Business Leadership Award Winners Announced

Presented by Accenture

“I can’t believe how much visibility matters, and the reality that we get to stand here, we get to celebrate, we get to normalize our existence – Just how far we have come deserves to be celebrated. As we look ahead, the Trans community does not need more mourners, we do not need more martyrs. We need more allies and we need more advocates.”

– Terri McDowell

Presented by CGLCC / Supplier Diversity Program

“I became an entrepreneur. I took a huge risk, I launched a brand, we smashed records, I won tons of awards. This is the best award – it’s my heart, it’s my family. I was the old lesbian founder sitting across the blue suits asking to raise money and equity and I realized we still have a lot of work to do, female founders. I’m on a mission. I’m launching my second brand next month. I’m driving change with low sugar and making a difference but also being very loud, very proud, and continuing to push a message with all of  the retailers in Canada to celebrate diversity, celebrate love is love. This award inspires me to keep going.”

– Suzie Yorke

Presented by EY

“How we’ve just progressed, how far we’ve come, but we have so much further to go…
It’s such important work that the CGLCC does – the advocacy, the trade missions that we’ve been fortunate enough to be a part of, the Elevate program with partners like BMO – we owe you a debt of gratitude. We are truly honoured to be nominated with such respected and talented professionals.”

– Brian McDonald, COO, Robertson & Company

Presented by RBC

“To be here tonight is huge… The hospitality industry has [paid] a huge toll during the last two years and I have managed to open a business, to be successful, and to embrace the 2SLGBTQI+ community, the community at large where I am. And I am incredibly thankful for everybody who supports me.”

– Thierry Alcantara-Stewart

Presented by EDC

“Through our Supplier Diversity program we’re working to build a more inclusive supply chain. Through our work with human resources we’re ensuring all employees feel safe and included in the workplace, and of course we’re working hard to make sure that all Canadian entrepreneurs have the access to the resources, the financing, the advice, the networks, and the tools they need to succeed. ALL entrepreneurs… I am so proud to be part of an organization that really means it when they say they’re working hard, it’s a journey for all of us to build diversity, equity, and inclusion into everything we do… We are all truly in this together”

– BDC

Presented by Scotiabank

“Like so many can relate to, I was paralysed by fear – fear of rejection, fear of judgment, fear of hurting my family, fear of losing my job. And what happened was the alternative – the total opposite – I’ve experienced profound kindness, profound love, and so many people from all walks of life opening up to me about their own struggles. And how vulnerability and transparency allows them to feel safer and feel a greater sense of belonging in the world that we all live in.”

– Katie Dudtschak

“I am proud of the awesome team that have adopted and braced themselves for this crazy ride that we’re on together and I’m blown away to be receiving this honour from a community as inspiring and supportive as the CGLCC.”

– Bobbie Racette