Publisher's Message

This edition of Diversity Magazine is loaded with inspirational content. On the cover, we have the fascinating story of Veronica Chail, host of Bollywood Boulevard on OMNI Television. She shares the story of how curiosity drives her to make a difference. We also have stories on leading in difficult times, CNN's profile on my wife and associate Patricia BebiaMawa and I, revolutionary Logiix products in our technology column, 10 qualities of a transformer, the imagineNATIVE film and media arts festival as well as passion as a way to fulfillment.

We are also pleased to present the 2013 Diversity Expo & Awards, held on Friday, October 4th at the esteemed Royal York Hotel in Toronto. The expo showcases harmony and innovation through a unique fair on careers, entrepreneurship, immigration and other opportunities, with an exhibition and seminar led by high profile inspirational presenters, public sector, corporate and community leaders. Since 2010, the program has celebrated harmony and innovation. It features a red carpet reception, networking, dinner, entertainment, inspiring recipients, high profile presenters, a classy ceremony and youth from the Crossover Mentorship Program.

The Diversity expo, awards, magazine and related initiatives advance harmony and innovation as a part of Silvertrust Communications, which was founded in 1996 on principles of quality, integrity and dexterity. The prestigious Diversity Awards program was launched at the Roy Thomson Hall in Toronto in 2010 and the magazine was launched in 2012. With a focus on cross-cultural integration, our mission is to inspire, transform, empower, showcase, celebrate and integrate elements of our mosaic.

Previous recipients include South Asian businessman and philanthropist HarpreetSethi; World Vision President Dave Toycen; National Vice President of OMNI TV Madeline Ziniak; former Lieutenant Governor of Ontario Lincoln Alexander; football legend Michael "Pinball" Clemons, Royal Bank Regional President Jennifer Tory and others. People of diverse backgrounds are nominated to receive one of 12 Diversity Awards each year. A committee under the direction of Silvertrust Communications selects and notifies successful candidates.

The 2013 Leadership Award goes to Albert Lo, Chairman of the Canadian Race Relations Foundation, while the Public Service Award goes to Her Worship Susan Fennell, Mayor of Brampton. Dr. MamdouhShoukri, President & Vice Chancellor of York University, receives the Education Award. Slava Levin, CEO & Co-Founder of Ethnic Channels Group, gets the Media Award. Kay Blair, Governor at Centennial College; Chair of William Osler Hospital and Executive Director of MicroSkills receives the Excellence Award. ArunSrivastava, CEO of Paystation Inc., a leading provider of payment solutions to financial institutions, gets the Enterprise Award.

The Rotary Club of Richmond Hill, whose current president is NasirAzam, receives the Transformation Award. Douglas Cardinal, the Aboriginal architect who designed the Canadian Museum of Civilization, receives the Lifetime Achievement Award. Thomas Saras, President of the National Ethnic Press & Media Council of Canada, receives the Media Award. Sir KarimHakimi, President of Hakim Optical, receives the Innovation Award. Denise Herrera Jackson, CEO of Scotiabank Toronto Caribbean Festival, gets the Heritage Award, while Grammy and multiple Juno winner Dan Hill, receives the Entertainment Award. It is our hope that you will enjoy reading this edition of the magazine.

Best regards,

Moses A. Mawa
Publisher, Diversity Magazine