2026 Community Service Award Recipient

Professional engineer Akshay Saxena’s involvement in community service began with a simple desire to be useful where it mattered. His early efforts evolved into a journey that has brought him around Alberta, where he’s given his time, expertise, and even a part of himself to communities across Alberta.

At the heart of Saxena’s work—both professionally as a piping engineer and personally as a dedicated volunteer—is a belief that awareness without action is empty. As a regular blood donor, he also mobilizes others by organizing semi-annual blood drives. In addition, he’s worked for many years with the Calgary Food Bank, setting up food drives to support families in need.

For Saxena, the duty of a professional engineer extends beyond design and safety, and his dedication to health advocacy reflects this philosophy in practice. Saxena has led mental health seminars and dialogue sessions aimed at reducing stigma and encouraging individuals to seek support.

In 2024 and 2025, he served as co-lead of the mental health pillar at Fluor Canada, helping advance workplace conversations and initiatives focused on well-being. He’s contributed to suicide-prevention initiatives and cancer-awareness campaigns, including fundraising for the Alberta Cancer Foundation through the Enbridge Tour Alberta for Cancer cycling event. He says the ride is about standing with patients, survivors, caregivers, and researchers who fight cancer every day, and contribute to the research and treatment advances that support them.

Children and youth are also central to his mission. His support for initiatives such as Planet Youth Calgary’s backpack drive helps vulnerable students begin their school year with dignity and confidence. He organizes cultural and social events that connect young people to their heritage, and he helped establish a community association designed to sustain and strengthen cultural identity for years to come.

“This award acknowledges the impact of thoughtful leadership and sustained community engagement aligned with values and action,” says Saxena, “where shared efforts translate into meaningful outcomes that strengthen our community.”

For Saxena, giving back has never been an obligation—it’s a privilege. It demonstrates the lasting effect of engineers who choose to lead beyond their technical roles.

Notable Achievements and Recognition

• Co-Lead, Mental Health Pillar, Fluor Canada (2025, 2024)
• Director, Community Engagement, Indian Institute of Technology Alumni Society of Alberta (2025–present)
• Recipient, King Charles III Coronation Medal (2025)
• Completed Mount Everest Base Camp Trek (2024)
• Participant, Enbridge Tour Alberta for Cancer (2024, 2023, 2020, 2015, 2012)
• Subject Matter Expert, Piping Department, Fluor Canada Ltd. (2024–present)
• Certificate, Project Management Professional, Project Management Institute (2019–present)
• Member, APEGA (2010–present)