos (now Elks), leading the team to a 2005 Grey Cup victory and playing a key role in preserving professional baseball in Edmonton with the acquisition of the Edmonton Trappers. He co-chaired the University of Alberta’s $310 million centennial fundraising campaign and, together with his wife Maryanne, contributed personally to support the university’s future.
Bob has also created a lasting impact through the 4M Charitable Foundation, which supports a range of local organizations and initiatives, and through his long-standing involvement in events such as the Kids with Cancer Society’s Tour of Hope.
He credits his success to the unwavering support of his wife Maryanne, who has been by his side throughout his business and community journey. Today, Bob remains an active investor while enjoying more time focused on family, travel and health.
To Junior Achievers, his advice is simple and enduring: “Don’t get discouraged. Don’t quit. Always be on the lookout for new opportunities.”
Zainul Mawji
EVP and President, TELUS Consumer Solutions
Zainul Mawji’s journey from growing up in a family hotel business in Red Deer, to leading one of Canada’s most dynamic businesses is a story of entrepreneurial spirit, resilience and purpose-driven leadership.
As EVP and President of TELUS Consumer Solutions, Zainul leads a national team of thousands and oversees billions in annual revenue. Her division delivers the everyday services that keep Canadians connected—from mobility and high-speed Internet to smart home automation and security to digital health and entertainment. Over her 24-year career at TELUS, she has helped transform the company’s growth strategy, spearheading national expansions and industry-first innovations, including the launch of Optik TV, PureFibre Internet and smart home services—many of which were pioneered in Alberta and have since scaled nationwide.
Zainul credits her entrepreneurial mindset to her parents, who immigrated to Canada with little and taught her the importance of hard work, humility and generosity. Growing up helping at the family’s group of hotels, she learned to lead with empathy and purpose—values that remain at the heart of her leadership style today. “Successful leadership and entrepreneurship begins with spotting untapped opportunities,” she says, “but the real drivers of scale are curiosity, creativity and the resilience to learn from failure.”
Under her guidance, TELUS has expanded into new sectors like digital health, home automation and smart energy, while also forming breakthrough partnerships with major global content and technology brands. Today, her team is helping to create more connected, sustainable and caring communities by delivering technologies that promote energy efficiency, remote care and aging-in-place solutions.
Zainul is deeply committed to community impact. She and her family have supported a wide range of charitable initiatives across Alberta. Zainul’s commitment to community impact is further amplified through her deep connection to TELUS’ social purpose. She actively participates in TELUS Days of Giving, an annual tradition she cherishes sharing with her two sons in their local community. As Vice-chair of the TELUS Edmonton and Northern Alberta Community Board since 2015, she has helped direct nearly $5M in vital funding to grassroots charities that support youth development, education and health initiatives across the region.
Zainul has been recognized as one of Canada’s Most Powerful Women, a Best Executive by the Globe & Mail and a Trailblazer in Technology. But for her, it all comes back to the people who have shaped her journey. “Success truly takes a village,” she says. “I’m grateful to my family, my team and champions like Darren Entwistle who have always supported me to take risks and grow.”
Her advice to Junior Achievers: “Dream big, focus on what you can control, and always remember to pay it forward!
Nizar Jaffer Somji
Founder & Chairman, Jaffer Group of Companies
Nizar Jaffer Somji’s journey from a young engineer to a transformative entrepreneur and community leader is rooted in vision, resilience and a deep commitment to empowering others.
After completing an electrical engineering degree at the University of Birmingham and a master’s in chemical engineering from the University of Alberta, Nizar launched Matrikon Inc. in 1988. What began as a one-person consultancy grew into a global leader in industrial automation, operating on six continents and employing over 600 people. In 2010, Matrikon was acquired by Honeywell for $144 million.
With that success as a foundation, Nizar established the Jaffer Group of Companies, a diversified enterprise spanning construction, hospitality, real estate, property management, knowledge management and consulting. With operations in Canada, the U.S. and Portugal, the group has invested more than $130 million in Alberta, creating hundreds of jobs and helping drive economic growth.
Nizar’s leadership philosophy centres on authentic connection—listening, adapting and empowering teams to exceed expectations. His dedication to mentorship is evident through his nearly decade-long volunteer work with the Aga Khan University in Pakistan and East Africa, where he supported campus development and cultivated new leadership in emerging communities.
In 2024, Nizar was elected Chancellor of the University of Alberta, reflecting his long-standing commitment to education and social impact. His philanthropic efforts include funding engineering research chairs, serving on the University’s board of governors and mentoring young professionals. He has also held board and chair roles with EPCOR, Redline Communications, KV Capital and Zafin Inc., where he champions innovation and growth.
Humbled by his JA Hall of Fame induction, Nizar is quick to share the credit. He acknowledges the unwavering support of his family—whose patience and sacrifices enabled him to pursue his entrepreneurial ambitions—as well as the guidance of mentors, the dedication of colleagues from Matrikon, the Aga Khan University and the Jaffer Group, and the inspiration he’s drawn from the wider Ismaili and business communities. “This recognition strengthens my belief in the power of entrepreneurship and the importance of community and giving back,” he says.
To Junior Achievers, he offers this advice: “Think big, embrace challenges, and never stop learning. Success isn’t about avoiding failure — it’s about learning, adapting and consistently adding value.”
