22nd Annual Fraser Valley Cultural Diversity Awards Celebrates Inclusion and Community

The 2025 Fraser Valley Cultural Diversity Awards brought together 330 guests to recognize individuals and organizations helping foster diversity and inclusion at the Clarion Hotel and Conference Centre on March 6th.

Four organizations received awards along with two individuals in the Youth Champion of Diversity Award and the Champion of Diversity categories.

Presented by Archway Community Services in partnership with Mission and Chilliwack Community Services, and Langley New Directions English Language School, the awards have been highlighting efforts in promoting diversity and inclusion across various areas since 2003.

Returning emcee Fred Lee welcomed attendees and gave the land acknowledgement. He recognized more than 50 nominees who exemplified their commitment to diversity.

“Our 2025 nominees embody diversity in all its forms,” shared Lee. “Every nominee in this room is truly making a difference.”

Abbotsford Mayor Ross Siemens addressed the crowd, emphasizing the importance of embracing diversity in the community. “This annual gathering is an annual reminder of how our diversity brings us together, and that by celebrating what makes us unique, we are reminded of all that we have in common.”

The event also featured an inspiring keynote speech by Tareq Hadhad, the award-winning founder and CEO of Peace by Chocolate. He shared his story of moving to Canada as a refugee from Syria and being embraced by the community of Antigonish, Novia Scotia.

Tareq Hadhad speaking at the ceremony.

In 2015, Hadhad was the first Syrian community refugee in Antigonish, and he remembers a welcoming committee that didn’t care about his background, faith or skin colour and that the “only thing that mattered to them, and they asked about, was that I was a human being seeking safety and peace.”

There was some negativity and one individual expressed anger that refugees like Hadhad were going to steal jobs. Yet when the Peace by Chocolate business expanded, this individual was the first person hired.

“This country has given us the belief that no one comes here empty, that everyone comes here with a set of skills and talents, and they’re ready to contribute and give back immensely,” shared Hadhad.

“The beauty of Canada is that we believe that diversity is not just a buzzword,” said Hadhad. “We really believe that we are enriched by people who travel from everywhere across the globe.”

Hadhad concluded by encouraging everyone to push past their fears, start sharing their stories, think about the “return on kindness,” and support immigrants as Canada “was built on waves of people just dreaming, dreaming big.”

Tyler Stewart spoke on behalf of The Honda Way, the nominee sponsor. “Diversity isn’t just about representation. It’s about embracing the perspectives that drive innovation and enrich our experiences. We believe diversity strengthens decision making, fosters innovation and ensures every customer feels valued and understood.”

Manpreet Grewal, the Archway Director of Multicultural and Immigrant Integration Services, closed the evening by thanking sponsors, partners and staff.

Grewal thanked Hadhad for his inspiring and hopeful message “at a time when people are feeling discouraged.” She continued, “I think diversity, before it becomes a business advantage or a value, it just is, and always will be, and always was a reality.”

Singh is the co-founder of the Abbotsford Basketball Association, where she breaks barriers to sports access. She received the award for championing social justice, mentoring students, leading inclusion initiatives, and empowering diverse voices in the Abbotsford School District.

“I’ve not done this work alone,” said Singh who paid tribute to her collaborators and the Abbotsford School District. She talked about wanting youth to be able to “walk into the room knowing that they have something valuable to contribute to that room and it doesn’t matter what their background is.”

Vu was recognized for giving back to his community as a mentor with Big Brothers & Big Sisters and a leader in cultural initiatives at Walnut Grove Secondary. He serves on the BC and Fraser Youth Parliaments and works with Dear Asian Youth.

Preet Rai, Abbotsford School Board Chair, presented the award and shared that “our mission of preparing and inspiring our students for a lifetime of success is not just a statement, it’s a commitment we live by every day.”

Vu talked about looking for more outside of school which led him to volunteer with several organizations. He discovered a bonding experience and shared “our differences make us all unique, and they all allow us to provide a voice and the different perspective that no one else can.”

The Beauty Boutique was recognized for empowering women to achieve independence and confidence. Through their dedication to diversity, mentorship, and community engagement, the organization has created a welcoming space where individuals from all walks of life can thrive and reach their full potential.

Erin Quinn represented the award on behalf of sponsor WorkSafeBC and shared, “we feel that diversity and inclusion are a contributor to a healthier and a safer workplace. What you’re doing matters.”

“This recognition means more to me than I can express in words,” said France Vaillancourt who represented the Beauty Boutique. “This award celebrates not just what we have done, but how we have done it, with respect, inclusion, and genuine care for each.”

VYPER received the award for their youth-led movement dedicated to empowering Indigenous youth through leadership, community connection, and cultural resurgence. From hosting the ‘Reclaiming Youth’ Pow Wow to fostering language preservation, and traditional sports, VYPER helps bridge generations and communities.

Marcella Sunshine spoke on behalf of VYPER and thanked their collaborators who helped them host the first Pow Pow at St. Mary’s Residential School in over 20 years.

“Vyper is planting the seeds into a tree that has stood since time immemorial. And that’s us working with Indigenous youth, reigniting that connection to spirit, and that connection to ancestors or teaching you to walk in two worlds.”

Encompass Support Services Society is a grassroots, non-profit agency that was recognized for providing space for youth to safely explore identity, connect with and be supported by peers and get creative.

Carly Schneider spoke on behalf of Encompass and their Friends of Dorothy program for 2LGBTQIA+ youth. “I’m so so grateful to be up here, and humbled by all of the wonderful work that everybody is doing to support inclusive environments.”

The award was presented by Michelle Gagne from Prospera who said, “this event is a powerful reminder for all of us that cultural diversity is about more than recognizing our traditions, languages, and experiences. It’s about the threads we weave together and when we do, we create a vibrant and thriving community where everyone feels seen, valued and celebrated for their contributions.

Sue Shaw accepted the award and congratulated their fellow nominees. “What a privilege to be in a room full of people doing such amazing work, I can’t believe I’m standing here.”

Conclusion

Those who missed the live show will soon be able to view it on YouTube and DiversityAwards.ca. Interviews with nominees are available at Civl.ca

Nominations for next year’s event can be submitted at DiversityAwards.ca/nominations