During my practicum year of Grant MacEwan College’s Communications program, I already knew that I didn’t want to take the conventional path. My other course of study was in multimedia, and the combination of these fields immediately opened doors. I started freelancing through my company, Chemistry Communications and, when the possibility of writing the Sizzling Twenty under 30 profiles came to my attention, I had to jump on it. I had already done some work in print but the majority of my writing had been for website copy and blogs so I was looking forward to working in another medium.

Once I started reading their nominations, I couldn’t wait to meet the Sizzlers. They did not disappoint! Without exception, they are some of the most successful, yet humble… professional, yet approachable people I have ever met. It fed my curiosity to find out what they were all up to, and I happily discovered the passion each has for his or her work. From financial advisors to famous faces, they are living their lives their way, playing by their own rules. They wouldn’t have it any other way.

Of course, there were challenges in creating this annual feature. At times, when I sat staring at the piles of notes relentlessly mounting on my desk, I wondered if I’d ever make the deadline. I was encouraged
by the Sizzlers’ perseverance and determination to make their careers work. I knew that the public had to know about them, and that others would be as inspired as I have been. It was a wonderful experience overall.

The cooperation was astounding, not only from the Sizzlers but from the two talented photographers, Tracy Kolenchuk and Terry Bourque, and my supportive editor, Barb Deters.

I am proud to say I have been a part of this coming together of some of Edmonton’s finest young people… and I am more driven than ever to count myself among them one day.