The Ontario government has recognized an outstanding group and five exceptional individuals with the 2022 and 2023 Champion of Diversity Award.
The province announced the winners in a press release issued this week.
This award highlights the efforts of individuals, groups, and organizations in promoting immigrant success, economic growth, cultural diversity, and inclusion in the province.
Michael Ford, Minister of Citizenship and Multiculturalism, commended the recipients, stating, “On behalf of all Ontarians, I want to congratulate the 2022 and 2023 recipients of the Champion of Diversity Award for their outstanding community leadership. The wide array of backgrounds, faiths, and cultures that make up our communities help enrich our province and make it a more vibrant place.”
The Champion of Diversity Award is presented in three categories: Inclusion and Diversity, Cross-Cultural Understanding, and Business Leadership in Immigrant Employment. These categories recognize efforts to ensure immigrants and refugees have access to social services, preserve cultural heritage, and promote equitable employment practices.
2022 recipients
Inclusion and diversity
Pembroke Public Library Board, Pembroke
The Pembroke Public Library Board has been acknowledged for its role in promoting inclusion through various initiatives. The library hosts English as a Second Language groups, partners with local immigration groups, and provides job opportunities for newcomers. It has also influenced other libraries to house newcomer settlement agencies, emphasizing that the library is a space for everyone.
Loretta Lam, Richmond Hill
Loretta Lam, a dedicated volunteer with business organizations, has made significant contributions to helping new immigrants understand the Canadian labour market. She leads the Diversity, Equity, and Accessibility Committee of the International Association of Business Communicators and is a member of the Canadian Marketing Association’s DEI Committee, fostering inclusive workplaces in the marketing community.
2023 recipients
Cross-cultural understanding
Nazila Isgandarova, Vaughan
Nazila Isgandarova, founder of the Azerbaijani Women’s Support Center, is a professor and Director of Supervised Psychospiritual Education at Emmanuel College, University of Toronto. She advocates for human rights, dignity, and access to mental health services for women experiencing domestic violence. Nazila is noted as the first Muslim woman chaplain in Canada and a certified supervisor-educator at the Canadian Association for Spiritual Care.
Inclusion and diversity
Sawsan Abdul-Majid, Ottawa
Dr. Sawsan Abdul-Majid, a professional engineer, researcher, and professor, founded Advancing New Canadian Women in Technology (ANCWT) to support immigrant and refugee women in achieving career success in engineering and technology. ANCWT has helped over 80 women find employment and was recognized as the Diversity Initiative of the Year at the first Canadian Women in IT Summit.
Nour Mazloum, Kingston
Nour Mazloum, working with the Kingston Economic Development Corporation, has been key in promoting inclusive recruitment and career development practices. Her leadership on the Board of Directors of the Economic Developers Council of Ontario has set a standard for economic development organizations across the province.
Ally Zlatar, Wasaga Beach
Ally Zlatar, through her initiative “The Starving Artist,” addresses mental health issues in creative environments. Her work includes publications spotlighting emerging artists and collaborations with prestigious institutions like The British Museum and the Smithsonian. Ally has led the International Youth Mental Health Conference and received honours including the Princess Diana Legacy Award.