Award Winners 2016

Read about our amazing recipients of the 2016 Manitoba LGBT* Chamber of Commerce Awards

The Manitoba LGBT* Chamber of Commerce presented its annual Chamber Awards on Thursday, November 24, 2016. This year’s awards were sponsored by Aboriginal Peoples’ Television Network, with additional support from Red River College, Travel Manitoba, RBC and Homewood Suites by Hilton.

An important way that the Chamber contributes to and promotes our vibrant and diverse economy is by seeking nominations and recognizing those who have made incredible contributions through our annual awards. Receiving a nomination is further proof of the great work that individuals and organizations are doing in the LGBT and business communities in Manitoba.

This year our awards selection committee was made of some previous years’ award winners and some members of the Chamber Board and they found it very difficult to select just one recipient for each award.

Below are the 2016 Chamber Award Recipients.

Corporate Ally Award

TD Bank Group TD Bank has been a key sponsor for Pride Winnipeg since 2010. Without TD's support the Pride Festival simply couldn't happen as the funding helps secure everything from tents to talent. TD is also involved with over 100 other LGBTTQ* organizations and...

Tourism & Hospitality Award

ALT Hotel As one of the newest hotels in Winnipeg, this TAG certified hotel dove into serving LGBT Markets, hosting chamber events, the only hotel participating in the Pride parade this summer, participating in the pride run, becoming official hotel of the pride...

Student Award

Hayato Nakabayashi Hayato is an excellent and insightful student. His academic advisor noted that Hayato's thesis is based in the field of human resource development and explores the work experiences of Asian, gay male, immigrants in the Canadian workplace. He is...

New Business Award

Oh Doughnuts Oh Doughnuts supplies gourmet-style doughnuts to an increasing number of Winnipeg restaurants and coffee shops. Owner Amanda Kinden's treats, made with locally produced organic flour and eggs and, when called for, fair-trade organic chocolate, are as...

Community Builder Award – Organization

RPM: Rainbow Pride Mosaic RPM have been an active part of the U of M student environment for years -- helping to make university life easier and enjoyable for LGBT students and allies. They have raised money for causes in our community including Rainbow Resource...

Community Builder Award – Individual

Michelle McHale Michelle McHale has been a leader in Manitoba's LGBT* community over the past year with her tenacity and passion to spread the Pride movement to Steinbach, a community that has been the centre of a diversity controversy. Her personal story of...

Trailblazer Award

Shandi Strong Shandi has been an out, visible advocate and role-model in the trans community since transitioning herself many years ago. She faced a very discriminatory workplace but didn't let that stop her from becoming a visible leader in the trans communities. She...