Nominations Open for 2025 Black Leaders in Health Awards
November 19/2024
The annual awards celebrate and amplify the work of Black leaders who have had a significant impact on health and health systems in Ontario.
By Ishani Nath
Updated: November 27, 2024
Nominations for DLSPH’s 2025 Black Leaders in Health Awards are now open.
The annual awards were created to bring Black leaders in Ontario health and health systems to the forefront, inspiring future leaders and students with examples of what is possible.
“The Black Leaders in Health Awards are an opportunity to pause and celebrate people who we want to, but don’t always take the opportunity recognize and celebrate,” says DLSPH Director of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Ryan Hinds.
The idea for the awards was sparked by a conversation between Hinds and a Black DLSPH student who was feeling unsure if it is possible to make a true impact or change.
“In that conversation I realized that within my own limited knowledge, I had examples of Black leaders having an impact, but students may not have been hearing these. And that this may be an issue for more than just students,” says Hinds. The Black Leaders in Health Awards serve as a way to showcase Black leaders in Ontario healthcare and health systems and amplify their work.
Since 2023, the annual awards have honoured several Black changemakers. Recipients are selected based on their leadership and innovation, contribution to health and/or health systems in Ontario, positive impact on the health and wellbeing of communities, demonstrated commitment to addressing health disparities in the province and inspiring or mentoring future health leaders.
Previous honourees include President of the Canadian Association of Research Ethics Boards Delilah Ofosu-Barko, Black Health Alliance Project Manager and McMaster University Assistant Professor Fatimah Jackson-Best and Ontario Health Director of Health Analytics Cynthia Damba.
Hinds remembers sitting in the audience at the inaugural Black Leaders in Health Awards ceremony, listening to the presenter describe Damba’s work and realizing “how often we miss the excellence all around us.”
“Seeing how much that award and recognition from her peers meant to her, meant everything to me,” says Hinds.
This year, for the first time, the Black Leaders in Health Awards has added a category to recognize current DLSPH students who have demonstrated excellence and impact.
“With the introduction of the student award, thanks to planning with student leaders, I hope students see this as something they want to get more engaged with,” says Hinds, who is looking forward to celebrating students at the award ceremony in February 2025.
Nominations for the third annual Black Leaders in Health Awards are open now until Wednesday, December 4, 2024 at 11:59 pm ET.
Fill out the Black Leaders in Health Awards nomination form to help DLSPH recognize the Black leaders and students who are making a difference in health.