Edmonton SAIA Awards
SAIA has designed award categories in the fields of business, leadership, and arts and culture, incorporating volunteerism and philanthropy. In the Rising Star category there are two recipients. They may include a male and a female and/or anyone who identifies as trans, transgender, non-binary or gender diverse.
Eligibility Criteria:
The nomination submission must demonstrate how the nominee has gone above and beyond in his or her capacity as a leader, professional, and/or business owner to serve and make a positive impact in the South Asian community itself, or in the greater Edmonton community as a South Asian person in terms of breaking barriers, paving the way for others, or excelling in a specific area be it in their work or community work.
Awards Categories
2025 LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT
This award recognizes an individual who has made a sustained and meaningful contribution to the South Asian community. This person is notable for changing the landscape of the community. A lifetime of achievement leaves its legacy in such things as new organizations, programs, providing service, or history of the community.
2025 COMMUNITY LEADER
This award recognizes an individual’s leadership and community work in the South Asian community and/or wider society. A community leader should demonstrate engagement in volunteer activities in the community, take up new initiatives, organize and execute on plans, and call others to action. This work of a community leader is not part of their day-to-day professional activities.
2025 OUTSTANDING BUSINESS
This award recognizes a for-profit business in the South Asian and/or greater community. An Outstanding Business may be either well-established or a new start-up. This for-profit business is recognized for its reputation in both its business ethics and quality of product. An Outstanding Business contributes to the community through its support or sponsorship.
2025 OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENT IN ARTS
AND CULTURE
The Outstanding Achievement in Arts and Culture applauds an individual who has nurtured and/or promoted South Asian visual, performing, or recording arts within the arts and entertainment sector. This award celebrates both artistic and cultural accomplishments, as well as those who have shown leadership and mentorship in their craft.
2025 OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENT IN STEEM
(science, technology, engineering, the environment and mathematics)
This award recognizes an individual whose work has made new or innovative accomplishments in the non-regulated fields of science, technology, engineering, the environment, or mathematics. This person’s work is not in a regulated profession (i.e., does not have its own governing board or its own code of professional ethics). The nominee may be an entrepreneur, educational tutor, inventor, etc. The nominee’s achievement has led to significant changes or innovation in STEEM products, services, or thinking.
2025 RISING STAR
A rising star is an individual between the ages of 14 and 19 in the current calendar year who has made a noteworthy contribution to the South Asian community. This award recognizes a young person’s contribution in such areas as leadership, volunteerism, innovation, visibility, or professional, artistic, or academic accomplishment. Parental/legal guardian consent is required for nominees under the age of 18.
2 Awards