DIVERSEcity Awards of Impact celebrated eight award winners
Building a better Canada has been an important theme over the last year, and that type of change doesn’t only happen on government or in boardrooms — it starts with people and changemakers in our local communities. That’s why it’s important to elevate the voices of those advancing change. On Wednesday, September 24, 2025, registered charity DIVERSEcity Community Resources Society celebrated eight of these impactful changemakers at the DIVERSEcity Awards of Impact, held at the Surrey Arts Centre.
“Building a better Canada begins in community — with trust, with vision and with inclusion,” said Neelam Sahota, CEO, DIVERSEcity. “It’s one of the reasons we hold events like the Awards of Impact — to create opportunities for community engagement, engaging with new stakeholders and making space at the table, and welcome all community members, especially marginalized groups, to foster a sense of belonging, together.”
Winners were announced in eight categories. Led by master of ceremonies Lenya Wilks, Director of Community Inclusion, Health and Equity at DIVERSEcity, each recipient came to the stage to share their stories of adversity and triumphs, moving us all to tears and cheers.
“Progress takes good ideas, great courage and the willingness to disrupt and advance change. That’s what the DIVERSEcity Awards of Impact are all about — celebrating people, groups and organizations who are making a difference and creating social impact in our communities,” said Lenya Wilks.
DIVERSEcity Awards of Impact Winners
Daljit Gill-Badesha — Community Changemaker Award
With 30 years of leadership, Daljit Gill-Badesha is a prominent leader in the non-profit and local government sector, helping to transform childcare, equity and community policy across Surrey and BC. Her vision and advocacy continue to uplift families and amplify vulnerable voices in roles such as Executive Director of SACH South Asian Community Hub, Owner and Principal of DGBConsulting Group, and Adjunct Faculty at Simon Fraser University. She will continue to do so in her newly announced role as CEO of AMSSA, the umbrella organization overseeing the settlement and integration sector in BC.
“This award isn’t just about my work, but also about the values I carry as a Punjabi Sikh woman. I grew up in a family where I witnessed the impact of creating spaces for the community to flourish, gather and belong. I saw how selfless service can bring together and working for our community was not just an act of generosity, but of responsibility, and how leading from the heart is the foundation of real change. This rooted me in the belief that community is where our strength lies and why I worked so tirelessly for a healthier more inclusive and just society,” said Daljit Gill-Badesha.
Troy MacBeth Abromaitis — Reconciliation in Action Award
A Sixties Scoop survivor, Troy MacBeth Abromaitis founded National Blanket Ceremony Day – Indigenous Survivors Day, to honour Indigenous survivors who were taken from their homes into foster care, ensuring that no one who was taken is ever forgotten. His leadership carries reconciliation into action through ceremony, advocacy and community building, as well as economic development through his role as Board Director with the Lytton First Nation Economic Development Corporation, and at Musqueam Capital Corp. where he serves as Senior Development Manager. In this role, he supports the Musqueam Nation in advancing economic self-determination through culturally grounded land development, food sovereignty and climate resilience.
“Receiving this Reconciliation in Action Award is profoundly humbling. Reconciliation is about more than words. It’s about building relationships, creating opportunities and embedding justice and belonging into the very fabric of our communities. It requires courage, honesty and participation to repair what has been broken and to build a legacy toward everlasting reconciliation,” said Troy MacBeth Abromaitis.
Lyn Verra-Lay — Inspiring Seniors Award
Through Belinda’s Connection Café in Delta, BC, Lyn Verra-Lay has created a joyful, arts-based space where seniors gather to connect, create and thrive. Her vision blending creativity with community, to support mental wellness and belonging for older adults across Surrey, White Rock and Delta. Lyn believes that art combined with socializing is important to the mental health wellness of our elders, keeping them vital and connected in their community.
“I have a background in performance and visual arts, and I thought why don’t I invite seniors to come and connect through creativity and community? So, Belinda’s Connection Café was born in March 2022. We have reached many seniors from ages 55 to 95, and we’ll do music and movement or drawing or journalling … It’s wonderful to see everyone having a good time. I’m happy when they are happy,” says Lyn Verra-Lay.
