Accelerate Auto Announces Winners of the 2025 Black Automotive Professional Awards (BAPA)
Black Automotive Professional Awards (BAPA) presented at the Automotive News Canada Congress
MISSISSAUGA, ON, February 18, 2025 — Accelerate Auto is proud to announce the winners of the second annual Accelerate Auto Black Automotive Professional Awards (BAPA). Presented at the Automotive News Canada Congress during the kick-off to the Canadian International AutoShow, the Black Automotive Professional Awards (BAPA) were established to recognize and honour Black individuals who exhibit talent and dedication to their work in the automotive industry, while also making substantial contributions within their communities.
Accelerate Auto is a not-for-profit dedicated to increasing representation of Black talent across Canada’s automotive industry through advocacy, collaboration, networking and mentorship.
“We’re very excited to bring these awards back for a second year to honour a new group of exceptional individuals from across all parts of the automotive industry,” says Shannon Miller, Executive Director, Accelerate Auto and winner of an inaugural BAPA herself. “We are inspired by their talent and are very pleased to have their efforts recognized within a platform as visible as the Congress.”
The 2025 BAPA award categories and winners are:
Leadership Excellence Award: Abdel Ali
Women's Leadership Award: Shereena Robinson
Emerging Leader Award: Stephanie Henry
Young Professional Award: Genevieve Aguigwo
Nominations for the awards were open to current and retired professionals from the automotive industry. Self-nominations were also encouraged. A judging committee carefully selected the award winners. Recipients will receive a customized plaque, as well as the recognition and esteem of their peers.
“Winning the Emerging Leader Award is such a meaningful moment for me,” says Stephanie Henry, She Auto Know Founder. “Jumping from one industry into the automotive world with a vision to support women was a big leap, but this award is a reminder that I’m on the right path. It reassures me that She Auto Know is making a difference, and even on the busiest days, it’s all leading to something bigger—a space where women feel confident, capable, and supported in their automotive journeys.”
Leadership Excellence Award: Abdel Ali
The Leadership Excellence Award recognizes an individual who has demonstrated exceptional professional achievement, leadership, and innovation in the automotive industry. Abdel Ali, Founder and CEO of Kiwi Charge, is a trailblazer in EV infrastructure innovation, making charging more accessible across urban and real estate environments. His leadership has driven major collaborations with Project Arrow, Pfaff Group, and GM, helping to accelerate EV adoption in Canada. Beyond his entrepreneurial success, Abdel has played a key role in venture capital and mobility investment, shaping the future of sustainable transportation. A strong advocate for diversity and innovation, he is redefining the automotive landscape.
Women's Leadership Award: Shereena Robinson
The Women’s Leadership Award honors a female professional who has demonstrated exceptional leadership, mentorship, and advocacy in the automotive industry. With over 20 years of experience, Shereena Robinson, Director of HR at Porsche Cars Canada, has played a pivotal role in building high-performing teams and fostering inclusive workplace cultures. She helped Porsche earn Great Place to Work Certification in 2022 and 2023, reinforcing its commitment to employee engagement. A dedicated mentor and advocate for women in the industry, Shereena’s leadership has contributed to advancing talent development and equity in automotive. She continues to shape workplaces where employees thrive and excel.
Emerging Leader Award: Stephanie Henry
The Emerging Leader Award recognizes a professional who is rising as a leader, demonstrating strategic vision, leadership potential, and collaboration. Stephanie Henry is a media professional, automotive advocate, and entrepreneur who has combined her expertise in broadcasting and automotive education. A former host on Breakfast Television, she was also Cityline’s first automotive guest expert. In 2022, she founded She Auto Know, an educational platform that empowers women to navigate the automotive world with confidence. Through content creation, workshops, and advocacy, she is redefining women’s engagement in automotive. Stephanie’s leadership and passion for accessibility are helping to break barriers that create a more welcoming and inclusive automotive industry.
Young Professional Award: Genevieve Aguigwo
The Young Professional Award recognizes an emerging professional under 30 with early-career accomplishments, leadership, and a strong track record in extracurricular and academic activities. This year’s recipient, Genevieve Aguigwo, exemplifies these qualities. As a former Technical Project Manager Co-op at Tesla, she gained valuable industry experience, contributing to cutting-edge projects while excelling in her academic pursuits. For three years, she served as President of the National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE) at the University of Toronto, leading initiatives to support Black students in STEM and create industry pathways. Through mentorship, STEM outreach, and advocacy, Genevieve is actively shaping the future of diverse talent in engineering and mobility.
(From L to R): Edith Pencil, Executive Chair of People Experience and Accelerate Auto Founding Member, Genevieve Aguigwo, Stephanie Henry, Shereena Robinson, and Abdel Ali
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 more information about the BAPA Awards or Accelerate Auto, please contact us at info@accelerateauto.ca.
For inquiries, please contact:
Dustin A. Woods
Director, PR & Experiential
(416) 508-1670
dwoods@universusmediagroup.com