The 2026 AMSSA Diversity Awards will be presented at our Annual General Meeting on September 17, 2026.
The event will host representatives from our member agencies and community partners from across the province, government and community partners.
Award recipients will be features on AMSSA’s website and social media.
Deadline for nominations: July 31st at 5:00 PM
For AMSSA Members only:
The annual AMSSA Diversity & Leadership Awards recognize member organizations, staff and volunteers for their innovative contributions to diversity and inclusion in BC.
Riasat Ali Khan Diversity Award (Organization)
Riasat Ali Khan Diversity Award: An organization may submit only one program/project per year.
To make your nomination, please provide the following information in your written or video submission:
A brief overview (written: 400 words or less) of the organization’s current program and services, detailing its objectives, its target demographic, and the impact it has on the community.
A detailed description (written: 750 words or less) of an innovative program or project from the nominated organization that exemplifies community collaboration and outstanding service. This should outline the program/project’s design, execution, and outcomes, particularly highlighting how it fosters community collaboration and provides outstanding service.
Candidates are rated in the following areas:
- Developed and implemented an innovative program in the area of settlement, integration, multiculturalism, diversity and inclusion that demonstrated excellence.
- Demonstrated leadership and vision in the promotion of diversity; championing teamwork and collaboration and inspiring others to effect positive change.
- Made a significant contribution in the area of integration and diversity that demonstrated success and a positive outcome.
Any full organization or associate member of AMSSA may be nominated by an AMSSA member agency for the Riasat Ali Khan Diversity Award. Nominations will stay open until July 31st at 5:00 PM
Service Recognition Staff Award (Individual)
The Service Recognition Awards recognizes an individual staff member and a volunteer from member organizations for their significant contributions to further the vision and goals of the organization they work for and strengthen diversity in BC.
Service Recognition Staff Award
Candidates should have worked in the settlement, multiculturalism, diversity and inclusion sector for a minimum of five years and have been with an AMSSA member agency for at least two years.
To make your nomination, please provide the following information in your written or video submission:
A description (written: 400 words or less) of what sets the candidate apart. Discuss their unique attributes, how they have fostered participation and teamwork, how they have advocated for best practices, and how they have advanced the development of their organization, its mission, and mandate.
An overview (written: 750 words or less) of the nominee’s involvement in the creation, development, or support of one or more innovative programs focusing on community collaboration and partnership. Please detail the program(s) and the nominee’s role, illustrating their impact on the community and the difference they have made.
Candidates must meet the following criteria:
- Has worked in the Settlement, Multiculturalism, and/or Diversity and Inclusion sector for a minimum of five (5) years.
- Currently is working with an AMSSA member agency and has been for a minimum of two (2) years.
- Has developed or implemented an innovative program(s) at the agency and/or sector level that demonstrates significant measurable results.
- Has demonstrated leadership, and championed teamwork and collaboration that effected positive change.
* Any full organization or associate member of AMSSA may nominate a candidate from their own or other member organization
Service Recognition Volunteer Award
Candidates should have volunteered in the settlement, multiculturalism, diversity and inclusion sector for a minimum of five years and been with an AMSSA member agency for at least two years.
To make your nomination, please provide the following information in your written or video submission:
A description (written: 400 words or less) how the nominee fosters diversity and gives specific examples of their influence.
Additionally, a description (written: 750 words or less) of the nominee’s innovative projects or programs that build welcoming BC communities is required.
Candidates must meet the following criteria:
- Has volunteered in the Settlement, Multiculturalism, and/or Diversity and Inclusion sector for a minimum of five (5) years.
- Has volunteered with an AMSSA member agency for a minimum of two (2) years.
- Has created, developed, and/or supported innovative program(s) in the area of settlement and diversity.
- Has demonstrated long-standing leadership and promotion of diversity.
- Any volunteer meeting the above criteria may be nominated by a full organization or associate AMSSA member.
* Any full organization or associate member of AMSSA may nominate a candidate from their own or other member organization
Open Beyond AMSSA membership:
Welcoming nominations from across sectors and is not limited to AMSSA membership
Transformative Leadership Award (Individual)
Transformative Leadership Award (Individual) recognizes an individual who made a significant and demonstrable contribution to strengthening the settlement, multiculturalism, diversity and inclusion sectors in British Columbia.
To make your nomination, please provide the following information in your written or video submission:
Provide a brief overview (written: 400 words or less) of the nominee’s leadership and their connection to the BC settlement sector. Describe who the nominee is, the context in which they lead, and how their work has strengthened the settlement, multiculturalism, diversity and inclusion sectors in BC.
Provide a detailed description (written: 750 words or less) of a specific contribution, initiative, or body of work by the nominee that has driven meaningful change for the settlement sector. This should outline what the nominee did, how they approached the work, including collaboration, equity, and inclusion, and the outcomes or lasting impact of their contribution.
In a short reflection (written: 250 words or less) share why this nominee’s leadership is transformative; not just impactful. What sets their contribution apart? How has it shifted what is possible for the BC sector or the communities it serves?
Candidates may come from any sector and do not need to be affiliated with an AMSSA member agency. Nominations will stay open until July 31st, 2026.
Candidates must meet the following criteria:
- Has made a significant and demonstrable contribution to strengthening the settlement, multiculturalism, diversity and inclusion sector in British Columbia.
- Has demonstrated leadership that has influenced systems, policies, funding, or cross-sector collaboration in ways that benefit the settlement and integration, and equity, diversity and inclusion sectors.
- Has demonstrated collaborative leadership, building trust and partnerships across sectors.
- Has demonstrated a commitment to equity, anti-racism, truth and decolonization, and reducing systemic barriers affecting newcomers and marginalized communities.
- Any individual or organization may nominate a candidate. This award is not limited to AMSSA members.
