The DIVERSEcity Awards of Impact celebrated eight changemakers on Sept. 24 at the Surrey Arts Centre, recognizing individuals and organizations working to advance equity, reconciliation, and inclusion in their communities.
The evening opened with an Indigenous welcome from James Delorme, former Chief of Klahoose Nation, followed by remarks from Surrey Mayor Brenda Locke, DIVERSEcity board chair Upkar Singh Tatlay, and CEO Neelam Sahota. Guests also enjoyed a performance by the Goh Ballet.
Award recipients included:
- Daljit Gill-Badesha — Community Changemaker Award for decades of leadership in childcare, equity, and policy, now serving as CEO of AMSSA.
- Troy MacBeth Abromaitis — Reconciliation in Action Award, a Sixties Scoop Survivor who founded National Blanket Ceremony Day.
- Lyn Verra-Lay — Inspiring Seniors Award for her arts-based Belinda’s Connection Café supporting older adults in Surrey, White Rock, and Delta.
- Kerry Cavers — Gender Equity Award for founding Moms Against Racism Canada.
- Alex Sangha — Strengthening Safety Award, founder of Sher Vancouver, celebrating 20 years of LGBTQ+ South Asian advocacy.
- Kingdom Acts Foundation — Food Justice Advocate Award for tackling food insecurity and systemic barriers for newcomer families.
- Akshay Sachdeva — Diverse Abilities Award for championing inclusion as a self-advocate and CLBC board member.
- Stephanie Quon — Youth Leadership Award, founder of The Sprouts Initiative, now a UBC medical student advancing accessibility and mental health.
Organizers said the awards highlight the power of local changemakers who inspire systemic change through lived experience, community leadership, and advocacy.
