Canada’s Top 100 Black Women to Watch of 2025

Thank You For Your Interest-Nominations Are Now Closed.

CANADA’S TOP 100 BLACK WOMEN TO WATCH

Do you know an extraordinary Black woman making an impact — or could that woman be you?

Canada’s Top 100 Black Women to Watch celebrates and recognizes exceptional women who are shaping the future of Canada through leadership, entrepreneurship, innovation, and community impact.

This national recognition highlights trailblazers across industries who are breaking barriers, uplifting communities, and inspiring the next generation of leaders. The initiative is designed to elevate women who are driving change, creating opportunities, and advancing excellence in business, leadership, and service.

Nominations for the 2026 Canada’s Top 100 Women to Watch are now open and will close on May 1st, 2026 at 11:59 PM (EST).

We invite you to nominate yourself or a remarkable woman whose work deserves to be recognized on a national stage. Join us in celebrating women who are redefining leadership, empowering communities, and shaping the future.

Submit your nomination today and be part of a powerful movement recognizing excellence, influence, and impact.

Sunday, March 8th — Nominations open

Friday, May 1st — Nominations close

Friday, June 19th — Final Top 100 informed

Monday, August 10th — Top 100 honourees revealed

Saturday, October 24th — Black Pearls Gala

CATEGORIES

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

  • Recognizes Black women who demonstrate innovation, leadership, and success in building impactful businesses. This award celebrates entrepreneurs contributing to economic growth, community development, and industry advancement.

  • Recognizes Black women who demonstrate excellence, leadership, and expertise in their professions, making impactful contributions to their field and inspiring others through their success.

  • Highlights creativity and influence in arts, media, and entertainment, honouring Black women driving innovation, storytelling, and representation.

  • Recognizes young Black women (18-30 years old) who demonstrate outstanding potential and leadership in academics, professional growth, or community engagement, inspiring peers and future generations.

  • Celebrates excellence and dedication in sports, recognizing Black women who excel as athletes, coaches, or advocates for diversity in athletics.

  • Canada’s Top 100 Black Women to Watch is an annual recognition celebrating outstanding Black women in Canada who are leaders, innovators, and changemakers in their industries and communities.

  • Any Black woman in Canada making a significant impact or igniting change and innovation in her field or community can be nominated. Nominees must live and work Canada (min. 5 years) to be eligible.

  • Nominees are evaluated based on leadership, innovation, community involvement, and impact in their industries/communities. A selection committee reviews submissions, and sends consideration applications to 2nd round nominees who will be asked to share more information about themselves. The selection committee reviews the applications and chooses the final top 100 honourees.

  • Yes! Self-nominations are more than welcome if you meet the criteria.

  • While we appreciate your passion and will continuously acknowledge your hard work and achievements, previous winners will not be selected.

  • It is great to see those that have a strong support foundation from their friends, family, and colleagues, however, being nominated multiple times does not mean that someone is more likely to be selected.

  • The Black Pearls Gala will take place on Saturday, October 24th, 2026 at the Pearson Convention Centre in Brampton, Ontario. Tickets will be available for purchase at a later date.

  • Of course! The Black Pearls Gala is always open to the public.

TERMS AND CONDITIONS

  • The closing date for nominations is Friday, May 1st, 2026

  • Nominees must live or work in Canada (minimum 5 years) to be eligible for the award.

  • Previous winners cannot be nominated again.

  • CIBWE reserves the right to check the information contained in the nomination form.

  • CIBWE reserves the right to re-categorize nominations if appropriate.

  • Submitting a nomination does not guarantee selection, and individuals or organizations may submit multiple nominations.