Big Ideas Bold Leaders Award
Haskayne Alumni
This award is all about recognizing those that have taken on the challenge of doing something big. If you know a Haskayne alumnus/a who has taken on a challenge, created something outstanding or made an enormous impact this is the award for them. There are up to three Big Ideas Bold Leaders Honorary Awards.
When selecting the Big Ideas Bold Leaders Honorary Award recipients, the committee evaluate nominees in the areas of inspiring notable change, motivating others or enabling positive change in the community.
Nabeel Ramji is a visionary leader in accessible urban navigation and real estate management. As the Chief Executive Officer and Co-Founder of Pedesting, Nabeel has leveraged his extensive background in commerce and asset management to transform how cities can be navigated by individuals with mobility challenges.
Utilizing a power wheelchair himself, Nabeel has developed a deep understanding of the built environment, recognizing architecture as both a connector and barrier for people navigating through urban spaces. His innovative mindset and lived experience inspired him to co-create Pedesting—a groundbreaking platform that empowers individuals to move through cities with confidence and ease.
Nabeel holds a Bachelor of Commerce from the University of Calgary and has managed commercial and residential assets worth hundreds of millions of dollars. His leadership in both real estate and the accessibility space has garnered numerous accolades, including The Senate of Canada’s 150th Anniversary Medal in 2017 for his contributions to his community, and Avenue Magazine’s recognition in their 2019 Calgary 40 Under 40 list.
In 2022, Nabeel was further honored with the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee Medal for his ongoing commitment to making Alberta more inclusive for all. Through Pedesting, Nabeel continues to champion accessible solutions, ensuring that everyone, regardless of their physical abilities, can actively participate in the stories and events that shape their communities.
Past Recipient
2023: Michael Torrance, BA’02, BComm’02
Vice President, Chief Sustainability Officer
BMO Financial Group
2022: Janice Tran, BA’11, BComm’11
CEO and Co-Founder, Kanin Energy
2020: Whitney Rockley, MBA’97
Co-Founder and Managing Partner, McRock Capital
2020: Cole Orobetz, BComm’06
Co-Founder, CEO and CFO, Alpha Foods
2019: Patrick Lor, BA’90, EMBA’01
Managing Partner, Panache Ventures