GVBOT's 2026 Leaders of Tomorrow Awards Honour Emerging Leaders and Dedicated Mentors

Emerging leaders, dedicated mentors, and business professionals gathered on September 14 to celebrate the Greater Vancouver Board of Trade's 2026 Leaders of Tomorrow (LOT) Awards, recognizing the individuals helping shape the next generation of business and community leaders across the region.

The annual event reflects the Greater Vancouver Board of Trade's commitment to developing, connecting, and celebrating leaders at every stage of their journey. The evening recognized the accomplishments of the outgoing 2025-26 LOT cohort and welcomed the incoming 2026-27 cohort.

Since 1999, GVBOT's Leaders of Tomorrow program has connected post-secondary students with experienced professionals through mentorship, networking, leadership development, and community engagement. The program helps participants build the skills, confidence, and connections needed to succeed in their careers while creating opportunities for mentors to give back and support emerging talent. 

“LOT is not just about what happens at a workshop, an event, a committee meeting, or a mentor meeting. It’s about the relationships and experiences gained that continue to shape people long after those moments are over,” said Sam Thiara, Chair of the 2026-27 LOT Advisory Committee and active member of the program since its inception.   
 
 
At the heart of the evening were the Leaders of Tomorrow Awards, recognizing the outstanding achievements of mentees, mentors, and volunteers whose dedication continues to strengthen the program and help build a pipeline of future business and community leaders.

The first award presented was Rookie Mentor of the Year, recognizing an individual who stepped into the role of a LOT mentor for the first time and quickly made a meaningful impact on the community. 
 
LOT mentor Jose Dino, General Manager of TELUS Business Employer Solutions, received the award.  
 
"It’s great to be recognized as the LOT Rookie Mentor of the Year. I really think the success of this program is predicated on the mentors and mentees who recognize that this is something that requires commitment to building relationships, building trust, being exposed to new ideas, and participating in LOT events,” Dino shared. “I have a deep respect for this program and believe that it's mutually beneficial for mentors and mentees.” 
 
 
The Mentor of the Year Award was presented to Pam Ryan, President of Lucent Quay Consulting. The award recognizes a mentor who has been part of the program for more than a year and has gone above and beyond, from providing career advice to becoming a trusted source of guidance, encouragement, and friendship.

“Your career is to choose your own adventure. You pick up lots of ideas and people along the way, and the ones you remember, whether they stay in your life or not, are the ones who listen, challenge, encourage, and accept in that order, and then create space for you and others to do the same,” she shared. “I think that's why I love to support the LOT program and why I'm grateful and surprised to receive this award.”  
 
A highlight of the evening was the introduction of the new Team Impact Award.

"One of the pillars of Leaders of Tomorrow is volunteerism, and we can't talk about the LOT experience without recognizing the LOT advisors who help bring the program to life," Thiara said.

"With the new Team Impact Award, we want to recognize not only the volunteer committee that demonstrated exceptional teamwork, engagement, and meaningful impact throughout the year, but also the leaders behind that success, the people who brought their committee together, created a supportive environment, and inspired a true spirit of collaboration." 

Lara Nakad and Laura Sanchez, LOT Community Outreach Advisors, received the inaugural award.  

“This was a very great experience,” Nakad said. “There are three things I’d like to say about the program: focus, dare, and transform.”  

"If you are a post-secondary student who is unsure of what your journey holds and wants to connect with people who are making an impact, this is your opportunity to do that by getting outside of your comfort zone and building meaningful relationships,” Sanchez said. 

 
 
The evening also celebrated graduating mentees whose commitment, leadership, and engagement helped them stand out among their peers.

The Mentee of the Year Award was presented to Gian Gunawan Putra. The award recognizes a mentee who truly embraced the mentorship experience by arriving prepared, asking thoughtful questions, actively seeking feedback, and turning conversations and advice into action. 
 
"I really didn’t expect this award at all. This is my first award ever, so I will definitely treasure it,” Gunawan Putra said. “You never know who you are going to meet, so make the most of the opportunities LOT provides. Go to events, talk to as many people as you can, get outside of your comfort zone, and always try your best.”  

 
Renelyn Macato received the Excellence in Leadership Award, which recognizes a mentee who has gone above and beyond throughout the program year, demonstrating exceptional leadership, initiative, and engagement, not only with their mentor and volunteer teams, but across the broader community. 
 
“I’m very grateful to be recognized,” she said. “I’ve had the privilege of meeting leaders and mentors who taught me how to piece together my story and tie it together with my passion and my purpose.” 
 
 
The impact of LOT goes far beyond the awards presented at the event, shared Sharon Hummel, Vice Chair of the 2026-27 LOT Advisory Committee. 

“The impact is in the mentors who share their experience, the advisors who empower their teams, and the mentees who show up, get involved, and challenge themselves to grow,” she said.  
 
“That’s what Leaders of Tomorrow is all about. Developing leaders, creating connections, and building a stronger business community for the future.”  
 

 
The importance of programs like Leaders of Tomorrow has never been greater. As youth unemployment remains a growing concern in British Columbia, students and recent graduates are entering an increasingly competitive job market. Access to professional networks, real-world experience, mentorship, and leadership development can make the difference between education and opportunity.

Through Leaders of Tomorrow, participants gain practical experience, industry exposure, and valuable professional connections that help strengthen their resumes, expand their networks, and position them for success as they launch their careers.

To learn more about the Leaders of Tomorrow program, visit https://www.boardoftrade.com/training#lot.