30 Under 30: Devon Richards, 27

Devon Richards

Christine Lyon photo

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While Ladner's Devon Richards is learning about the business world, he's also taking on the added responsibility of knowing what it requires to be a leader.

The 27-year-old student at Kwantlen Polytechnic University says he decided to play a role at his school pretty much the first day he spent on the campus.

"I ended up going to the school's leadership conference in that academic year and found it very inspirational and motivational," he said.

He joined the group's planning committee for the the next year's conference and became dedicated to marketing and promotional efforts for it.

For that Richards was asked if he'd take on the role of student co-chair for the planning committee. And from there he's been committed to contribute.

Why?

"A number of things," says the former grad of Delta Secondary school. "For one, I really recognized the benefits after being someone who was on the receiving end. And because of the way my experiences went I could really see the value and importance and felt it was something that needs to be continued and to find new people to carry the torch."

All this while maintaining tops marks in his studies.

"Kwantlen is still a young institution in terms of developing student life and leadership opportunities; Devon’s contributions have been crucial for us to continue our positive momentum toward greater numbers of involved and engaged student population," wrote Kwantlen faculty member Kurt Penner who is responsible for Student Leadership and Development. "He has certainly been one of the most highly contributing students we have seen to date in Student Leadership and Development."

That was recognized recently when Richards was awarded a KPU “Contribution to Student Life Award” in the amount of $1,000.

"The value of this (leadership) experience also extends to beyond my university life pursuing a career in business and wanting to take on a leadership role in my professional life," Richards says. "I felt like what better time and place to start gaining experience in that while I'm going through my studies so that I'm better equipped when I leave university and enter the professional world."