Untapped Awards 2024: Celebrating Excellence in Workplace Accessibility
11th Annual Untapped Workplace Inclusion Awards held by Accessible Employers, Open Door Group and CAN WiN
On September 19, 2024, the 11th Untapped Workplace Inclusion Awards brought together over 300 guests at PARQ Vancouver and more than 600 attendees online to celebrate a movement that’s reshaping the workplace. Hosted by Open Door Group in partnership with Accessible Employers and Canadian Partners Workforce Innovation (CANWiN), the event was a strong testament to the power of disability inclusion and the accessibility efforts happening across British Columbia.
With a spirit of connection and joy, the day was dedicated to honouring those who are making workplaces more diverse, inclusive, and accessible for all. From small businesses to public sector champions, nominees and recipients filled the room—and the virtual space—with their inspiring stories, innovative ideas, and unwavering commitment to fostering a more inclusive & accessible workplaces.
The event began with a heartfelt Territory Acknowledgment from Elder Carleen Thomas, grounding us in gratitude. Stephanie Cadieux, Canada’s Chief Accessibility Officer, delivered an inspiring message, reminding us that “Accessibility is everyone’s business” and encouraging us to continue breaking barriers. Megan Dewar then touched hearts by sharing her remarkable employment journey as a member of the disability community, leaving the audience deeply moved.
An insightful panel discussion, moderated by Yat Li, Associate Director at Accessible Employers, explored the theme of “Accessibility at the Workplace.”
The panel featured Nerissa Allen (President & CEO, Black Business Association of BC), Ruby Ng (CEO, Canadian Mental Health Association, Vancouver-Fraser), Tammy Young (Vice President, People & Culture at TransLink), and Madhavee Inamdar (Manager, Diversity, Inclusion & Belonging at BCLC). Their engaging conversation sparked valuable ideas and practical insights on how we can work together to create more inclusive and accessible workplace for all.
Adding a special touch, Open Door Group’s Thrive participants crafted beautiful boutonnieres for the nominees, while Granola Kids provided delightful treats that sweetened the occasion. The event closed on a high note with a moving poem by Elliott Slinn, whose powerful words left the audience inspired and reflective.
This year, we were thrilled to receive 83 nominations from across British Columbia—each a shining example of what’s possible when workplaces open their doors to everyone.
We are proud to announce the finalists and recipients of Untapped Awards 2024:
Inclusion Champion – Individual
Award Recipient: Gina Martin
Finalists: Susan Noble, Karan Sood
Inclusive Culture Champion – Non-Profit Organization
Award Recipient: WISH Drop-In Centre Society
Finalists: Canuck Place Children’s Hospice, Pacific Autism Family Network
Inclusive Culture Champion – Social Enterprise
Award Recipient: Paper Planes Cafe
Finalists: DIVERSEcity Skills Training Centre, Mission Possible
Inclusive Culture Champion – Public Sector
Award Recipient: Insurance Corporation of British Columbia (ICBC)
Finalists: British Columbia Lottery Corporation (BCLC), TransLink
Inclusive Culture Champion – Small BC Business (1-99 employees)
Award Recipient: Fairware
Finalists: Sunshine Valley Community Services, Easy Surf Collective
Inclusive Culture Champion – Medium & Large BC Business (100+ employees)
Award Recipient: KPMG Canada
Finalists: TransLink, Pacific Blue Cross
Pledge to Measure Leading Organizations 2024
Small Business (% of workforce with disabilities) AND Small Business (# of people with disabilities): Spinal Cord Injury BC
Medium-Sized Business (% of workforce with disabilities): Open Door Group
Medium-Sized Business (# of people with disabilities): Tacofino
Large Business (% of workforce with disabilities) AND Large Business (# of people with disabilities): BC Public Service
Congratulations to all the 2024 Untapped Award nominees, finalists, and recipients.
Your commitment to fostering a more inclusive and barrier-free BC is inspiring, and we celebrate your leadership in advancing workplace accessibility.
To all the sponsors, volunteers, vendors, nominees, finalists, and recipients—thank you for your relentless dedication to creating barrier-free, welcoming workplaces. You are the reason we are one step closer to a truly inclusive and accessible world.
We also extend our gratitude to everyone who tuned in, whether in person or through our live stream. Your presence, support, and energy helped create an unforgettable atmosphere of shared purpose and celebration.
This event was not just about recognizing achievements—it was a powerful reminder that together, we are making lasting change!
Stay tuned for updates on Untapped 2025!
From exciting nomination opportunities to impactful sponsorships, we can’t wait to see who will become as the next champions of workplace inclusion. Together, let’s keep building a more diverse, accessible, and equitable future—one where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.
See you at Untapped 2025!