2026 IMPACT Gala Recap: A Night of Community, Celebration & Impact
On October 3, 2026, more than 200 guests came together for the Fourth Annual IMPACT Gala, hosted by the Federation of Black Canadians (FBC) and Skills For Life (SFL).
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The evening brought together community members, leaders, partners and supporters to recognize excellence, strengthen connections and support the continued work of FBC and SFL.
The IMPACT Gala brings people together for a purpose that extends well beyond one evening. It helps sustain our programs such as the Black Entrepreneurship Program (BEP), Student Success Leadership Program (SSLP), Youth Employment and Skills Strategy (YESS), and Skills For Life programming.
Throughout the night, we celebrated the achievements of our award recipients, heard from community leaders, enjoyed live performances and raised support for programs that create opportunities for Black and marginalized communities.
An Evening of Celebration
Our host, Femi Lawson, guided guests through an evening of recognition, entertainment and community.
We were pleased to welcome MPP Charmaine Williams, Brampton City Councillor Rod Power and MP Shafqat Ali, who joined us in recognizing the importance of leadership, service and opportunity within the Black community.
We also extend our appreciation to Barry Green and the Barry and Laurie Green Family Trust, along with the many leaders, partners and special guests who supported the evening.
Ange (Angeline Bailey) and Ṣẹwà delivered soulful performances that brought warmth and energy to the room. Thank you to both artists for sharing their talents, and to DJ Mars Forever for keeping the celebration going throughout the evening.
Games, Prizes & Giveaways
The evening also brought some friendly competition, with guests taking part in Mission Trivia, Neighbourhood Bingo, the 50/50 draw, Closest to the Prize, and other interactive activities. A variety of exciting prizes were up for grabs, including Toronto Raptors tickets, adding even more fun and excitement to the evening.
Celebrating Our 2026 IMPACT Award Recipients
A key part of the evening was the IMPACT Awards Ceremony, recognizing individuals whose leadership, advocacy, talent and service are making a difference in their communities.
Excellent Student Award — Aya Gadi
Presented by Brenda, TD Bank
Outstanding Mentor Award — Kimora Lee Harris-Taylor
Presented by Amie, TD Bank
Black Business Leader Award — Ogaga Johnson
Presented by Black Founders Network
Community Health Advocate Award — Shane Joseph
Presented by the Barry and Laurie Green Family Trust
Community Impact Award — Anan Xola Lololi
Presented by FACE Coalition
Exceptional Allyship Award — Andrea Pearl
Presented by Mansha Plan Foundation
Promising Athlete Award — Malik Oyinloye
Presented by the Khem Birch Foundation
Excellence in Justice Advocacy Award — Nicholas Marcus Thompson
Presented by Skills For Life
Young Black Entrepreneur Award — Danica Bruno
Presented by Nobellum
Black Builder Award — Korina Thomas-Reynolds
Presented by Amoye, Pitch Better
IMPACT Creator Award — Lilian Mayombo
Presented by Tychon Carter and Erin-Ashley Talucci
Thank You to Our Sponsors, Donors & Supporters
The IMPACT Gala is made possible through the support of organizations and individuals who contribute their resources, time and expertise.
Thank you to our award sponsors: TD Bank, FACE Coalition, Black Founders Network, Nobellum, Mansha Plan Foundation, Khem Birch Foundation, Pitch Better, and the Barry and Laurie Green Family Trust.
We also thank our table sponsors: Royal Bank of Canada (RBC), University of Toronto Mississauga and Centennial College.
We are grateful to our donors: Longo’s, August Aesthetica, Raise Away, Lewin Elite and Detailing Kings.
We also recognize the broader network of funders supporting the work of FBC and SFL, including the Government of Canada, Peel Region, Scotiabank, RBC, Catapult Canada, Foundation for Black Canadians, City of Toronto, Ontario Trillium Foundation, City of Brampton, Canadian Race Relations Foundation, The Co-operators Foundation, Brampton Caledon Community Foundation, Mississauga Foundation, Gloria Baylis Foundation, Project Change Foundation, Build a Biz Kids, Peter Gilgan Foundation and Universal Music Canada.
Thank you as well to everyone who contributed through donations, pledges, the silent auction, raffle, 50/50 draw, Champion Board and other fundraising activities. These contributions directly support the continued work of FBC and SFL.
Our Volunteers
Our volunteers played an essential role in making the Gala possible. From registration and guest support to fundraising activities, award coordination and event logistics, their work could be seen throughout the evening.
We were also proud to recognize Yonathan Kristos for six years of volunteer service on the Skills For Life Board. Thank you to our FBC and SFL Board members, staff, award review committee and everyone who contributed behind the scenes.
This Is IMPACT.
Impact is about uplifting others, creating opportunities, giving back and showing up for our community. More than 200 people came together to celebrate excellence, build connections and contribute to this work.
One of many guests summed it up perfectly: “This was the best Gala yet.” A reflection of the IMPACT Gala’s continued growth.
There are many ways to continue contributing to this impact. If you haven’t already, we invite you to become an FBC member, volunteer with FBC, or make a donation. The Gala may have ended, but the impact continues.
Become an FBC Member:
https://fbcfcn.ca/get-involved/
Volunteer with FBC:
https://fbcfcn.ca/volunteer/
Donate to FBC:
https://fbcfcn.ca/donate/
