Nine SFU students and alumni named to Surrey Board of Trade's 2024 Top 25 under 25

The Surrey Board of Trade has celebrated its annual Top 25 Under 25 awards—recognizing nine Simon Fraser University students and alumni among its 2024 recipients for their outstanding contributions to the Surrey community.

Since its inception, more than 100 students and alumni have received the award, which is given to business or community-minded people 25 or younger who work in Surrey or contribute to a business or community-related project in Surrey.

“We are immensely proud of the achievements of SFU students and alumni who have been recognized by the Surrey Board of Trade in the Top 25 Under 25 awards,” said Stephen Dooley, Executive Director of SFU’s Surrey Campus. “This recognition not only celebrates their individual accomplishments but also highlights the meaningful contributions they are making to the vibrant fabric of the Surrey community. I also want to thank the Surrey Board of Trade for hosting this amazing gathering of young talent."

Here are this year’s SFU affiliated recipients:

Almas Phangura
Recent SFU sciences graduate Almas Phangura is currently a HR Manager at Paladin Security Group. Previously, as Vice President of Finance and Services of the Simon Fraser Student Society (SFSS), Almas represented 26,000 students and chaired the Finance and Administrative Services Committee. In 2022, she received the Diana Award for social action and humanitarian projects and the SFU Service Award - International Student Award for LGBTA Community Service.

Arshita Saini
Recent SFU sciences and business graduate, Arshita Saini is the CEO and Sales Director of Glutenull and leads the expansion of the company’s vegan and gluten-free baked goods across North America. Previously, at the Fraser Health Authority, she excelled as Coordinator and Analyst for Patient Safety and Quality Improvement, notably publishing a blog on health literacy and sustainability. 

Chloe Goodison
A student in SFU’s Faculty of Science, Chloe Goodison is the Founder and Executive Director of NaloxHome Society, pioneering youth-focused drug education in BC and initiatives that provide free drug education in BC secondary schools. Chloe is a recipient of the 2024 SFU Venture Connections eCoop Award. She is also the youngest Police Board Director in Canada, an Emergency Department volunteer with Fraser Health, and a youth ambassador for Foundry BC. 

Jason Sangha
A student in SFU’s Beedie School of Business, Jason Sangha is the founder of Jason Sangha Personal Real Estate. Jason has achieved numerous accolades, including the Grand Realty Calgary’s Rookie of the Year Award and the Sutton Premier Realty Diamond Award. In addition to his real estate endeavours, Jason founded The Intellionaire, a platform promoting mental health awareness and resilience-building strategies for a healthier society. 

Jeevan Basra
A graduate of SFU SUrrey’s Community Leaders Igniting Change (CLIC) program, Jeevan Basra is a youth community leader demonstrating unwavering dedication to empowering marginalized voices. As Co-Chair of the Self-Advocates of Semiahmoo (SAS), Jeevan champions inclusion and equity, garnering federal recognition for SAS’s consultation on the Canadian Accessibility Act. Through initiatives like the UNITI New to You Clothing Sale and Socks for a Cause campaign, Jeevan fosters community engagement and addresses pressing needs. Her collaborative efforts with local businesses have resulted in over 1,000 socks donated annually to the Sources Food Bank.

Joben Singh Bassi
A graduate from SFU’s Beedie School of Business, Joben Bassi founded Joben Bassi Personal Real Estate Corporation in 2021. Working full-time as a Financial Reporting Clerk with the City of Surrey, Joben upholds public service values. His accolades, including Medallion Club Member and President’s Gold, underscore his real estate knowledge and skills. Beyond his profession, Joben’s leadership spans from soccer captaincy to student organizations, highlighting his commitment to community welfare. 

Juliana Maria Manalo
Currently pursuing a joint degree in business marketing and communications for journalism at SFU, Juliana Maria Manalo is the Founder and CEO of the Vancouver Kindness Movement, a non-profit organization that fosters youth leadership, community engagement, and volunteerism which has fundraised over $30,000 for charities such as Surrey Urban Mission and Covenant House Vancouver. In 2022, she received the City of Surrey’s Service Above Self Surrey Youth (SASSY) award for youth leadership and community service. 

Pooria Arab 
A recent graduate from SFU’s SIAT program, Pooria is the Managing Partner of Beeloud, a dynamic community, startup studio, and accelerator shaping the imagination age for next-gen creators and founders. Actively involved in local and global tech communities, Pooria mentors immigrant founders and contributes to organizations fostering entrepreneurship and technology innovation, such as DIVERSEcity’s Immigrant Entrepreneurship Program. 

Vansh Sobti
A student in SFU’s Beedie School of Business, Vansh Sobti is the Owner and Founder of Cloud Nine Clothing, a company born from a personal connection to anxiety. What began as a university assignment has evolved into a brand that goes beyond apparel, fostering a supportive community through its ambassador program, emphasizing mental health and meaningful impact. Additionally, Vansh established Lions Media, a business specializing in web design, branding, and logos. 

For the full list of 2024 winners, see here.