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This award recognizes Black, Indigenous, and Persons of Colour (BIPOC) aspiring innovators and allies who positively impact their communities through their contributions to the innovation ecosystem across Canada and globally.
Julius possesses extensive expertise in formulating comprehensive sustainability visions and strategies, emphasizing clear operating principles. His leadership spans effective management of climate change teams, formal and informal. Focused on sustainability, environmental, and low-carbon initiatives, he excels in climate change adaptation, mitigation, energy and water management, and conservation. His innovative endeavour, Prismatic, a futures game tailored for climate action groups, envisions participants navigating current societal landscapes, sectors, and trends to construct future climate scenarios in Canada.
Dr. Solomon Tesfamariam, a Professor and University Research Chair at the University of Waterloo, is a key figure in civil engineering innovation. His impactful contributions stem from successful collaborations with industry, government, municipalities, and insurance companies. His research significantly influenced tall timber structure guidelines and earned him a top 2% global citation ranking in civil engineering.
Melisa is the Founder of Nobellum Enterprise, a social and technology enterprise with a focus on strengthening the Black business ecosystem. Nobellum's mission is to support Black youth and professionals engaged in entrepreneurship and innovation.
Melisa Ellis is a powerhouse and visionary woman that is fearless and embraces the notion of being the unicorn in the room.
Candies has established a pipeline for Black youth in diplomacy and cybersecurity through her nonprofit, Developing Young Leaders of Tomorrow, Today (DYLOTT). The C3 program builds confidence in elementary students with technology, exploring AI's impact on robotics and cybersecurity. The Black Diplomats Academy facilitates Black Canadian youth engagement in global policy forums.
Sarah Vickery, with 7+ years in South Africa, utilizes sports and holistic education to empower youth. At MaRS Discovery District, she built the O4AY brand, providing resources and mentorship for early career success. Joining the Canadian Council for Youth Prosperity, she supports small and medium-sized enterprises in navigating today's economy.
Roselin is an exceptional leader, advocate, and community champion, notably serving as board chair for Dandelion Dance, fostering inclusivity through dance programs. Her unwavering passion for innovation and change guides organizations, empowers the next generation, and creates environments embracing equity, diversity, and inclusion, allowing individuals to thrive and be their best selves.
As President of Cyclica and now Recursion Canada, Naheed catalyzes innovation, talent development, and community building in Toronto and Canada. Despite Cyclica's demands, he actively engages in speaking at universities, advising healthtech firms, and leading discussions on healthcare's future. Naheed also co-founded the Alliance for Artificial Intelligence in Healthcare and contributes to boards like Life Sciences Ontario.
Anita has held strategic roles at American digital publications and served as director of communities at The Discourse, addressing news gaps for underserved communities. Anita is the Journalism Innovator-in-Residence at Toronto Metropolitan University and teaches community-driven journalism at Centennial College. Additionally, she coaches media executives and entrepreneurs at the City University of New York's Craig Newmark Graduate School of Journalism.
Dilesha, a passionate health-equity advocate and EDI expert, is a UN SDG Award winner and top 100 Black Canadian Accomplished Woman. She engages with Black youth, advising organizations like the UN, G7, DDSB, and Jack.org. As one of Canada's sought-after DEI consultants, she boldly addresses challenges with an Anti-Black Racism, Anti-Oppression, and Intersectional lens.
Naima an educator with a strong passion to implement STEM programs in marginalized communities. Helped start up the Robotics program at Pelmo Park Public School as a teacher there and ended up leading the program. Has been promoted to a Vice Principal at West Humber Junior Middle School and is working on implementing a robotics program at her new school.
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