Hosted by Open Door Group, the annual Untapped Workplace Inclusion Awards honour the remarkable achievements of individuals and businesses that are leading the way in cultural diversity, accessibility, and disability inclusion in workplaces across British Columbia. Their commitment serves as an inspiration to others and helps cultivate an environment where everyone feels valued and empowered.
Congratulations to the 2026 Untapped Awards nominees. Thank you for your commitment to advancing workplace inclusion and accessibility. The 2026 nominees, finalists, and award recipients will be celebrated at the Untapped Awards ceremony on September 18, 2026.
The 2026 nominees for the Untapped Awards are listed below:
Inclusive Champion—Individual
This award recognizes individuals who have made diversity and inclusion a top priority in their workplace. They consistently strive to create a diverse, accessible, and inclusive work environment where everyone can thrive. Meet our nominees:
- Adishi Gupta
- Alex Carey
- Alfiya Battalova
- Angelin Soosaipillai
- Annette Borrows
- Anu Pala
- Carina Kom
- Carol Simpson
- Charolette Yong-Hing
- Cliff Feng
- Libby Searle
- Marni Robinson
- Shivani Gandhi
- Stephen Pannuto
- Tammy Morris
- Lillian Fast
- Deborah Petrovitch
- Elizabeth Leston
- Greg Brown
- Heather Grieve
- Joanna Zhao
- Kate Spezowka
- Leah Watson
- Matthew Chow
- Nadine Strydom
- Nina Chou
- Owen Christon
- Sarah Tipler
- Sean McEwen
- Tanelle Bolt
- Whitney Friesen
Inclusive Culture Champion – Small Business (1-99 employees)
This category celebrates small businesses in BC that go above and beyond to foster diversity, accessibility, and inclusion in the workplace. They’ve worked tirelessly to make a significant impact on transforming the community. Meet our nominees:
- Bean Around Books
- Beauty 4 Ashes
- Fairware (Fairware Promotional Products Ltd.)
- Forte Workplace Law
- Happy Cities
- Harper Learning
- Hummingbird Café
- iilo Creative Alliance
- Just Kiddies ChildCare
- Kamloops Artisan's Bazaar & Soup Desire Cafe
- Korna Pet Natural Pet Supplies
- Left Turn Right Turn (LTRT)
- Matchbox Consulting Group Inc
- MindMosaic Inclusive HR
- Pony Room
- Roots & Rivers Consulting
- Spectrum Ability
Inclusive Culture Champion – Medium/ Large Business (100+ employees)
Medium and Large Business Champions demonstrate a commitment to identifying and employing diverse individuals, creating an inclusive workplace. They invest in their teams and support staff development while maintaining a strong bottom line. Meet our nominees:
- Acres Enterprises LTD
- Active Care Youth and Adult Services
- BC Investment Management Corporation (BCI)
- BC Lottery Corporation
- BGIS
- Big Way Hot Pot
- Foxy Box Laser + Wax Bars
- KPMG MSLP
- London Drugs- store 15
- Microserve
- Pacific National Exhibition (PNE)
- Parq Casino
- Taproot Community Support Services
- Tru Cooperative Bank
- Vancity Credit Union
Inclusive Culture Champion – Non-Profit
The Non-Profit Organization category recognizes organizations that prioritize equity, accessibility, and inclusion in their workplaces while serving the community. Meet our nominees:
- A Better Life Foundation
- Adaptive Strength Association of BC
- British Columbia Library Association (BCLA)
- Canadian Mental Health Association, Kamloops
- Cariboo Chilcotin Coast Tourism
- Easter Seals BC/Yukon
- Greater Vancouver Board of Trade
- KCR Community Resources
- Lookout Housing and Health Society
- National Institute of Disability Management and Research
- Powell River Brain Injury Society
- Power To Be
- RAD Recreation Adapted Society
- ReuseTechBC
- The Disability Foundation
- UVic Society for Students with a Disability (SSD)
- Vantage Point
- Western Canada Theatre
- Women of Recreation, Tourism, and Hospitality Association
Inclusive Culture Champion – Public Sector
Inclusion within the Public Sector is essential to serving a diverse public. Public Sector inclusive culture champions include government ministries, municipalities, post-secondary institutions, and more. Meet our nominees:
- BC Financial Services Authority
- BC Infrastructure Benefits Inc.
- BCcampus
- British Columbia Institute of Technology (BCIT)
- City of Burnaby-People and Culture
- Destination Canada
- District of Squamish
- Insurance Corporation of British Columbia
- The University of British Columbia
Inclusive Culture Champion – Social Enterprise
Social Enterprises have a clear social mission to create a lasting and positive impact through their goods and services. These champions know that representation matters and demonstrate this through an inclusive workforce that harnesses the strengths of people with disabilities. Meet our nominees:
- Binners’ Project
- Burnaby Hospice Thrift Store
- Buy Social Canada
- Cathy's Cafe LTD.
- Community Impact Real Estate Society
- H.A.V.E. Café
- Landscaping with Heart
- Little Sprout Cafe
- Potluck Cafe Society (2003) and Catering Inc.
Congratulations to all the 2026 Untapped Awards nominees! The finalists and award recipients will be revealed live on stage at the Untapped Awards ceremony on September 18, 2026.
