Premier David Eby and Walter Pela, Chair of the BC Achievement Foundation, today named the recipients of the 22nd annual Community Award. The program, presented by BC Achievement – an independent foundation that honours excellence and inspires achievement throughout the province – recognizes extraordinary British Columbians who build better, stronger and more engaged communities.
“The recipients of this year’s Community Award remind us that the strength of British Columbia lies in the compassion, creativity, and commitment of its people,” said Premier David Eby. “Whether they’re leading grassroots initiatives or mentoring future changemakers, these individuals exemplify the power of community and the impact of selfless service. Their efforts uplift us all and set a powerful example for what we can achieve together.”
“This year’s program shines a spotlight on emerging leaders alongside long-standing changemakers,” said Walter Pela, Chair of the BC Achievement Foundation. “Each recipient demonstrates what’s possible when individuals step up with purpose and heart. Their contributions strengthen our communities and remind us that leadership isn’t defined by title or age—it’s defined by impact, generosity, and vision.”
The Community Award recipients are selected by an independent jury panel, whose 2025 members include Mayor Suzan Hewat of Kaslo, Mayor Sarrah Storey of Fraser Lake, and past recipients: Herman Ho, MB, of Vancouver, Meeka Morgan of Ashcroft and Upkar Singh Tatlay of Surrey.
This year’s recipients include:
Tli’ichilwet Heather Andrew & Yuwunat Eileen Guss, Squamish Nation
Barbara Attig, Salmon Arm
Robert Best, Vancouver
Serena Caner, Canoe
Josephine Chauhan & Neera Vohra-Singh, Vancouver
Gwen Hansen, Quatsino
Floyd Hill, Vancouver
Valerie Jerome, Vancouver
Chantelle Krish, Vancouver
Carol Anne Lee, CM, OBC, Vancouver
Trevor Mack, Tl’etinqox Community of the Tsilhqot’in Nation
Glen McCall, Zeballos
Wenonah North Peigan, Vancouver
Robert Olson, North Vancouver
Bob Purdy, North Vancouver
Debra Rogers, Campbell River
Susan Scott Gabe, Duncan
Meste’si Llucmetkwe Colleen Seymour, Kamloops
Dr. Sabeen Tiwana, Vancouver
Amarjeet Singh Vabhana, Surrey
Rik Valentine, Argenta
Margaux Wosk, Vancouver
The Mitchell Award designate of the Community Award is selected by the BC Achievement Foundation Board in consultation with the program’s community. The award recognizes an individual who, through their work and/or volunteer activities, demonstrates a commitment to elevating people around them. This year’s Mitchell Award of Distinction recipient is Valerie Jerome, who empowers others to lead by creating within them a sense of self and belonging.
The 2025 Community Award recipients will be recognized in a formal presentation ceremony held in Victoria, BC, on May 7 in the presence of the Honourable Wendy Cocchia, Lieutenant Governor of British Columbia. The Community Award ceremony will be live streamed on BC Achievement’s website. Watch live beginning at 2:00 p.m. on May 7. The presentation ceremony will also be aired on TELUS’ Optik TV Channel 707 – after the event.
Each awardee will receive a medallion designed by Robert Davidson, OC, OBC. They will also be celebrated through an online campaign #shinethelightbc to commemorate their inspirational achievements positively impacting British Columbians.
BC Achievement is grateful to its funders and would like to recognize its Foundation Platform Partner, RBC; along with Community Program Partner: Connor Clark & Lunn Foundation – Emerging Leader Category.
