Annual Diversity Awards Gala (ADAG)

April 10, 2026

Our Annual Diversity Awards Gala is made possible through the generous support of our sponsors, whose commitment to inclusion helps bring this celebration to life. Their investment reflects a shared belief in building a community where diversity is recognized and everyone has the opportunity to belong and thrive. From empowering newcomer talent to strengthening inclusive workplaces, our sponsors play a vital role in driving meaningful change across Saskatoon, and we are proud to stand alongside them.

Title Sponsor

Build the Future Award Sponsor

Award Sponsors

Community Sponsors

Workplace Diversity, Inclusion, and Leadership – Small Enterprise (Less than 50 employees)

This award recognizes a Saskatoon-area workplace that demonstrated a strong commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in 2025.

This award category is subdivided into two categories:

Entry Pathways Award: For organizations that build inclusive pathways for newcomers starting their careers in Canada.
Inclusive Leadership Award: For organizations that empower skilled newcomers by hiring them into leadership or specialized roles.

Workplace Diversity, Inclusion, and Leadership – Large Enterprise (50+ employees)

This award recognizes a Saskatoon-area workplace that demonstrated a strong commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in 2025.

This award category is subdivided into two categories:

Entry Pathways Award: For organizations that build inclusive pathways for newcomers starting their careers in Canada.
Inclusive Leadership Award: For organizations that empower skilled newcomers by hiring them into leadership or specialized roles.

Employer of Choice Award – Small Enterprise (Less than 50 employees)

This award recognizes a Saskatoon-area business or organization that, in 2025, ran efficiently while creating a welcoming and supportive workplace for newcomers. The winner will have shown fair hiring practices, followed inclusive policies, and provided support to help newcomers grow within their role.

This award is subdivided into two categories:

Emerging Talent Award: Recognizing an employer that actively hires newcomers into entry-level roles, offering growth opportunities and inclusive onboarding.
Professional Talent Award: Recognizing an employer that hires newcomers into mid-to-senior roles, recognizing international experience and leadership.

Employer of Choice Award – Large Enterprise (50+ employees)

This award is subdivided into two categories:

Emerging Talent Award: Recognizing an employer that actively hires newcomers into entry-level roles, offering growth opportunities and inclusive onboarding.
Professional Talent Award: Recognizing an employer that hires newcomers into mid-to-senior roles, recognizing international experience and leadership.

Immigrant Entrepreneur Award

This award recognizes entrepreneurs who came to Canada as immigrants or refugees and, by 2025, have built a successful business based in Saskatoon. The recipient will have overcome common immigrant challenges such as language, funding, credential recognition, or market access to grow their business. The award also highlights business owners who create jobs, boost the local economy, and give back to the community, especially by supporting others with similar experiences.

Immigrant Woman Resilience Award

This award honors an immigrant or refugee woman who has demonstrated exceptional resilience and strength while navigating her journey in Canada. Through personal determination, professional growth, and community engagement, the recipient has turned challenges into opportunities not only for herself but for those around her. Whether through leadership, mentorship, or advocacy, she serves as an inspiration to others and contributes to a stronger, more inclusive Saskatoon and surrounding area.

Note: For the purpose of this award, “woman” includes anyone who self-identifies as a woman, including transgender women. Non-binary individuals who identify with womanhood may also be eligible.

Community Impact and Inclusion Award

This award recognizes an individual, whether immigrant, refugee, or Canadian citizen, who has made a strong and lasting impact on diversity, equity, and inclusion in Saskatoon and area. The recipient will have helped build a more fair and welcoming community by using their voice, leadership, and actions to support equal opportunities for all. Their efforts may be in their workplace, community, or volunteer work, and show a clear commitment to positive social change. Contributions must have been made within the last 20 years and are not limited to a single calendar year.

SODS Impact Partner

The SODS Impact Partner Award honors a partner whose collaboration with the Saskatoon Open Door Society’s (SODS) Employment Services Unit (ESU) and/or Womens Business Hub (WBH) contributed to a variety of service offerings in 2025 (January 1 – December 31). Specifically in Job Postings, ADAG Sponsorships, WEconnect Job Fair, Mock Interviews, Volunteer Opportunities, Mentorship Opportunities, Employer Showcases & Networking, and other programming.

This award is not currently accepting open nominations.

Please note that a newcomer is defined as someone who has recently arrived in Canada, typically within the last 5 years.

Permanent residents (recent immigrants)
Refugees
Some temporary residents (e.g., international students or workers who intend to stay long-term)
Immigrant: A person who has moved to Canada from another country with the intention of settling permanently.
Refugee: A person who has been forced to flee their home country due to conflict, persecution, or violence, and has
been granted protection and permanent residence in Canada through Canada’s refugee resettlement programs.