2026 Recipients

Jane Njogu

Champion of Diversity

Born and raised in Kenya, Jane Njogu has built a lifelong career grounded in community service, social justice, and supporting people facing adversity. As the Homelessness Prevention and Outreach Coordinator with Mennonite Central Committee British Columbia, she leads frontline efforts in Abbotsford and through the Fraser Valley Rent Bank to help individuals and families remain safely housed, offering advocacy, financial guidance, and culturally informed support. Jane also volunteers as Board Chair with Raven’s Moon Resources Society and teaches financial literacy to low-income and newcomer communities across the Fraser Valley and Metro Vancouver.

Elan Chow

Youth Champion of Diversity

Elan Chow is a Grade 12 French Immersion student at W.J. Mouat Secondary School who is deeply committed to equity, anti-racism, and inclusive community building. Proud of his Chinese, Malaysian, and Iraqi-Jewish heritage, he leads through Student Voice, Thrive Leadership, and the Green Team, while also mentoring young musicians through his work as a Teaching Artist at Bakerview Music Academy. Outside the classroom, Elan studies violin and viola at the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra School of Music and brings that same care, curiosity, and connection to everything he does.

Waceya Métis Society

Inclusive Environment (Small)

Waceya Métis Society is a not-for-profit community chartered under Métis Nation British Columbia, serving Métis citizens across Langley and White Rock through culturally grounded programs that foster identity, belonging and connection. With nearly 950 citizens, they deliver youth engagement, cultural education, entrepreneurial support, and inclusive initiatives for women, elders, 2SLGBTQIA+ members, and neurodivergent citizens. Their mission is to preserve Métis heritage while building a thriving, inclusive community across the Fraser Valley.

Free Store Chilliwack and Social Development Society

Inclusive Environment (Large)

Free Store Chilliwack and Social Development Society is a grassroots nonprofit providing free access to food, clothing, household goods, and essential supports for individuals and families across Chilliwack and surrounding communities. Serving more than 4,700 families each year, they operate dignity-based programs ranging from food security and youth initiatives to seniors’ support and crisis outreach. Their mission is simple but powerful: to remove barriers to basic needs and create a welcoming, stigma-free community where everyone is treated with respect and care.

Geographies of the Heart- Stories from Newcomers to Canada

Innovative Initiative

Geographies of the Heart: Stories from Newcomers to Canada brings together voices from privately sponsored and government-assisted refugees, refugee claimants, international students, and economic immigrants, each sharing powerful first-hand experiences of coming to and living in Canada. The collection challenges us to see the immigration landscape with greater depth and humanity. Created by Raymonde Tickner, the project honours the complexity and diversity of newcomer journeys.

Mission Folk Music Festival Society

Intercultural Arts, Culture and Events

The Mission Folk Music Festival Society is a long-standing, community-based nonprofit that has been celebrating live music, storytelling, and cultural exchange in Mission for nearly four decades. Best known for its three-day Mission Folk Music Festival at Fraser River Heritage Park, the Society also presents year-round concerts, outreach programs, and cultural events supported by more than 350 volunteers. Their mission is to preserve and nurture folk, roots, and emerging music while bringing people together through diverse cultural experiences across the Fraser Valley.

2026 Nominees

 Champion of Diversity

(Individuals ages 18+)

Nominees of this category work towards building an inclusive society.

 

  • Aaron Levy
  • Brett Devloo
  • Brigida Crosbie
  • Dharmvir Dhaliwal
  • Doug Hughes
  • Gurdeep (Gary) Kaloti
  • Gurmeen Banipal
  • Ines Montoya
  • Jane Njogu
  • Joseph Logan
  • Katrina Ovens
  • Leanne Cassap
  • Mike Pearson
  • Miyako Ando
  • Nehal Azab
  • Rudy Storteboom
  • Sahill Sharma
  • Sukhman Gill
  • Ted Yudelson

Youth Champion of Diversity

(Individuals ages 12-17)

Nominees of this category work towards building an inclusive society.

 

  • Aarushi Harish
  • Elan Chow
  • Harishvin Sasikumar
  • Isabella Wen
  • Kun Zhao

Intercultural Arts,Culture and Events

Nominees of this category build cultural diversity awareness through art, media, cultural groups and events.

 

Innovative Initiative

Nominees of this category promote diversity in their community in a unique way.

 

Inclusive Environment

Nominees of this category embrace cultural diversity and ac cessibility, creating welcoming environments where all people feel valued, supported and empowered to thrive.

 

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