Community builder Nuvyn Peters recognized as one of Canada's outstanding leaders

In 2014, Nuvyn Peters moved to Calgary from Washington, D.C. to take on the ambitious role of vice-president, development and alumni engagement. Alberta’s economy was in the depths of the oil-price crash, and fundraising had become a challenging prospect in the province. Under Peters’ strong leadership, however, UCalgary’s development team was empowered to respond to the economic downturn with creative solutions, leading to record philanthropic donations to the university’s Energize campaign. This transformative work has not gone unnoticed.

This week, Nuvyn Peters was recognized for her role as an engaging community leader, and named one of Canada’s Top 40 Under 40. The Caldwell Partners program honours a select group of outstanding leaders and innovators who are making significant impacts on their organizations and in their communities.

“I feel extremely proud to be recognized,” says Peters. “This award reflects the work our alumni and development teams do every day, connecting communities and propelling this university forward as a global leader on many fronts, from research and entrepreneurial thinking to innovative teaching and learning.

"I’m so honoured to be part of this young, energetic university and this city that’s home to such incredibly ambitious, visionary and caring supporters who know what a difference their involvement makes to students and the community. My work, and this award, is truly collaborative — our team here and our philanthropic family around the world are at the heart of our success.”

During her first year on the job, Peters united the development and alumni departments, combining their specialized talents to create a hub of fundraising professionals and community builders who have elevated donor experiences and engagement. Under her leadership, UCalgary launched the public phase of its ambitious fundraising campaign, Energize: The Campaign for Eyes High, with a goal of raising $1.3 billion to support student experiences, advance research outcomes and strengthen community connections.

As of June 2018, the campaign is more than three-quarters of the way to its overall goal, and surpassed the $1-billion mark after this year’s exceptional Giving Day 2018.

“Nuvyn came the University of Calgary at the right time to help us drive our Eyes High strategy and take the university to the next level through the campaign,” says President Elizabeth Cannon. “We’re a young university, and she epitomizes the energy and innovative thinking at UCalgary. Nuvyn’s personal achievements and philosophy of giving back set her apart as a changemaker in our community.”

In addition to her career success, Peters has a strong sense of social responsibility. She has been a consistently strong voice on behalf of human rights and social justice across North America, including leading fundraising efforts for many prominent organizations including the Tahirih Justice Center in Washington, D.C. This national non-profit organization helps women and girls fleeing human rights abuses and gender-based persecution. Peters has also served as national director of development for Orr Associates and has conducted conflict resolution training programs for the United Nations. 

Founded in 1995 by Caldwell Partners, Top 40 is the country’s most coveted award for young business leaders, often the first program to shine the spotlight on many successful Canadian notables. Honourees have gone on to create remarkable track records of achievement post-award; the ranks of Top 40 alumni include hundreds of nationally and internationally prominent CEOs, CFOs, executives, and entrepreneurs.