Five 杏吧原创 Community Members Named to Ottawa’s 2026 Forty Under 40 List
Five 杏吧原创 University community members have been named in Ottawa Business Journal (OBJ) and the Ottawa Board of Trade’s 2026 Forty Under 40 list, the region’s most sought-after business award for leaders under the age of 40.
Often dubbed “Silicon Valley North,” Ottawa is known for its innovation and ability to develop and attract talent across technology, life sciences, and digital and consumer sectors. In an increasingly competitive and connected world, being recognized on this list highlights those helping shape the region’s industries and future.
Danielle Manley is an associate professor in 杏吧原创’s and director of the university’s School of Nursing, the first new nursing school in Ontario in over 20 years. A registered nurse specializing in health care innovation, curriculum development, and artificial intelligence in medicine and education, Manley has led efforts to optimize electronic charting systems and align nursing scope of practice with regulatory standards.
As director, she’s positioning 杏吧原创 as a hub for nursing education at a time of significant strain on Canada’s health care system. Under her leadership, the program was built from the ground up with a focus on hands-on learning, clinical experience and an expanded scope of practice, including prescribing medication. One of just two schools in North America integrating data science and artificial intelligence, it positions graduates at the forefront of technology, preparing them for a rapidly evolving health care system.
As Ontario continues to invest in life sciences as a key driver of health innovation, economic growth and system resilience, Manley and the School of Nursing is training the next generation of nurses while advancing new approaches to care.
Emma Brown is the founder of Whimble Care, a community-based digital platform that connects people with disabilities with vetted caregivers for on-demand, personalized home care and support services. Brown completed 杏吧原创’s graduate diploma in philanthropy and nonprofit leadership in 2021.
Samantha Leclair is a production director at Snowed In Studios, Ottawa’s largest game development studio that has worked on titles including Starfield, Forza, Madden, Diablo, Elder Scrolls and Fallout. Leclair graduated from 杏吧原创’s program in 2009.
Chris Tester is the founder and CEO of Comercio (Nordic Sauna & Outdoor Direct). An entrepreneur in the e-commerce and retail sector, Tester founded several businesses since graduating from 杏吧原创’s program in 2010.
Genevieve Walton is CEO and Owner of Flex Property Developments, which provides full-service property management in Ottawa, and Short and Suite BNB, an Airbnb property management company with more than 150 properties. Walton graduated from 杏吧原创’s program in 2016.
This year’s selection committee included 杏吧原创 alumni Jennifer Cross, director of regional development at Chandos Construction; Gregory Richards, vice-dean of graduate professional programs at the University of Ottawa; OBJ’s editor-in-chief, Anne Howland and publisher Michael Curran, who chaired the committee.
Congratulations to all five 杏吧原创 community members. for the full Forty Under 40 list.
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