The Association for New Canadians has honoured members of the community for their commitment to inclusion, diversity, equity and anti-racism.

The association handed out their IDEA awards yesterday afternoon as part of their annual summit.

Six people and one business were singled out for their work in promoting diversity throughout their fields and in their communities.

Dr. Boluwaji Ogunyemi, who took home the Cultural Educator of the Year Award for his work with Memorial University, has lived in the province for over 30 years after his parents moved here from Nigeria.

He says his family was the only black family in the neighbourhood growing up and he’s excited to see how diversity has improved in the city over the years.

IDEA Award Winners:

• Dr. Boluwaji Ogunyemi received the Cultural Educator of the Year Award. His nominator said, “Dr. Ogunyemi has a long track record of advocacy, education and leadership in anti-racism and diversity.”
• Zuairia Kamal was given the Anti-Racism and Inclusivity Youth Award! In her nominator’s words, “Zuairia has shown incredible commitment to community outreach and helping local people connect with newcomers.”
• Isaac Adejuwon, founder and CEO of Metricsflow received the Bridget Foster Cultural Icon Award! His nominator said, “Isaac has used his experience through his own journey as an international student to become a successful entrepreneur and notable leader in the community.”
• Gerald Albert Barnes and Krista Barnes share the Community Hero Award! “Gerald and Krista have worked hard in Corner Brook to help create a welcoming home for newcomers,” says their nominator, “not only for my family but for many.”
• Darren Durdle of Mary Brown’s is this year’s winner of the RBC Diversity Leadership Award. His nominator noted the considerable effort Mr. Durdle has put into making his workplace inclusive and diverse, creating a welcoming and comfortable environment for all staff. This is reflected, the nominator says, in the success of his stores, and the employee retention rate.
• The Murray Premises Hotel was awarded the Hospitality NL International Ambassador Award! “We are a close team and it has added tremendously having people from different countries join our family,” a hotel representative said, noting that having multilingual employees adds to the hotel’s ability to serve guests from all over the world to a higher standard.
• Lloydetta Quaicoe is ANC’s Diversity Champion Award for 2022. Lloydetta, founder and CEO of Sharing Our Cultures, has been an advocate for creating spaces where students learn about the many cultures that make up the province of NL.