The UWI Canada Initiative

The UWI Canada Initiative Funding scholarships for students at The University of the West Indies.

The UWI Canada Initiative provides scholarships to students at The University of the West Indies. Join us for the UWI Toronto Benefit Awards on April 20, 2024, honouring phenomenal global leaders making an impact in their communities and the world and show your support for the next generation of Caribbean changemakers.

We are proud to have honoured you with the Vice Chancellor's Award in 2019. We miss you already. 💔🌍
05/05/2026

We are proud to have honoured you with the Vice Chancellor's Award in 2019. We miss you already. 💔🌍

We are proud to recognize Scotiabank as the Lead Sponsor of the UWI Toronto Benefit Awards for the 17th consecutive year...
04/03/2026

We are proud to recognize Scotiabank as the Lead Sponsor of the UWI Toronto Benefit Awards for the 17th consecutive year.

As a longstanding supporter of education and community development, Scotiabank continues to play a vital role in expanding access to opportunity. Their commitment to investing in people and communities aligns deeply with the mission of the gala — supporting scholarships for students at The University of the West Indies.

Through their leadership and partnership, more students are empowered to pursue their academic goals and become the next generation of Caribbean leaders.

We are grateful for Scotiabank’s continued support and shared vision for a stronger, more inclusive future.

At the heart of the UWI Toronto Benefit Gala’s enduring impact is the leadership and vision of Dr. Donette Chin-Loy Chan...
03/29/2026

At the heart of the UWI Toronto Benefit Gala’s enduring impact is the leadership and vision of Dr. Donette Chin-Loy Chang, our Patron and champion since the very beginning.

Her unwavering commitment to students and education has helped shape the vision and impact of this event — creating life-changing opportunities for Caribbean students through the University of the West Indies.

She embodies the very spirit of this gala — investing in potential, empowering the next generation, and strengthening the global Caribbean diaspora. Her leadership and generosity continue to shape the future of countless young scholars.

We are deeply grateful for her enduring support and legacy of service.

A global voice for peace, justice, and human dignity, Dr. Siyabulela Mandela will be honoured with the Global Humanitari...
03/22/2026

A global voice for peace, justice, and human dignity, Dr. Siyabulela Mandela will be honoured with the Global Humanitarian Award at the 2026 UWI Toronto Benefit Gala.

A descendant of the Thembu Kingdom and bearer of the historic clan name Madiba, Dr. Mandela carries forward a powerful legacy rooted in leadership and service. Born in Qunu, South Africa, his work is grounded in a deep commitment to human rights, conflict resolution, and sustainable development across Africa and the Middle East.

A scholar and practitioner, Dr. Mandela has held academic roles including Professor of Politics and International Relations, and currently serves as a Research Affiliate at Nelson Mandela University. His work with organizations such as Journalists for Human Rights has advanced peacebuilding initiatives across the continent.

Through his research, advocacy, and leadership, Dr. Mandela continues to champion African-centered approaches to conflict resolution, empowering communities and shaping a more just and peaceful global future.

We celebrate his ongoing commitment to promoting human rights across global communities.

We are proud to honour Sagicor with the Patron’s Award at the 2026 UWI Toronto Benefit Gala.With more than 185 years of ...
03/21/2026

We are proud to honour Sagicor with the Patron’s Award at the 2026 UWI Toronto Benefit Gala.

With more than 185 years of history, Sagicor has grown from a pioneering Caribbean life insurance provider into a leading international financial services group, now operating in 19 countries and managing more than US$22.9 billion in assets. As one of the oldest insurers in the Americas, the company has played a vital role in shaping the Caribbean’s financial landscape while continuing to expand its presence across North America.

Beyond financial services, Sagicor is deeply committed to improving lives and strengthening communities. Through investments in health, education, youth development, and sport, and the dedication of its team, the organization continues to create meaningful, lasting impact across the regions it serves.

We celebrate Sagicor for its enduring leadership, community commitment, and vision for a stronger, more empowered future.

“See where the crowd is moving and go the other way.”This philosophy has guided Mr. Sam Ibrahim on his remarkable journe...
03/20/2026

“See where the crowd is moving and go the other way.”

This philosophy has guided Mr. Sam Ibrahim on his remarkable journey — and it’s one of the many reasons he is being honoured with the G. Raymond Chang Award at the 2026 UWI Toronto Benefit Gala.

From immigrating to Canada as a child to building the Arrow Group of Companies into a global enterprise spanning multiple industries, Mr. Ibrahim has created opportunities that reach far beyond business — employing more than 10,000 people across four continents.

