Accelerate Auto announces names of the four winners of the inaugural Black Automotive Professional Awards (BAPA)
Accelerate Auto announced the recipients of its inaugural Black Automotive Professional Awards (BAPA) at the Automotive News Congress today
MISSISSAUGA, ON, February 15, 2024 — Today, Accelerate Auto, a not-for-profit focused on increasing representation of Black talent across Canada’s automotive industry, is proud to announce the names of the four winners in the first annual Accelerate Auto Black Automotive Professional Awards (BAPA).
The announcement was made at the Automotive News Congress today.
Accelerate Auto created the Black Automotive Professional Awards (BAPA) to honour Black individuals who have exhibited exemplary service and have made substantial contributions to both the automotive industry and their communities.
“We couldn’t be more proud to announce the names of these winners,” said Christopher Nabeta, Executive Chair, Accelerate Auto. “They come from across all sectors of the automotive industry. Their achievements speak for themselves, and their hard work is an inspiration to others. Congratulations on your award!”
Nominations for the awards were open to any current or retired professional from the auto industry, and self-nominations were also encouraged.
The 2024 BAPA award categories and winners are:
Women’s Leadership Award: Yolanda Biswah
Young Professional Award: Shannon Miller
Emerging Leader Award: Mark Donaldson
Leadership Excellence Award: Dwain Samuels
A judging committee carefully selected the award winners, and recipients will receive a customized plaque and enjoy the spotlight through feature stories in our media partners and across our popular social media platforms.
2024 BLACK AUTOMOTIVE PROFESSIONAL AWARD (BAPA) WINNERS:
Yolanda Biswah: Women’s Leadership Award
Yolanda Biswah, recipient of the Women’s Leadership Award, is a trailblazer in fostering leadership and championing diversity in the automotive industry. Acknowledged as the “Champion of Diversity” by Automotive News in 2022, Yolanda is an active volunteer for Accelerate Auto, spearheading Black Book Canada’s support. Her dedication extends beyond professional realms — hosting international students annually, volunteering with organizations like Tropicana and The Boys and Girls Club, and mentoring Black youth through Accelerate Auto’s Mentorship Program, showcasing her unwavering commitment to both professional and community leadership.
Shannon Miller: Young Professional Award
Shannon Miller, recipient of the Young Professional Award, stands out as a strategic force in the automotive industry. From her role as a program officer at Trillium, she has led impactful initiatives, fostering student development and professional upskilling in mobility innovation. Shannon's forward-thinking approach is evident in her work with OCI and OVIN, launching critical programs for key Ontario municipalities. Currently leading initiatives like the Critical Minerals Talent Strategy and OVIN Regional Training Centres, Shannon’s impact extends to prior involvement in projects such as Labour Market Insights reports, the Regional Future Workforce Program, and the Skills and Career Navigator tool. As a young Black female, she integrates her unique perspective, aspiring to become a mentor for young Black women in STEM, showcasing her commitment to innovation and inclusivity.
Mark Donaldson: Emerging Leader Award
Mark Donaldson, the recipient of the Emerging Leader Award, is the CEO at Quantuity Analytics. His IoT AI smart sensor has transformed air brake inspections, surpassing Ontario's regulatory standards. Mark’s leadership extends beyond innovation — his commitment to community involvement, including mentoring BIPOC students and contributing to the Canadian Black Chamber of Commerce, embodies the essence of an emerging leader in the automotive industry.
mark.donaldson@quantuityanalytics.com
Dwain Samuels: Leadership Excellence Award
Dwain Samuels, honored with the Leadership Excellence award, went from being a rookie sales representative, quickly ascending and winning the Sales Leader Trip Award twice, to being the Director of Sales — Data Licensing at CBB. His impact extends across the Canadian automobile industry, leading in used vehicle market evaluation. Dwain's continuous excellence is evident through his weekly market analysis and recent Harvard Business Publishing Corporate learning certification, making him a true leader.
dwain.samuels@canadianblackbook.com
For more information about the BAPA Awards or Accelerate Auto, please contact us at info@accelerateauto.ca.
About Accelerate Auto
Accelerate Auto is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to increasing Black representation in the Canadian automotive industry. We provide Black talent and youth with access to mentorship for skills building and peer networking to support professional growth and career development. We facilitate career pathing through the form of internships to attract more Black talent to automotive and build awareness of opportunities within the industry. We are dedicated to creating a stronger and more diverse automotive workforce. www.accelerateauto.ca
For media inquiries please contact:
Eunice Adeleke
eunice.adeleke@accelerateauto.ca