By Lincoln DePradine

Former world champion hurdler and acclaimed broadcaster Perdita Felicien will serve as keynote speaker at the sixth annual Building Diversity Awards, one of Canada’s leading events focused on equity and inclusion in the construction industry.

Organized by Toronto Community Benefits Network (TCBN), the two-day event will take place May 20 and 21 at the Great Canadian Casino Resort Toronto in Etobicoke.

Organizers say this year’s event is expected to draw participants from across Canada, including leaders in construction, labour, community development and workforce training.

“We are delighted that Perdita Felicien will be joining us for what will be an exciting and dynamic speech at this event that will bring together people from across Canada,” a spokesperson for TCBN said. “In the meantime, our emphasis continues to be on encouraging even more nominations for awards, as well as on both greater ticket sales and sponsorship partnerships.”

TCBN Executive Director Rosemarie Powell described the upcoming

gathering as a “huge” and “transformative” event that will celebrate “diversity, equity and inclusion across the construction industry.”

According to the organization, the awards recognize individuals and organizations that break barriers, create opportunities for others and help build more inclusive workplaces.

“The awards honour individuals and organizations who rise above barriers, build pathways for others, and foster environments where people truly belong,” TCBN said in a statement. “More than a celebration, the Building Diversity Awards is a national movement focused on progress, equity, and a future built by everyone.”

Felicien brings both athletic excellence and media experience to the event. One of Canada’s most celebrated track and field athletes, she captured gold in the 100-metre hurdles at the 2003 World Championships and later won the 60-metre hurdles title at the 2004 World Indoor Championships.

Since retiring from competition, Felicien has built a successful career in broadcasting, journalism and public speaking. She was part of the broadcast team for the 2015 Pan American Games in Toronto and has also covered the Olympic Games. In addition, she is the author of the memoir My Mother’s Daughter.

“I love sharing my experiences of triumph and adversity as a public speaker,” Felicien said.

Hosting the event will be television personality and builder Sebastian Clovis, widely known to audiences as “The Reno Guy.”

Born in London, England, Clovis moved to Toronto with his family in 1986 and grew up in the city’s east end with his four siblings. His father is from St. Lucia while his mother is from Kenya, giving him strong Caribbean and African roots.

A former Canadian Football League player with the BC Lions during the 2006 season, Clovis later transitioned into construction, television and home renovation. He is best known as co-host of the popular renovation series Save My Reno alongside designer Samantha Pynn.

Clovis discovered his passion for carpentry as a teenager after watching renovations take place in his family home. He later attended Saint Mary’s University in Nova Scotia, earning a degree in arts and psychology before pursuing careers in athletics, construction and television.

With Felicien and Clovis headlining the event, organizers are hoping this year’s Building Diversity Awards will further strengthen conversations around representation, opportunity and inclusion within Canada’s construction sector.

https://buildingdiversity.ca/tickets/

LJI reporter