VCC President named in VanMag’s 2024 Power 50 list
Vancouver Community College (VCC) President and CEO, Ajay Patel has been named #10 in Vancouver Magazine’s 2024 Power 50 list. Winners of the Power 50 are business owners, politicians, philanthropists, social justice activists, and others “who are propelling Vancouver into the future.”
“I am deeply humbled and honoured to be named on VanMag's 2024 Power 50 list, a distinction I share with immense pride alongside my colleagues at VCC,” says Ajay. “As an immigrant to these lands and a person of colour, this recognition holds a profound and personal significance, symbolizing not just our collective dedication and impact at VCC, but also the inclusive spirit of our community.”
Ajay has been President of VCC since 2020. He brings over two decades of experience in post-secondary education marked by his strategic foresight and unwavering dedication to uplifting students, staff, and the broader community.
Passionately advancing VCC's 10-Year Strategic Innovation Plan and Campus Plan, Ajay is dedicated to a transformative future for the institution. Recently, the college participated in a landmark announcement where the Province of British Columbia announced it would provide $271.3 million to support the college’s new Centre for Clean Energy and Automotive Innovation which will transform the Broadway and Great Northern Way corridor for the surrounding community.
He is also the recipient of numerous accolades including the City of Vancouver’s Volunteer of the Year and the Top 25 Canadian Immigrant award, Ajay's impact transcends academia. His service on the Multicultural Advisory Council of BC and the Metro Vancouver’s ‘Invest Vancouver Management Board’ reflects his deep-rooted commitment to fostering an inclusive and just society. And most recently, Ajay was appointed to the Board of Trustees for World Education Services.
Ajay is named alongside esteemed company in this year’s Power 50 list. A number of other individuals named to the list have had an incredible impact on the VCC community. They include:
- Ginger Gosnell-Myers (#40). Ginger has been instrumental in supporting the college's journey of Indigenization and meaningful reconciliation. Along with Squamish Nation Hereditary Chief Ian Campbell and First Nations art and cultural facilitator Cory Douglas, Ginger's thoughtful approach through an Indigenous lens has brought the vision of VCC's new Centre for Clean Energy and Automotive Innovation to life.
- Martin Thibodeau (#29) and Fred Lee (#44). As Regional President British Columbia of RBC, Martin is a champion of supporting the local community. RBC is the lead sponsor in this year's Flourish Gala which is VCC Foundation's annual "green-tie" fundraiser that supports funding for student scholarships and equipment. VanMag titled Fred Lee the "life of the party", and VCC couldn't be more grateful to have Fred Lee as a long-time supporter of VCC. We are honoured to have Fred emcee the Flourish gala again this year.
- Premier David Eby (#1), Minister of Housing, Ravi Kahlon (#20), and Deputy to the Premier Shannon Salter (#24). VCC is incredibly grateful to have supportive provincial government partners in funding VCC's new building.
- Mayor Ken Sim (#6) and city councillor Christine Boyle (#13). These civic leaders have provided support as VCC moves forward with its Campus Plan, unlocking new opportunities for development and civic amenities.
Adds Ajay, “As we celebrate this recognition, I am further inspired to continue leading and contributing to VCC's mission of fostering educational excellence. To all my fellow honorees on the Power 50 list, congratulations! Let us collectively strive to push boundaries and build a brighter, more inclusive future for Vancouver.”
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