The Young Associates announce Gail Asper as IGNITE 2025 recipient

The Young Associates of the Asper School of Business are pleased to announce Gail Asper, O.C., O.M., LL.D. – Chair and Trustee, The Asper Foundation as the 2025 recipient of the IGNITE award. IGNITE 2025 will take place on September 17, 2025, at the RBC Convention Centre.

The award is given to an accomplished local thought leader who has directly – through business, professional, and/or community endeavours – made an outstanding impact on Manitoba.

Gail’s unwavering commitment to philanthropy – including her pivotal role in the creation of the Canadian Museum for Human Rights – has ensured that Winnipeg is known across Canada as a locus of cultural significance.

“I am delighted to be joining the other community and business leaders who have received the IGNITE Award. Our family is proud of its long association with The Asper School of Business and are committed to supporting the students who will be the business and community leaders and IGNITE Award recipients of the future,” Asper said.

“Congratulations to Gail Asper on this fitting honour! With close ties to the school that bears her father’s name, Gail is truly an inspiration, setting a high standard by investing in community, supporting the youth of this Province with pathways to success at the I. H. Asper School of Business, and helping to fuel Manitoba’s economy through a world-class business education right here in Manitoba. What an excellent selection for the 2025 IGNITE Award!” said Dr. Bruno Silvestre, Dean of the Asper School of Business.

In addition to her passion for community philanthropy, Gail has been an enthusiastic champion of the arts. She has served on the board and as President of the Royal Manitoba Theatre Centre; as well as serving on the board – including as Chair – of the National Arts Centre
Foundation from 2013 – 2017.

“Gail Asper’s contributions to Winnipeg through community advocacy and leadership are nothing short of inspiring. With deep family ties to the Asper School of Business, she continues to champion values of education and progress, making her an excellent local thought leader to receive the IGNITE award.” said Connor Egan [BComm(Hons)/23], the IGNITE committee Chair.

Through fulfilling her father Izzy’s dream of establishing the Canadian Museum for Human Rights, her distinguished legal career, and her efforts in enriching Winnipeg’s artistic communities – Gail has done her part to ensure that Winnipeg is one of Canada’s most vibrant cities. The Young Associates are excited to honour this legacy with IGNITE 2025.

“As a renowned philanthropist and corporate lawyer, Gail Asper is well-deserving of the 2025 IGNITE award. The Asper name represents business excellence, hard work, and community. Gail Asper has made her mark through leading the monumental project of fundraising for, and launching, the Canadian Museum for Human Rights. I am excited for Asper students to benefit from her wisdom and inspiration at IGNITE 2025.” said Young Associates Chair Corinne Gusnoski [BComm(Hons)/17].

Asper joins previous IGNITE honourees Ash Modha [BA/98], President & CEO of Mondetta Clothing, in 2022; Dayna Spiring, past President and CEO of Economic Development Winnipeg, in 2023; and Mark Chipman, Executive Chairman & Governor of the Board of Truth North Sports + Entertainment and the Winnipeg Jets Hockey Club in 2024.

The IGNITE award dinner is an opportunity for the school and business community to welcome new-to-Asper students and encourage them to excel during and after obtaining their degrees. Tickets for members of the Associates, Young Associates, and new-to-Asper students are
complimentary.

IGNITE 2025 will take place on September 17, 2025, at the RBC Convention Centre in Winnipeg, Manitoba.

The Young Associates are up-and-coming leaders, innovators, and entrepreneurs dedicated to building a thriving and dynamic business community in Manitoba. Comprised of 210 rising stars of the business world, the Young Associates have been making an impact since 1993.

The Young Associates are committed to their three pillars of Learning, Connecting, and Giving Back. All three of these are accomplished through their strong involvement with the I.H. Asper School of Business, where the Young Associates contribute through classroom presentations, mentorship, and facility upgrades

Young Associates of the Asper School of Business