Untapped Awards 2025: Breaking Barriers, Building Belonging
On September 19, 2025, more than 280 in-person guests and over 500 virtual attendees gathered for the 12th annual Untapped Workplace Inclusion Awards—now recognized as one of British Columbia’s most meaningful celebrations of workplace inclusivity and accessibility.
Hosted by Open Door Group, this year’s awards spotlighted the people and organizations redefining what it means to create workplaces where everyone belongs.
The day carried a spirit of connection and joy, honouring the individuals, organizations, and communities leading the charge toward more diverse, accessible, and equitable workplaces. From small businesses to public sector champions, the 91 nominees and award recipients inspired with their stories of innovation, resilience, and unwavering commitment to disability inclusion.
The program began with a Traditional Welcome by Elder Carleen Thomas, grounding the audience in gratitude and respect. Open Door Group CEO Alona Puehse followed with an impassioned call to courage: to overcome fear, stand together, and create workplaces where everyone can thrive in a rapidly evolving economy.
Dr. Matthew Chow, Chief Mental Health Officer at TELUS, delivered a keynote on the essential role of mental health in building trust and productivity. He emphasized that flexible workplaces are not only good for business but fundamental to human dignity. Canada’s Chief Accessibility Officer, Stephanie Cadieux, set the tone for the awards ceremony with a clear and urgent reminder: “Accessibility is not a trend—it is a must. Just do it.”
One of the most engaging moments of the day was the panel discussion, “Why Mental Health Matters,” moderated by Christine Buchanan of Open Door Group. Panelists Alissa Assu, Heather Grieve, and Fraser Mackenzie spoke candidly about lived experiences, sharing best practices for fostering mental health both in workplaces and in the wider community. Their authenticity resonated deeply with the audience, sparking conversations that extended well beyond the stage.
Adding a special touch, Thrive program participants hand-crafted boutonnieres for each nominee, while Granola Kids offered treats that reminded attendees of the value of community support. The event closed with a moving performance by poet Elliott Slinn, whose words captured the heart of the day: that inclusion is both a responsibility and a gift.
For many in attendance, the awards were more than a ceremony—they were a source of hope.
One participant shared: Being here makes me feel safe, encouraged, and motivated. It’s powerful to see so many people and organizations working together to make workplaces truly inclusive. It reminds me that I belong, and that progress is possible.”
This year’s award recipients and top finalists are:
Inclusion Champion – Individual
- Recipient: Niels Melis-De Lamper
- Finalists: Dr. Sara-Jane Finlay, Marco Pasqua
Inclusive Culture Champion – Non-Profit Organization
- Recipient: BC Libraries Cooperative
- Finalists: Binners’ Project, Canuck Place Children’s Hospice
Inclusive Culture Champion – Social Enterprise
- Recipient: Awl Together Leather
- Finalists: Commissionaires BC, Easy Surf
Inclusive Culture Champion – Public Sector
- Recipients: The University of British Columbia, BC Transit
- Finalists: BC Hydro, Vancouver Community College
Inclusive Culture Champion – Small BC Business (1–99 employees)
- Recipient: Dunbar Smiles
- Finalists: Awl Together Leather, AndHumanity
Inclusive Culture Champion – Medium & Large BC Business (100+ employees)
- Recipients: KPMG Canada, BCAA
- Finalists: TransLink, Microserve
Leaders within the Pledge to Measure
This year, we recognize the leading employers who are setting the standard within the annual Pledge to Measure.
Congratulations to all these outstanding organizations for fostering workplaces where employees with disabilities can thrive. Your leadership inspires others to create inclusive, accessible cultures nationwide.
Join the Pledge: PledgeToMeasure.org
Small organizations
Untapped Accessibility (90% disclosure within survey respondents) and Accessibrand Inc. (highest # of employees with disabilities, 22).
Medium organizations
Canuck Place Children’s Hospice and Microserve (26% disclosure within survey respondents) and Tacofino (# of employees with disabilities, 31).
Large organizations
Vancouver Community College (35% disclosure within survey respondents) and BC Public Service (# of employees with disabilities, 7,235).
Congratulations to all the 2025 Untapped Award nominees, finalists, and recipients.
As the curtain fell on Untapped 2025, the message was clear: building inclusive workplaces is not simply about compliance or recognition. It is about reshaping the future of work in Canada—one barrier removed, one door opened, and one life changed at a time.