Black Pearls Gala 2026

Saturday, October 24, 2026 | Pearson convention center

Experience the magic of celebration and empowerment at the annual Black Pearls Gala—an event like no other, dedicated to honouring the extraordinary achievements of Black women in Canada. On Saturday, October 24th, 2026, join us in recognizing the phenomenal achievements of 100 Black women who are not just making waves, but creating entire oceans of change in their communities and professional spheres. Whether you're a seasoned professional, an aspiring leader, or simply someone who values diversity and excellence, the Black Pearls Gala invites you to be part of something truly special. Save the date and prepare to be captivated by stories of triumph, forge meaningful connections, and join us in celebrating the trailblazing spirit of Black women in Canada.

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Elegant banquet table setup with a tall floral centerpiece of white and blush roses and orchids, surrounded by wine glasses, candles, and gold chairs in a decorated event space.

Reception -4:30 PM

Red Carpet Ready

Capture the moment with a glamorous photo opportunity in your fabulous evening wear.

Hors d'Oeuvres

Be immersed in a vibrant atmosphere with appetizers and drinks flowing endlessly.

Check-In

Our friendly staff will get you settled in and prepared for the evening.

Photobooths & Musical Entertainment

Make memories in our photobooth activations and enjoy some light entertainment.

Dinner & Awards - 7:00 PM

Welcome

Take your seats and get ready for an electric and exciting evening ahead.

Delectable 4-Course Meal

Savour a delightful four-course meal featuring appetizers, main course, dessert, and two complimentary bottles of wine for your table.

Awards Ceremony

Celebrate and cheer on the honourees of Canada's Top 100 Black Women to Watch 2025!

Live Performance

Get ready to be moved, inspired, and energized by the talented and local Black women artists.

Guest Speakers & Keynote

Our speakers will leave you empowered and inspired, and teach you and be kinder to yourself while creating the change you want to see in the world.

In Memoriam

As we celebrate our 10 year anniversary, it is imperative that we recognize past honourees who are no longer with us, and acknowledge the impact and legacy they left behind.

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Special Guests of 2025 Gala

Close-up of a woman with short dark hair, wearing red lipstick, pearl earrings, and a black collared shirt, in an indoor setting.

The Honourable Marci Ien

Award-Winning Journalist | Former Minister for Women and Gender Equality and Youth The Honourable Marci Ien’s journey is one of resilience, courage, and lasting impact. A familiar face to millions of Canadians, Marci made the bold leap from award-winning journalist to trailblazing politician — and never looked back. In 2020, she was elected Member of Parliament for Toronto Centre under the Liberal Party. Soon after, she was appointed Minister for Women and Gender Equality and Youth, where she led with purpose and action. Marci launched Canada’s first-ever 2SLGBTQI+ Action Plan and National Action Plan to End Gender-Based Violence, bringing bold, coordinated leadership to issues affecting millions. Before politics, Marci had a celebrated career in journalism. As co-host of CTV’s Canada AM and later, The Social, she became known for thoughtful, authentic conversations that connected with audiences across the country. She also interviewed world leaders, cultural icons, and sports legends, bringing curiosity and compassion to the spotlight. Marci is the author of the memoir Off Script, and a recipient of multiple honours, including the Harry Jerome Award, a RTDNA Award, and an Honorary Degree in Journalism from Humber College. www.speakers.ca She lives in Toronto with her two children, Blaize and Dash, and continues to use her voice to inspire change, open doors, and lead with empathy. Please welcome... The Honourable Marci Ien.

Woman with long wavy hair standing by a window, wearing a black jacket, looking thoughtfully outside.

Special Guest Speaker

Cheryl Nembhard is a dynamic speaker, podcaster, TV host, and justice advocate. Her dedication to community service includes working with at-risk youth, former gang members and sexual assault victims. She has been named one of the 'Top 100 Women to Watch in Canada,' and CBC Canada has recognized her as one of 150 women who are making Canada a better place. She is also a Harry Jerome Award winner for social advocacy and has recently received the 2025 Afroglobal Excellence award for Media. Cheryl is a 10-season co-host of See, Hear, Love and the host of On The Path with Cheryl Nembhard, both on YES TV and on all audio platforms. Her show now also streams across the U.S. She is currently the Executive Director of the Women Speakers Collective, a worldwide organization focused on equipping, amplifying, and empowering the voices of women across the globe.

  • Keynote Speaker: The Honourable Marci Ien
    Former Minister for Women and Gender Equality and Youth

  • A woman with long black hair, wearing a red jacket, looking directly at the camera with her hand resting below her chin. The background is plain white.

    Performer: Rachelle Show

    Canada’s Afro-Pop Visionary

  • A woman with dreadlocks wearing sunglasses, a white sleeveless top, black pants, and gold arm and ear jewelry, standing outdoors in a city setting with blurred lights and buildings in the background.

