“The best investment you can make is to give your time and your passion to others. Networks are built by authentic efforts to add value, to truly connect. Build your network by sharing and caring. Create friendships, not contacts. That will lead to success and happiness.”

David Chilton, Canadian author, investor and former venture capitalist on Dragons’ Den. 

A ‘Shad’ is the recognition of the ambition, drive and collaboration inherent in a Shad program graduate. This special recognition opens the door into the alumni network of 18,000+ Shads. 

The Shad network is as diverse as its program and includes founders and CEOs, international academics, social entrepreneurs, healthcare professionals, best-selling authors, and AI innovators. The Shad network has a range of participants at various stages of career and business success—from start-up to million-dollar organizations, Rhodes Scholars and university honours, and philanthropists and social entrepreneurs. 

Shads also have access to leadership opportunities, exclusive events and Shad-only scholarships at select universities across Canada.   

Meet some of our Shads

  • Neil Pasricha

    Best-selling author, Book of Awesome series; Founder, Institute for Global Happiness Shad 1998

  • Paul Lem

    Founder, Spartan Bioscience Shad 1994

  • Cathy Han

    Founder & CEO, 2 Technologies Shad 2006

  • Nana-Owusua Kwamena

    Environmental Risk Assessment Specialist, Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission Shad 1996

  • Christina Stachulak

    Senior Policy Advisor, National Research Council Canada Shad 1996

  • Ali Asaria

    CEO, Tulip Shad 1997

  • Dean Prevost

    President, Rogers for Business Shad 1985

  • Sarah Gauthier

    Assistant Professor, University of Saskatchewan College of Engineering Shad 1994

  • Darlene Lim

    Research Scientist, NASA Ames Research Center Shad 1989

  • Jay Shah

    Director, Velocity Shad 2005

  • Emily Ma

    Lead in Food Systems, X, the moonshot factory Shad 1998

  • Andrew Sloss

    Founder and CEO, Owl Practice Shad 1989

Calling All Shads

We want to hear from you. Share your stories, ideas and ways you’d like to leverage or give back to the Shad community. We always have time for you. Contact: