Sponsored by Westland Benefits, the Gender Equity Award recognizes a person or organization who is making a difference by uplifting women, creating opportunities and platforms to have their voices heard and issues respected.
This year’s award goes to Victoria-based Kerry Cavers, founder and president of Moms Against Racism Canada (MAR). The national non-profit is dedicated to giving women and moms a voice and platform to fight against an issue important to their families: systemic racism.
Kerry found MAR in 2020, in response to the murder of George Floyd and the global racial justice movement that followed. What began as a small group of mothers in Victoria has grown into a vibrant network of more than 2,300 caregivers, educators and community leaders working across Canada through education, advocacy and community action. It’s been an important but often challenging journey for Kerry.
“Moms doing anti-racism work doesn’t always fit in traditional funding boxes, and EDI rollbacks are making progress in this area even harder. But we kept at it because we know where change begins, and that is in the home,” she says. “When we can help women learn the skills to name harm, to interrupt it and to build new habits, we can shape the next generation to be confident, empathetic and ready to lead.”
Drawing on her own lived experience as a Black woman and mother, Kerry leads with authenticity and compassion. Under her leadership, MAR has launched culturally grounded, trauma-informed programming that supports both BIPOC and white adults in raising children rooted in identity, belonging and justice. MAR also creates joyful, identity-affirming spaces for BIPOC children, while equipping parents, educators and allies with practical tools to interrupt racism in everyday life.
“Recognition like this matters for organizations led by women and serving women in racialized communities,” said Cavers. “It’s fuel for our work. It tells our team, our volunteers and our families to keep going and that this work is working.”
With courage, vision and tireless dedication, Kerry has built a movement that empowers women to create transformational, intergenerational change. She exemplifies what it means to be a changemaker: building inclusive, equitable and healing communities where women have a voice and children can thrive.
Despina Williams, Vice President, Consulting Services, Westland Benefits, presented the award to Kerry alongside DIVERSEcity Board Chair Kam Raman and Neelam Sahota, CEO, at the 2025 DIVERSEcity Awards of Impact.
Learn more about the 2025 DIVERSEcity Awards of Impact recipients here.