    Performer: Silla Sky
    Canadian R&B and Afro-Fusion Artist

  • Performer on stage wearing a fluffy fur outfit, sunglasses, and smiling, holding a microphone, under stage lights

    Performer: Ammoye
    Award-Winning Vocalist Redefining Canadian Reggae

  • A woman with braided pink hair wearing a green dress, sitting against a gray background. She is holding headphones and has a serious expression.

    Host: DJ Mel Boogie
    Canada’s Trailblazing Queen of Hip-Hop and Turntablism

  • A woman in a red, sequined, off-the-shoulder dress standing in front of a backdrop with the Canada Legacy Honors logo, smiling with hands on hips.

    Red Carpet Host: Andria Thompson

    Mrs. Universe Jamaica 2023, Certified Image Consultant, & TV Host

  • Woman with long, wavy hair standing by a window, wearing a black jacket, looking out thoughtfully.

    Special Guest Speaker: Cheryl Nembhard
    Filmmaker, Podcaster, TV Host

Logo for MD 36 Evolution Photo Booth featuring a gold circular outline, silhouettes of people, a camera, and text 'MD 36 Evolution Photo Booth'.
A logo with the words 'dance immersion' above a stylized black and white animal skull, surrounded by a turquoise circular border.
A collection of logo designs for a radio station named FLOW98.7 FM, featuring the station's name in bold black and pink text, with the tagline "WHERE BLACK MUSIC LIVES" underneath. The logos are in different sizes and styles, some with black backgrounds and white text, others with white backgrounds and black or pink text.

Thank you to our 2025 sponsors

Logo for EMI Creative Studios with EMI in white inside a red square and 'Creative Studios' in black text.
A logo with a heart shape incorporating a stylized plant with leaves inside, accompanied by the text 'Diversity, Equity, Inclusion.'
A circular logo with 'TPP' in large navy blue and orange letters in the center. Outside the circle, the words 'THE PUBLISHING' are written in navy blue and 'GUILD' in orange, forming a ring around the logo.
Logo of the Black Women's Institute for Health featuring a silhouette of a Black woman with natural hair and the institute's name in colorful text.
Logo of 'Braids On Call' featuring stylized purple text 'boc' with the full name written below.
A colorful graphic with abstract shapes and text in French promoting the Ontario Student Loan Guarantee Program, highlighting its ranking as the number one program for success in Ontario.
Logo of Yorkville with blue text and a stylized blue shield emblem.
Business card for Lorraine Telesford, CEO and Chief Solutions Architect, featuring her photo, contact information, social media icons, logos of various business tools, awards, and a graphic of a woman running on a track.
Logo of Connecture Canada featuring a multicolored circular symbol and blue text.
Logo for BNY Beauty & Nails by Yaz with the initials BNY in large bold letters.
Logo of The Melanin Studio, featuring a black background, gold glitter border, and white text reading 'The Melanin Studio: Experts in Skin & Body Care for All'.
A logo with a red apple shape and silhouettes of a man and woman facing each other, with the text 'TOURNAMENT OF THE EDUCATION' encircling the image.
Colorful illustration with three balloons in blue, gold glitter, and pink, with the words "Lexy Balloons" at the bottom in pink and purple script font.
Three women standing together at an event, smiling with a purple and black curtain background, decorated with white flowers and purple balloons.
A woman smiling at an event, wearing a black dress with purple and yellow embroidery, holding a pink rose, with earrings, a necklace, and rings, standing in front of a backdrop that reads CIBWE.
Two women at an award ceremony, one holding a certificate and the other standing beside her, both smiling. The background features dark curtains and purple lighting.
Two women joyfully dancing at a celebration, surrounded by purple and gold balloons, with one wearing a green and yellow patterned dress and the other in a white and gold dress.
A woman in a shiny green dress posing with her hand on her hip at the CIBWE Expo & Convention, with a backdrop featuring the event's logo and name.
A woman with blonde hair and red lipstick at a dinner event, sitting at a table with food, with a blurred background of other guests and floral decorations.
Two women smiling, one holding an award and a certificate at an indoor event with purple curtains and floral decorations in the background.
Two women smiling at a formal event, seated at a table with desserts and drinks, with other guests and elaborate floral decorations visible in the background.
Two women standing together at an award ceremony, holding a certificate and a glass trophy. The woman on the left wears glasses and a peach-colored headscarf and dress, while the woman on the right wears a blue floral dress. They are in front of a pu
Two women standing together; one is holding a certificate, both smiling at an event with purple curtains in the background.
Three women sitting at a table, smiling, at a formal event, with tableware and purple tablecloths.
Four people posing at a formal event. Two men in blue suits and two women in colorful dresses, smiling, with other guests in the background.
A young woman with long, curly black hair wearing a shiny purple gown, holding a yellow rose, and smiling at the camera in front of a white backdrop with logos for the Canada International Black Women Excellence Expo & Convention (CIBWE).