Alumni Q&A: Strengthening communities through care

TRU alumnus Shaminder Parmar (MBA '25) was named one of Edmonton’s 2025 Top 40 under 40 and serves as a senior urban planner with Edmonton Public Schools while chairing a committee that coordinates the city's public planning bodies.

Shaminder Parmar, a TRU alumnus (MBA '25), was named one of Edmonton’s 2025 Top 40 under 40 by Edify. He is a senior urban planner with Edmonton Public Schools and chairs a committee that brings together the city's public planning bodies to address infrastructure and planning challenges. Parmar describes his approach as rooted in community care and equity, shaped by growing up in inner-city neighbourhoods. He also notes work beyond planning, including support for animal rescue organizations and applied research with faculty such as Dr. Sal Barragan. Key details: - Recognized as one of Edmonton’s 2025 Top 40 under 40 by Edify. - Senior urban planner at Edmonton Public Schools and chair of a committee coordinating public planning bodies. - Holds an MBA from Thompson Rivers University (MBA '25) and worked with faculty like Dr. Sal Barragan on applied research. - Emphasizes equity and inclusive design, and supports community efforts such as animal rescue organizations. - Says early life in inner-city neighbourhoods informed his focus on public systems like neighbourhood schools and transit. Summary: Parmar frames his work as advancing more equitable, responsive neighbourhoods that reflect the needs of families and people who are often left out of decisions. Undetermined at this time.