The Community Award (COM) program recognizes extraordinary British Columbians who build better, stronger and more resilient communities.
On May 8, 2024, the recipients of the 21st annual Community Award were celebrated at a formal presentation ceremony held in Victoria, BC in the presence of Her Honour, the Honourable Janet Austin, OBC, Lieutenant Governor of British Columbia,
Emceed by BC Achievement Board Chair, Walter Pela, with citations delivered by alumna T,łalisam Kim van der Woerd (2018 Mitchell Award of Distinction and 2018 Indigenous Business Awardee), the ceremony was a powerful and emotional testament to the strength of community from throughout the province. Each awardee is an outstanding British Columbian whose dedication, leadership and actions inspire the next generation.
Marcus Mosely, this year’s Mitchell Award of Distinction recipient, speaking on behalf of the 2024 recipients, delighted all guests with a presentation that filled the room with musical inspiration sharing: “Compassion, empathy and a willingness to meet people where they are motivates each of us. And kindness and a desire to be of service is our common goal.”
For the first time in its two-decade history, the 2024 award program recognized Emerging Leaders* as a separate category, highlighting the contributions of young people in this province. Walter Pela remarked that “all these exceptional individuals embody the essence of leadership, dedication, and selflessness, serving as beacons of inspiration. Communities thrive when individuals generously share their talents, passion, and time in service to others, and these awardees exemplify the transformative impact of such contributions.”
This year’s recipients selected by an independent jury include:
Troy MacBeth Abromaitis, Richmond
Prof. Nemkumar Banthia, Vancouver
Devon Black, Victoria
Earl Blacklock, Parksville
Robin Dawes, Williams Lake
Jane Devji, Delta
Doreen & Wayne Hewitt, Salt Spring Island
Christopher Lee, Vancouver*
Siân Lewis, Kamloops
K. Brian McConaghy, Delta
Connally McDougall, Vancouver*
Marcus Mosely, North Vancouver
Coralie Nairn, Vernon
Alison O’Toole, Prince Rupert
Jazz Pabla, West Kelowna
Len Pierre, Surrey
Rishika Selvakumar, Richmond*
Wendy Toyer, Richmond
Mary Trentadue, New Westminster
Janna Wale, Gitanmaax/Hazelton*
Watch the recording of the event here.
Click here to view photos from the presentation ceremony.
BC Achievement thanks the nominators for their commitment to acknowledging those who make a positive impact in our community and serve as inspiring models for others to follow. And to the award recipients, their journey with BC Achievement is just beginning!
Together, we tell the stories of what makes our province, and its communities, achieve excellence and, in doing so, inspire change.
Nominations for the 2025 program are open and throughout the year at bcachievement.com until February 15, 2025
BC Achievement: Elevate Excellence. Share Success. Inspire Change.