October 26, 2022 DEAM Awards Gala 2022 honoured 52 nominees from 45 companies in an inspiring evening showcasing excellence in inclusion and diversity in the workplace.

Seven companies walked away with the beautiful crystal statue which was sponsored by ** GEDI Hub **.

This year’s awards included a new award for Disability Employer of the Year . On their website, Plush Beauty Bar , the recipient of the inaugural award, Victoria Tanouye, describes the salon as being, “built on love and integrity with the intention to create a safe, judgement-free zone that encourages self love and authenticity”. In her emotional acceptance speech Victoria shared how because she didn’t feel like she had a space where she could thrive, she decided to create a salon where both staff and clients with neural divergence and disabilities would feel safe and welcome. Five years later, Plush Beauty Bar’s staff is comprised of individuals with neural divergence and developmental disabilities.

DHL, another award winner this year shared parts of their Diversity and Accessibility journey, highlighting how the focus on developing a DEIA strategy began in Calgary for DHL and now, based on Calgary’s framework, has spread worldwide throughout the organization.

The winners of this year’s Calgary DEAM Awards are:

• Suresh Maddan CPA Professional Corp

• Spray Lakes Sawmills Family Sports Centre

• Winners- Heritage Drive

• Pet Valu Royal Oak

• Delta Hotel - Calgary South

• DHL Express

• Plush Beauty Bar

• Congratulations to the winners and the organizers of this year’s wonderful event.