Contributing to the community is second nature to Nicky Nash (BA '08). Both her grandfathers served as mayors of their hometowns and, as a child growing up in Hussar, Alta., Nash joined her community in successfully raising enough money to build a new arena. That sense of possibility stays with her.
"Hussar's population is only a few hundred, so it shows the power of volunteering and what people can do when they come together," says Nash, 30.
Today, as Executive Director of Kids Up Front Calgary, Nash and her team harness that collective power. They work with 230 partner agencies to distribute donated tickets for events such as hockey games, concerts and plays to youth under 18 who are experiencing poverty, abuse, illness or disability.
She's been with Kids Up Front since 2012 when her passion for creating change inspired Nash to leave a marketing career working on Fortune 500 accounts. She continues to volunteer with Give a Mile, Ronald McDonald House and other groups in addition to her busy job.
"I have three thank-you cards from kids framed in my office. It's a good reminder of why we are doing this and who we are doing this for."