Each year, we honour individuals who exemplify personal dedication, professional achievement, and commitment to the community.
A pdf nomination form will be made available in October 2023. Check this space later or submit the online nomination form now.
For any questions, please email us at awards@ascendleadership.ca
Mentor of the Year Award | Sponsored by Electronic Arts
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 through:
Leadership: Providing ongoing career guidance to develop leadership capabilities in others.
Sponsorship: Promoting and advocating for mentees.
Community Involvement: Demonstrating commitment to diversity and inclusion related mentorship initiatives.
Student of the Year | Sponsored by Sun Life
A Pan‐Asian individual who is enrolled in school and is under 25 years of age who has demonstrated early leadership qualities through personal performance, volunteerism and making a difference in the community through their impact, leadership and commitment to learning and development.
Impact: Has made a positive impact at school (i.e., high school, post-secondary) and in the community to advocate for change.
Leadership: Demonstrating inclusion through leadership; an individual who ‘walks the talk’ and is seen as a leader amongst their peers.
Development: Is proactive and committed to engaging in continuous learning opportunities that are focused on developing skills and capabilities.
Social Impact Award | Sponsored by RBC
A Pan-Asian individual who creates value through sustainable solutions in the community and being a differentiator on the most important societal challenges by making an impact, demonstrating strong leadership, and creativity.
Impact: An Individual who develops or improves the processes, methods, systems, products or services that have meaningful impact in one or more the following areas: social, economic, environment, cultural, health, political, scientific and technological.
Leadership: A change agent in the industry that has created and implemented a tangible strategy that has positively impacted others.
Creativity: An individual who creates a concept and/or approach that truly disrupts conventional thinking and methodologies when dealing with real world issues within the community.
Inclusion Champion of the Year | Sponsored by CIBC
Individual who has advanced inclusion in their organization and the community with measurable impact.
Impact: Through their passion and clear vision, this individual has been able to break new ground and play a key role by removing barriers and enhancing the community to enable a more inclusive society.
Leadership: This individual has demonstrated extraordinary commitment and leadership by creating effective solutions or ideas to meaningfully spark change in the workplace and/or community and foster inclusive behaviours.
Sponsorship: This individual advocates for an environment that is free of bias and discrimination.
Woman of Distinction Award | Sponsored by Manulife
A Pan-Asian female who has dedicated her efforts to empower other Pan-Asian women and advance their careers.
Impact: An individual who has been a trailblazer and shown a measurable impact for gender equality through their significant contributions to the organization and community.
Leadership: This individual has demonstrated exemplary leadership by modeling inclusive behaviours, achieving excellence professionally and impacting and influencing other leaders to embrace inclusivity.
Sponsorship: This exceptional individual is an advocate of women and is passionate towards unlocking their potential. This individual is a role model who has inspired many women.