Celebrating Diversity and Beauty at the Heritage Beyond Borders’ 16th Annual Awards
On an enchanting evening on November 18, 2023, the Woodbine Banquet Hall in Ontario came alive with the glamour of the 16th Anniversary Annual Awards and Gala Dinner hosted by Heritage Beyond Borders (HBB). Beyond the glitz and glamour, the event celebrated the cultural mosaic that defines Ontario, being a testament to the importance of fostering unity in the midst of diversity. The event showcased a blend of talent, beauty, and unity that left all attendees entranced.
Miss Heritage Canada 2023
The crowning jewel of the evening was the Miss Heritage Canada 2023 competition, where Samantha Clemente, of Philippines origin, emerged victorious, claiming the prestigious title. The audience was captivated by her grace and elegance, making her a fitting ambassador for cultural diversity. She won a diverse competition of beautiful and elegant ambassadors from all over the world, from six different continents.
Samantha Clemente
The 1st Runner-up, Rashida Khanji from the UAE, and the 2nd Runner-up, Peruvian Chantelle Michelle, also dazzled the crowd with their beauty, culture and charm. Adding the public voice to the verdict, the Audience Choice award went to the Portuguese Andreia Pacheco, who captured the hearts of those in attendance.
Rashida Khanji
Peruvian Chantelle Michelle
Andreia Pacheco
Heritage Beyond Borders is a cultural foundation which aims to promote multiculturalism, diversity, tolerance and mutual respect among Canada’s many communities, a task which it has been tirelessly at work on for the past 15 years. Founded by Mr. Neel Nada, who after completing his studies in Business Communications in Switzerland, pivoted to Poverty Eradication efforts and eventually founding HBB, an achievement for which he has been lauded by the Governor of Ontario.
HBB Founded by Mr. Neel Nada
Multicultural Event
The Gala Dinner was not only a showcase of beauty but also a testament to the commitment of Heritage Beyond Borders to promote integration and harmony in Ontario’s diverse communities. The diversity and inclusivity of the pageant thus reflected the spirit of Heritage Beyond Borders, which extols the beauty that lies in our differences.
The Premier of Ontario, Doug Ford
The Premier of Ontario, Doug Ford, acknowledged the significance of the event in a heartfelt letter, stating, “People from all over the globe come to our province seeking opportunity and a better life. Today we are home to many Ontarians with diverse roots and rich cultural traditions.”
Santanu Banerjee
The gala was not just a platform for beauty queens; it was simultaneously a stage for live multicultural performances. Dancers, musicians, and artists from diverse backgrounds came together to showcase their talents, creating a vibe of cultural harmony and unity. The audience was treated to the cultural richness that defines Ontario.
Apart from the pageant, several other community awards were also handed out, including prestigious titles such as Educator of the Year (Heather Yang), Community Service Development (Dr. Nodira Yuldasheva), Social Impact Diversity (Vitali Koshevoy), Community Impact (Ravi Atchuthan), Community Engagement Award (Afia Begum), among many more, aiming to laud the vital contributions of immigrants to Canadian society.
As the night unfolded, attendees were reminded of the beauty that comes from embracing diversity and the richness it brings to our lives.
Heritage Beyond Borders successfully organised a gala event that went beyond a mere celebration of beauty and became a statement of unity and understanding.
