Cassandra is the Engagement Lead for Calgary-based Intelligent Futures. Cassandra has established herself as someone who artfully designs and delivers meaningful community conversations that influence decision-makers and build local capacity. She has led processes that explore issues as diverse as transit, social wellness, urban redevelopment, environmental initiatives, affordable housing, urban agriculture and cultural vibrancy. Cassandra exemplifies two key qualities essential for the 21st-century planner: the ability to effectively navigate varied community issues and the necessary skills to bring citizens, stakeholders and experts into shared conversations about the future.

Cassandra has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to finding innovative and effective ways of bringing diverse voices together to better our communities. She has actively developed a unique talent to demystify complex planning issues and make them accessible for the general public. Cassandra brings informed and well-rounded views into her planning policy and design work, demonstrating the ability to see new perspectives that shape and improve planning efforts.

Jessie Hemphill (Tlali'ila'ogwala, or "Bridge Between the Worlds") is from the 'Nakwaxda'xw, Ligwitlda'xw and Métis nations. Jessie was raised in Port Hardy, BC, on the northern tip of Vancouver Island. Her love for her community led her to a career in community planning and facilitation, working with First Nations and organizations all over Canada through her company, Alderhill Planning Inc. She has recently completed her Master of Community Planning degree at Vancouver Island University in Nanaimo. A life-long volunteer with an equity focus, Jessie co-founded the British Columbia Comprehensive Community Planning Mentorship Program and serves on the board of directors for the 'Kawatsi Economic Development Corporation. She is also a member of the Canadian Institute of Planners' Indigenous Community Planning Committee, and the Indigenous Advisory Group for the Indigenous Community Development National Strategy.

Kourosh Rad MCIP, is an Iranian-Canadian planner living in Halifax, Nova Scotia. After immigrating to Canada from Iran with his family in 2007, he started his Bachelor of Community Design at Dalhousie University. After graduation, he completed an internship in Paris with an online journal focusing on modal share transportation systems. Kourosh was then selected for an internship program through CIDA/CIP to work with the Ministry of Amerindian Affairs in Guyana. Upon his return, he started working as a planner with WSP Canada. During his five years as a consultant, he found his passion for real estate development and led multi-disciplinary teams in design and approval of over 3,000 residential units and 1 million sq. ft. of commercial spaces. Kourosh is now Vice President of Strategy with Compass Commercial, responsible for research and development of comprehensive strategies for real estate portfolios across Canada.

A planner with a passion for community building, law, health promotion, and technology, Christina founded her own consulting firm with a multi-disciplinary focus that encompasses precisely those interests. Managing a number of large-scale projects for corporations and government agencies across the country, her company oversees an eclectic and wide-ranging portfolio, with a solid foundation in land use planning, development, and, in recent years, new software applications and cutting-edge technologies. Christina has also led a number of initiatives around active and sustainable transportation, complete streets and healthy design, planning for public facilities, and the design and development of metropolitan/urban centres.

President's Award for Young Planners - Honourable mention

President's Award for Young Planners - Honourable mention

President's Award for Young Planners - Honourable mention