On June 19, more than 150 community members, partners, and award recipients gathered in Vancouver to celebrate the MOSAIC Awards 2025, an annual evening recognizing the achievements of immigrants, refugees, and changemakers committed to equity, inclusion, and social impact.
This year, MOSAIC received a record-breaking 222 applications, a powerful reflection of the resilience, talent, and aspirations of newcomers across the province.
Hosted by Neetu Garcha from Global National, the evening opened with a moving Traditional Welcome from Eagle Song Dancers, followed by a live performance of O Canada by the Yaletown String Quartet and MOSAIC staff member Guangke Dai. Guests were reminded of the significance of gathering on the unceded territories of the Musqueam, Squamish, and Tsleil-Waututh Nations.
MOSAIC Board Chair Petra Kuret expressed gratitude for the generosity of donors and partners, noting that over $41,500 in scholarships would be distributed during the ceremony. “Tonight is about hope and resilience,” she said. “And what a powerful antidote hope is for all of us.”
In a heartfelt Fireside Chat moderated by Neetu, past MOSAIC Award winners Abdelrahman Mustafa, Rema Werede, and Sediqa Temori reflected on their journeys to Canada, the emotional impact of receiving a MOSAIC Award, and the evolving meaning of success as newcomers.
“Receiving the award was a turning point for me,” said Sediqa, now a medical counsellor in Canada. “I started hope again, and at this moment, I’m so glad to say that I have found back my career.”
Educational Awards and Scholarships
The ceremony continued with the presentation of four educational award categories supporting immigrants and refugees pursuing post-secondary education:
Dr. Kes Chetty Education Award
Recipients: Noman Azhari, Bethel Estifanos Werede, Sumi Jo
Eyob G. Naizghi Scholarship
Recipient: Aida Ghapanchizadeh
Ann and Jo-Ann Sobkow Award
Recipient: Shahpoor Fazli
MOSAIC Educational Enhancement Awards
Recipients: Abdullah Afif, Zohra Sadat Hashimi, Shigofa Safadari, Mohamad Tarek Najjar, Sahar Mahazi, and one additional recipient (name withheld for safety reasons)
Many of the recipients shared powerful personal stories, from rebuilding careers after war and displacement, to returning to school in a new country, to setting ambitious goals to serve others through medicine, nursing, and social impact.
Employer and Human Rights Recognition
Purdys Chocolatier received the Employer of the Year Award for their decade-long partnership with MOSAIC and commitment to newcomer hiring across various employment programs.
The evening closed with the MOSAIC Human Rights Awards, presented by MLAs Anne Kang and Paul Choi, recognizing two extraordinary individuals:
- Manpreet Dhesi, a youth leader and cultural advocate who co-founded GenConnect, a youth-led nonprofit fostering intergenerational connection between Punjabi youth and seniors;
- Abdullah Sarwari, a refugee advocate and founder of the Refugee Learning Center in Indonesia, where he led efforts to provide free education for hundreds of refugee children and youth.
Abdullah’s speech deeply moved the audience and left a lasting impression: “Winning this award doesn’t mean I’ve made it, it means I’ve been given a chance to pay it forward.”
MOSAIC extends heartfelt thanks to everyone who joined us in person to celebrate this inspiring evening. To our generous donors — thank you for making these awards possible. Your support directly impacts the lives of immigrants and refugees building their futures in Canada.
We also want to recognize the tremendous work of the MOSAIC Awards Committee, who thoughtfully reviewed each of the applications and helped bring this celebration to life.
To our Presenting Sponsor RBC and Community Sponsor Global BC — your support and partnership are invaluable in helping us honour those who lead, inspire, and uplift their communities.
Congratulations again to all the award recipients. We are so proud to celebrate your achievements, and we look forward to following your journeys. Stay tuned on MOSAIC’s social media channels to learn about each award winner’s journey.
