Apply for Canada’s Top 100 Women to Watch Award

Application Deadline: 01 May 2026

About the Award

Canada’s Top 100 Black Women to Watch is a prestigious initiative that celebrates and recognizes exceptional women who are shaping the future of Canada through leadership, entrepreneurship, innovation, and community impact. The program is designed to elevate women who are driving change, creating opportunities, and advancing excellence in business, leadership, and service. This award shines a spotlight on Black women whose contributions often go unrecognized, providing them with the visibility, validation, and network connections that can amplify their impact. By celebrating these remarkable individuals, the initiative aims to inspire future generations and build a more inclusive narrative of success in Canada.

Award Categories

The award recognizes excellence across five distinct categories:

Business/Entrepreneurship: This category recognizes Black women who demonstrate innovation, leadership, and success in building impactful businesses. The award celebrates entrepreneurs contributing to economic growth, community development, and industry advancement. Nominees may include founders, business owners, and corporate leaders who are creating jobs, driving innovation, and building sustainable enterprises.

Professional: This category recognizes Black women who demonstrate excellence, leadership, and expertise in their professions, making impactful contributions to their field and inspiring others through their success. Nominees may include professionals in fields such as law, medicine, engineering, education, finance, technology, public service, and other sectors where they have demonstrated exceptional achievement and influence.

Arts & Media: This category highlights creativity and influence in arts, media, and entertainment, honouring Black women driving innovation, storytelling, and representation. Nominees may include visual artists, musicians, writers, filmmakers, journalists, actors, and creative professionals whose work is shaping culture, challenging narratives, and increasing representation.

Promising Youth: This category recognizes young Black women (18-30 years old) who demonstrate outstanding potential and leadership in academics, professional growth, or community engagement, inspiring peers and future generations. Nominees may include students, emerging professionals, youth activists, and young entrepreneurs who are already making their mark and showing exceptional promise for future impact.

Sports: This category celebrates excellence and dedication in sports, recognizing Black women who excel as athletes, coaches, or advocates for diversity in athletics. Nominees may include competitive athletes, sports administrators, coaches, and advocates working to increase participation and representation in sports at all levels.

Why This Award Matters

Representation matters. For too long, the contributions of Black women in Canada have been under-recognized and undervalued. This award addresses that gap by intentionally celebrating excellence across sectors and generations.

Recognition through this award provides:

• Visibility that can open doors to new opportunities
• Validation that affirms the importance of the nominee’s work
• Network connections with other exceptional Black women leaders
• Inspiration for younger generations who can see themselves in the award recipients
• A platform to amplify the issues and causes the nominees champion

Eligibility Requirements

To be considered for the award, nominees must meet the following criteria:

• Identify as a Black woman (cisgender, transgender, and non-binary individuals who identify as women are included)
• Live and work in Canada for a minimum of 5 years
• Demonstrate a significant impact or igniting change and innovation in her field or community
• Not be a previous winner of this award (while past nominees and individuals whose achievements are continuously acknowledged may be considered, previous winners are not eligible for reselection)

Nomination Process

Nominations can be submitted by individuals, organizations, or self-nominations. The process is designed to be accessible and straightforward.

What to Prepare:

• Nominee’s contact information and background
• Details about the nominee’s achievements and impact
• Specific examples of leadership, innovation, and community contribution
• Supporting materials that illustrate the nominee’s work and influence
• Contact information for the nominator (if different from nominee)

Selection Criteria:

• Demonstrated impact in the nominee’s field or community
• Innovation and leadership in their work
• Commitment to excellence and advancement
• Inspiration to others and contribution to community
• Alignment with the values of the award

How to Apply

Click here to submit a nomination. The application process is designed to be accessible and support is available for those who need assistance.

For More Information: Visit the Official Webpage of Canada’s Top 100 Women to Watch Award