The Unstoppable Ball was a #LEGENDARY success! This year’s Black and White Gala was presented to live and in person audiences and was a well deserved celebration of 2SLGBTQI+ owned and operated businesses in Canada. The gala brought together unforgettable performances from Lemon, Simone Denny, Beany John, Joey Niceforo, Toronto Kiki Ballroom Alliance, and DJ Blackcat, as well as highlighting the success of those who have managed to thrive despite a year of challenges. If you were unable to attend the event, you can view the livestream and learn more about our award winners below.
2021 Legacy Award Winner
The 2021 Legacy Award recognizes an organization or individual who has made a significant contribution to the 2SLGBTQI+ business community in Canada and beyond, leaving a lasting legacy for 2SLGBTQI+ entrepreneurs.
Salah Bachir
Salah Bachir, CM, O.Ont, is a successful entrepreneur, magazine publisher, and the President of Cineplex Media. He is also one of Canada’s most influential philanthropists, advocates for the 2SLGBTQI+Q2 community and patrons of the arts. He has helped to raise millions for AIDS research, The 519 Community Centre — where a wing is named in his honour — and Toronto-area hospitals, including a $2.5 million donation to build the Bachir Yerex Family Dialysis Centre at St. Joseph’s Health Centre.
2021 Business Leader of the Year
The Business Leader of the Year award celebrates an individual in business who has made a significant contribution to the 2SLGBTQI+ community in Canada. The contribution may be through business or volunteer activities with a corporation, educational institution, association, or non-profit agency.
Jackie Scales
As Director, Inclusion and Diversity for Teck Resources, Jackie demonstrates outstanding leadership for the 2SLGBTQI+ community, leading the first-ever global Inclusion and Engagement Survey in Teck Resources’ 100+ year history, and acting as the driving force behind Teck’s Pride campaign, and Pride Employee Resource group.
2021 Corporation of the Year
The Corporation of the Year award acknowledges a Corporation that is a recognized leader in Canada that enhances 2SLGBTQI+ Business and supports the 2SLGBTQI+ community through commitment, activities and visibility.
TD Bank Group
TD is committed to building an inclusive environment where every colleague and customer is valued, respected, and supported. TD has launched numerous employee resource groups and programs to support a welcoming environment for the 2SLGBTQI+Q2+ community, including gender identity and expression training for all employees across North America, capability for employees to share their pronouns through their name tags and business cards, and enhanced gender affirmation benefits coverage; TD is one of the first organizations in Canada to provide this level of holistic support for transgender employees.
2021 2SLGBTQI+ Business of the Year
The 2SLGBTQI+ Business of the Year award celebrates a business that is owned, operated, and controlled by an 2SLGBTQI+ individual(s) that has made a significant contribution to the 2SLGBTQI+ community in Canada.
Northern Commerce
At just 26 years old, CEO Michael DeLorenzi led the merger of Inspiratica Inc. with Atmos Marketing Group Inc. in 2015. This formed Northern Commerce, Canada’s only full-service digital agency, further expanding in 2020 with the acquisition of Digital Echidna. This groundbreaking partnership solidified London Ontario as a technology leader in sophisticated digital solutions.
2021 2SLGBTQI+ Business Advocate of the Year
The 2SLGBTQI+ Business Advocate of the Year award recognizes an individual who has been a significant advocate and champion for 2SLGBTQI+ businesses and entrepreneurs. The award is given to an individual who has used their leadership, platform, influence or position to advance the overall mission of improving 2SLGBTQI+ inclusion in Canada’s economy.
Jefferson Darrell
At work, Jefferson’s holistic approach to diversity, equity, and inclusion incorporates intersectionality and consciousness of homophobia, racism, sexism, ableism, transphobia, and more. In leading Breakfast Culture, Jefferson has done phenomenal work advocating for 2SLGBTQI+ organizations and the HIV/AIDS sector.
2021 Young 2SLGBTQI+ Entrepreneur of the Year
The Young 2SLGBTQI+ Entrepreneur of the Year award recognizes outstanding achievement by an 2SLGBTQI+ young entrepreneur. The award is given to an individual that best exemplifies the qualities of effective leadership and innovative thinking, demonstrates potential for growth, shows a high level of social, cultural, and environmental awareness, and has demonstrated commitment to both the 2SLGBTQI+ community and the broader community.
Patrick Hunter
Patrick is a Two-Spirit Ojibway artist, designer, entrepreneur, and CEO, hosting creative workshops and speaking engagements, and creating paintings, digital illustrations, murals, and more. Patrick has worked with some of Canada’s largest organizations, and has seen global sales increase exponentially. Throughout, he is committed to making a positive future for his people.
