Canada’s Top 100 Black Women to Watch of 2025

Do you know extraordinary Black women making remarkable strides in their fields? Let’s unite to celebrate and honour their exceptional achievements!

The Canada’s Top 100 Black Women to Watch of 2025 nominations are now open, and we invite you to shine a spotlight on these trailblazers and innovators at the annual Black Pearls Gala, taking place on Saturday, October 25, 2025.

We’re seeking women who have achieved groundbreaking milestones, shattered barriers in their careers, and are making a lasting impact in their communities and beyond. Read the category descriptions, and nominate an inspiring woman by Friday, March 28th, 2025, and help us recognize the brilliance shaping our future!

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CATEGORIES
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NOMINATION FORM

Friday, March 28th — Nominations close

Friday, April 11th — 2nd stage nominees informed

Friday, April 28th — Final Top 100 informed

Monday, August 25th — Top 100 honourees revealed

Saturday, October 25th — Annual Black Pearls Gala celebration

CATEGORIES

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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

NOMINATION FORM

  • 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 (18-25 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 25th, 2025 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 & Conditions

  • The closing date for nominations is Friday, March 28th, 2025

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

Thank you for your interest, Nominations are closed.