In the heart of Saskatoon on Jan 27, 2024 the People Bridge Advocacy hosted our first Champion For Change Awards Gala.This gathering was a testament to the strength and resilience of our diverse communities. It was a night where the warmth of unity and the spirit of recognition melded to create an unforgettable experience, featuring a gourmet dinner, stirring speeches, and lively entertainment.
Honouring Community Champions
The core of the evening was the award ceremony, a moment to shine a spotlight on local BIPOC leaders whose efforts have significantly enriched our community. Leaders like Sultan Ali Sadat and Jeylan Kiniso, among others listed below, were honored not just for their achievements but for their dedication to fostering a more inclusive and equitable society. These awards were a symbol of gratitude and recognition from a community they have helped to shape and strengthen.
A Mosaic of Community Leaders
Attended by a spectrum of community pillars, including Indigenous and ethnocultural leaders, municipal officials, and members of the public, the gala was a confluence of voices and visions. It was a platform for sharing experiences and insights, further deepening the understanding of the vital role diverse leadership plays in the fabric of our society.
Future Directions
This gala was a powerful reminder of the ongoing work in building bridges across diverse communities. It highlighted the importance of recognizing those who contribute tirelessly to enhancing community life, and set the stage for future collaborations and initiatives, aiming to promote diversity, equity, inclusion, and social justice in Saskatoon and beyond.
Award winners
Community Leadership Champions Award
Presented to
Sultan Ali Sadat
President, Saskatoon Afghan Cultural Association
Native Language Preservation Champions Award
Presented to
Jeylan Kiniso
President, CFAI/Oromo Community
Emerging Leader Champions Award
Presented to
Bwe Doh Soe
President, Saskatoon K’NYAW Canadian Comm Assoc
Community Leader Entrepreneur Champions Award
Presented to
Mohammad Azad
President, BCAS
Community Leader Entrepreneur Champions Award
Presented to
Bijan Khosravi
President, Saskatoon Iranian Cultural Assoc
Female Leader of the Year Champions Award
Presented to
Zahra Namaganda
Founder & President, UCCOP
Senior Citizen Champions Award
Presented to
Sam Mark
Senior Citizen Champions Award
Presented to
Sam Sambasivam
Bridge Builder Champions Award
Presented to
Harry Lafond, Muskeg Lake Cree Nation
Community Partnership Champions Award
Presented to
SEIU-West Workers of Colour Multicultural Mentorship Committee
Harm Reduction Champions Award
Presented to
Jason Mercredi
Former Executive Director of the Prairie Harm Reduction
Newcomers and Immigrants Settlement Leadership Champions Award
Presented to
Ali Abukar
CEO, Saskatoon Open Door Society
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Champions Award
Presented to
April Sora
The City of Saskatoon