Kerry Cavers — Gender Equity Award
As Founder of Moms Against Racism Canada in Victoria, BC, Kerry Cavers has built a powerful national movement of caregivers and educators committed to dismantling systemic racism. Her leadership inspires healing, courageous conversations and lasting change for children, families and communities.
“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. 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. Recognition like this matters for organizations led by women and serving women in racialized communities. It’s fuel for our work,” said Kerry Cavers.
Alex Sangha — Strengthening Safety Award
Alex Sangha, founder of Sher Vancouver, has created a safe welcoming space for LGBTQ+ South Asians and friends. A nationally recognized human rights advocate and social worker, Alex leads with compassion, vision and courage — building inclusive communities where everyone belongs. Sher Vancouver also works with DIVERSEcity’s Safe Haven
“Leadership is a calling,” Alex Sangha said. “I remember when Sher Vancouver was getting funding, people in the community said no one is going to fund a gay, Sikh, South Asian organization. You’re wasting your time. My mom said, in the face of adversity, you have to be courageous. I believe in you and support you … 18 years later, we are a registered charity with 10 employees, 27 subcontractors and 30 active volunteers at any given time.”
Kingdom Acts Foundation — Food Justice Advocate Award
Led by founder Godwin Ude, the Kingdom Acts Foundation works tirelessly to tackle food insecurity and systemic barriers faced by BIPOC and newcomer families. Their programs nourish both body and spirit, empowering communities to thrive with dignity, resilience and equity.
“This is an award for our hundreds of volunteers who work hard every day. The only day we don’t work is December 25. We feed and provide nutritious food in a culturally appropriate, contextualized environment in a dignified atmosphere, where families, including children and seniors can come in not just for the food, but for the community. They just want to be there, to connect with one another and grow together,” said Godwin Ude.
Akshay Sachdeva — Diverse Abilities Award
Akshay Sachdeva is a passionate self-advocate and community leader, serving on the Community Living BC Board of Directors and championing inclusion for people with disabilities. His voice and lived experience are shaping stronger, more accessibly communities where everyone has the chance to belong and succeed.
“I want to thank all the organizations that have helped me on this journey advocating for disabilities. Also, thank you Canada because you gave me opportunities and you listened to me and you heard me — because everyone you see is worth something,” said Akshay Sachdeva.
Stephanie Quon — Youth Leadership Award
At 15, Stephanie Quon founded the Sprouts Initiative, now spanning 27 countries and reaching more than a million lives. Today, as a UBC medical student, she continues to champion accessibility, equity and mental health. She has led 95 accessibility projects across Canada, securing $1.82 million in grants to retrofit clinics, shelters, schools and community spaces with ramps, tactile signage, automatic doors, and sensory-friendly rooms, including supporting accessibility initiatives at DIVERSEcity.
“This recognition means so much because it reflects not only my journey, but the strength of the communities. Thank you so much to DIVERSEcity for believing in the power of youth leadership. I accept this award with so much gratitude and a commitment to continue in this kind of work,” said Stephanie Quon.
Thank you to Awards of Impact sponsors
Thank you to all the sponsors who made this inspirational evening possible.
- TD Bank
- Westland Benefits
- Western Community College
- Surrey Fire Fighter’s Charitable Society
- Open Door Group
- M.A. Evergreen Contracting
- Optimus Automations
- Jane Shin in honour of her mother Myung Bok-Lee
- Katie and Geoff Crocker
- Shalom 2 U Cleaning Services
- Pebble Studios
- Goh Ballet
Each of these organizations have aligned themselves with our event this evening, to showcase their commitment to community, advancing change and inspiring greatness. Thank you!
Learn more about DIVERSEcity Awards of Impact at dcrs.ca/awards.
Photo: From left to right: Stephanie Quon, Lyn Verra-Lay, Daljit Gill-Badesha, Kingdom Acts Foundation’s Blessing and Godwin Ude, Akshay Sachdeva (front), Alex Sangha (back), Kerry Cavers and Troy MacBeth Abromaitis.