Annual awards gala

Ascend Canada Leadership Awards

Connect. Learn. Unleash Your Potential

Every year, we honour individuals who exemplify personal dedication, professional achievement, and commitment to the community. Join over 300 other guests in celebration of the award recipients, who embody Ascend Canada’s vision of creating a diverse and inclusive community. Event details will be released early 2020.

A decorative image of Ascend Canada's Awards.

Ascend Gala 2020 Agenda

Registration & Cocktail:                                                              4:30 p.m. 

Opening Remarks – Francis D’Souza:                                       5:45 p.m. 

President’s Remark:                                                                    6:00 p.m. 

Fireside Chat:                                                                                6:10 p.m. 

Dinner & Awards Ceremony:                                                       6:50 p.m. 

Closing Remarks:                                                                          8:00 p.m.

Gala Awards Presented

  • Executive of the Year

    Sponsored by TD Financial Group

    This award recognizes the leadership, organizational impact and innovation of an individual who has made a significant contribution to the success of his/her organization. The key criteria used to evaluate candidates include:

    • Overall demonstration of leadership evidenced by the size of organization managed, the number of years in leadership position(s) and the commitment to mentorship

    • Organizational impact evidenced by the achievement of business results, the improvement of the organization’s bottom line, and the effectiveness in execution or implementation of process

    • Development and execution of new programs that challenge the status quo

    • Impact of leading and developing diversity initiatives

  • Rising Star of the Year

    Sponsored by Royal Bank of Canada

    This award recognizes a Pan-Asian individual under 30 years of age who has demonstrated early leadership qualities through personal performance and commitment to professional, volunteer and educational opportunities.

  • Mentor of the Year

    Sponsored by Manulife

    This award recognizes the dedication, guidance and leadership of an individual who has made a significant contribution to several Pan-Asian individuals’ quality of life and professional development.

  • Innovator of the Year

    Sponsored by Ascend Canada

    This award recognizes a Pan-Asian individual who is identified as a disruptor in the industry through innovation; an individual who develops new or improves processes, methods, systems, products or services that have a meaningful impact in the workplace and community.

  • Volunteer of the Year

    Sponsored by Ascend Canada

    This award recognizes the exceptional commitment, support and leadership of an Ascend Canada volunteer whose dedicated service has made a significant contribution to the success of Ascend Canada.