Meet Alexandra

Alexandra Kingcott is a communications strategist, community builder, and the founder of Shareworthy PR and Communications. Since founding Shareworthy in 2013, Alexandra has transformed how Calgary audiences connect to arts and culture and built a nationally trusted reputation with major brands like Cirque du Soleil, Broadway Across Canada, Fan Expo HQ, and Wordfest.

Alexandra's community-focused creative strategies deliver record-breaking impact, sold-out performances and accessible cultural experiences for Calgarians. Her generous spirit keeps her connected to Mount Royal as a guest speaker, mentor and employer, passionately shaping the careers of future communicators through immersive work-integrated learning experiences for students.

Alexandra will never stop building a community where everyone belongs, and that's what makes her outstanding.

Meet Andrea

Andrea Seale is a dedicated non-profit leader and CEO of the Canadian Cancer Society, Canada’s largest national health charity.

Andrea started her career thirty years ago with a vision: to make the world more compassionate, healthy and just. This led to a remarkable career in fundraising and communications, including founding her own firm, Blueprint, and in leadership roles at the Banff Centre and the David Suzuki Foundation.

She has helped raise more than $1 billion for charitable causes. At the Canadian Cancer Society, she leads 800 staff and a powerful force of 20,000 volunteers across the country, raising more than $150 million annually for cancer research and support. Beyond the numbers, Andrea focuses on the human impact – working alongside patients and caregivers, and striving to reduce inequities and barriers to cancer prevention and care.

At the helm of one of Canada’s most impactful charities, Andrea inspires collective action against cancer, and that’s what makes her outstanding.

Meet Danielle

#1 New York Times bestselling author Danielle L. Jensen’s path to literary prominence began in an unlikely place: building financial models, poring over spreadsheets, and managing assets within the oil and gas industry. After a decade-long career in finance, she traded spreadsheets for storytelling, making the courageous decision to change career paths and pursue a Bachelor of Arts in English at Mount Royal.

That calculated leap launched a prolific writing career. Danielle has authored 18 fantasy novels across five series. Her world-building and character-driven storytelling have captivated international readers of all ages with translations in twenty-three languages.

A dedicated advocate for the business of art, Danielle attends local and international reader conventions, participates in publishing panels, and has been a guest speaker at MRU, proving that creative risk and strategic execution can unlock extraordinary success.

Danielle is a trailblazer in the fantasy genre, courageously switching career paths and diving in pen first into the unknown - and that’s what makes her outstanding. 

Meet Janelle

Janelle Flett is an environmental scientist for the Athabasca Chipewyan First Nation, working at the critical intersection of energy development, environmental stewardship, and Indigenous rights.

Raised within the Athabasca Chipewyan and Gwich'in Nations, Janelle brings together technical expertise and traditional Indigenous knowledge and philosophies to safeguard Indigenous land and health through meaningful consultation.

Her career spans renewable energy planning, resource development, and strategic advisory leadership roles with Suncor and Natural Resources Canada. In her current position as a Resource Development Advisor, Janelle ensures Indigenous knowledge and perspectives are meaningfully reflected in environmental policy, consultation, and regulatory processes within the mining industry. A compelling international speaker on clean energy, environmental stewardship, and reconciliation, she is helping redefine leadership in sustainable development.

Janelle unites Indigenous knowledge with technical expertise to shape a better future — and that’s what makes her outstanding.

Meet Katie

Katie Samoil is a critical care nurse, researcher and educator whose career bridges frontline healthcare and advanced science. Beginning her nursing career at Foothills Medical Centre, Katie’s drive for excellence in patient safety saved countless lives, propelling her into graduate school where her passion for aerospace physiology took flight.

A PhD candidate and fellow of the Aerospace Medical Association, Katie researches how microgravity and critical illness impact human heart and lung function. In 2026, she made history as one of the first nurses invited to the Principles of Aviation and Space Medicine course at the University of Texas, previously available only to physicians.

Katie is dedicated to training the next generation of health and science professionals by teaching advanced critical care nursing at Mount Royal and facilitating mass-casualty simulations for medical and military professionals across North America.

Katie pushes the boundaries of health care on Earth and beyond, and that’s what makes her outstanding.

Meet Luke

Luke Azevedo's leadership has transformed Alberta's creative economy into a world-class destination for film, television, and digital media production. Serving for 18 years as Calgary's VP, Creative Industries & Film Commissioner, Luke attracted major productions such as The Revenant, Fargo, and HBO's The Last of Us, generating significant economic growth for Alberta. He now serves as CEO of Edmonton Screen, advancing northern Alberta's film, television, and digital media industries.

Honoured with the Queen Elizabeth II Platinum Jubilee Medal, Luke spearheaded the creation of the Calgary Film Centre and wrote a pivotal letter of support that helped establish Mount Royal University's Bachelor of Communication-Media Studies Degree.

Through vision, advocacy, and dedication, Luke has built lasting infrastructure and opportunities that empower local creators to thrive, and that's what makes him outstanding.

Meet Neepin

Neepin Auger is an acclaimed Indigenous visual artist, author, and educator dedicated to bridging cultures and generations through storytelling. Neepin has built a distinct artistic path marked by bold colours, rich symbolism, and deep spirituality. Her celebrated artwork is featured across Canada, including a permanent installation at Calgary's BMO Centre and recurring exhibitions at the Calgary Stampede.

Beyond her canvas, Neepin serves as principal at Chief Jacob Bearspaw School and has written and illustrated a nationwide series of children’s books published in English, French, and Cree. Deeply devoted to her family and heritage, she continues the legacy of her father, artist Dr. Dale Auger, and is proud to see her daughter, Gracie, continue her family’s Mount Royal University tradition as a third-generation student.

Neepin serves as a powerful national beacon of Indigenous identity. Her creative vision shines brightly through each painting, story and lesson she shares, and that’s what makes her outstanding.