Annual business achievement awards program celebrates young professionals
Business Link Media Group has announced its 40 Under Forty Business Achievement award winners for 2026, and two leaders from the University of Niagara Falls Canada are on the list.
The annual award recognizes 40 young professionals living or working in the Niagara region who demonstrate significant accomplishments in their field, while also exhibiting strong community involvement and leadership qualities.
As the university’s inaugural Registrar, Jason Lennard leads a team of talented professionals who work to uphold the integrity of student records and provide individualized support. A firm believer in community-rooted leadership in higher education, he has spent his career building teams, institutional policies, and equitable pathways to make learning accessible and transformative for students across Niagara and beyond.
“This recognition is truly shared,” said Lennard. “It belongs to my mentors who've challenged me to think bigger, and my colleagues and teams – both past and present - who've worked alongside me to turn bold ideas into reality through trust and shared accountability."
When not spending time with his growing family, Lennard volunteers his time as a director on Quest Community Health Centre’s board of directors.
In her role as Executive Director of Community and Alumni Engagement, Felicia Werner leans into her international leadership experience to build and establish networks and community for Niagara’s newest university.
“My academic and professional journey has taken me around the world, but Niagara has always been home. Now, I'm proud to be back here contributing to the region's exciting growth,” she said.
Werner brings together industry and local organizations to create opportunities that benefit students, employers, and the broader community. She is helping to shape a university that remains connected to its graduates and deeply embedded in the region it serves.
Lennard and Werner are among the 40 young professionals to be part of the awards program’s 2026 class.
“The entire UNF community takes immense pride in celebrating this well-deserved recognition,” said David Gray, President and Vice-Chancellor at the university. “Jason and Felicia embody the innovation and dedication that define UNF and their achievements reinforce the meaningful role our university plays in shaping the next generation of changemakers.”
Business Link Media Group said the program received a record number of nominations, noting the selected recipients represent a diverse range of industries, reflecting the innovation, leadership, and community involvement shaping the region today. They will be recognized during a gala event on May 28 at the Holiday Inn and Suites in St. Catharines.