A graduate of the University of Toronto Scarborough, his commitment to giving back is reflected in his $25 million donation to establish the Sam Ibrahim Centre of Inclusive Excellence in Entrepreneurship, Innovation and Leadership, supporting students and future changemakers.

His impact also extends into sport and community through ventures like the Scarborough Shooting Stars, inspiring pride and possibility at the local level.

Mr. Ibrahim’s story is a powerful reminder that bold thinking, vision, and purpose can create lasting social and economic impact. Join us in celebrating his achievements at the UWI Toronto Benefit Gala on April 25.

Celebrating a legacy of justice, leadership, and community impact, The Honourable Justice Donald F. McLeod will receive ...
03/18/2026

Celebrating a legacy of justice, leadership, and community impact, The Honourable Justice Donald F. McLeod will receive the Vice-Chancellor’s Award at the 2026 UWI Toronto Benefit Gala.

A trailblazer in the Canadian legal community, Justice McLeod has dedicated his career to justice, equity, and community empowerment. From founding The McLeod Group to his appointment to the Ontario Court of Justice in 2013, he has consistently broken barriers — becoming the first Black graduate of Queen's University Faculty of Law to be appointed a judge in Canada.

Beyond the courtroom, his impact continues through teaching, mentorship, and leadership. As an adjunct professor, community advocate, and co-founder of initiatives like the Federation of Black Canadians, Justice McLeod has helped shape conversations around criminal justice, leadership, and equity across the country.

His many honours — including recognition as one of the Most Influential People of African Descent in the World — reflect a lifetime committed to service and transformative change.

We celebrate Justice McLeod’s extraordinary contributions and his enduring impact on communities in Canada and beyond.

We are proud to honour the Black Opportunity Fund with the Chancellor’s Award at the 2026 UWI Toronto Benefit Gala.A com...
03/17/2026

We are proud to honour the Black Opportunity Fund with the Chancellor’s Award at the 2026 UWI Toronto Benefit Gala.

A community-led Canadian charitable organization, the Black Opportunity Fund is dedicated to building a prosperous, healthy, and thriving Black Canada by addressing systemic underinvestment in Black communities and challenging anti-Black racism through meaningful action.

Through innovative, community-driven funding models, the Black Opportunity Fund provides grants, loans, and equity investments that support Black-led businesses, charities, and community initiatives across the country. Their work strengthens organizations and leaders who are creating transformative change in areas such as education and youth development, health, entrepreneurship, arts and culture, gender equity, and food security.

We celebrate the Black Opportunity Fund for their leadership, vision, and commitment to empowering Black communities across Canada.

A powerful voice for justice and inclusion in Canada, the Honourable Marci Ien is the recipient of this year’s Vice-Chan...
03/14/2026

A powerful voice for justice and inclusion in Canada, the Honourable Marci Ien is the recipient of this year’s Vice-Chancellor’s Award at the UWI Toronto Benefit Awards.

A respected journalist, broadcaster, and public servant, Ms. Ien has built a remarkable legacy rooted in equity, inclusion, and justice. After a distinguished career in media — including roles with CTV News and as co-host of The Social — she entered public service in 2020, winning the election to parliament in Toronto Centre.

Soon after, she was appointed Minister for Women and Gender Equality and Youth. In that role, she led transformative national initiatives, including Canada’s first National Action Plan to End Gender-Based Violence and the country’s first 2SLGBTQI+ Action Plan, advancing safety, equality, and opportunity for communities across Canada.

Throughout her career — in journalism, public life, and advocacy — Ms. Ien has led with empathy, integrity, and a deep commitment to lifting others. Her leadership continues to inspire communities across the country and the diaspora.

Join us on April 25, as we celebrate her extraordinary impact: https://uwitorontogala.org

We are delighted to celebrate the work of the Lifelong Leadership Institute, recipient of the Chancellor’s Award at the ...
03/14/2026

We are delighted to celebrate the work of the Lifelong Leadership Institute, recipient of the Chancellor’s Award at the 2026 UWI Toronto Benefit Gala!

Established to commemorate the 50th anniversary of Jamaica’s independence, the Lifelong Leadership Institute was founded in 2013 as a Canadian non-profit dedicated to leadership development and educational empowerment within the Jamaican-Canadian and Black-Canadian communities.

Through mentorship, STEM learning, entrepreneurship training, leadership workshops, and partnerships with institutions, the organization supports nearly 300 young people annually with the skills, confidence, and ambition to become engaged leaders in their communities.

The institute stands as a powerful gift from the Jamaican diaspora in Canada to the broader Black community — helping the next generation unlock their brilliance.

We celebrate the Lifelong Leadership Institute at the UWI Toronto Benefit Awards on April 25 at the Ritz-Carlton in Toronto: https://uwitorontogala.org

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