Applications are now open for Youth Leadership Award
Credit to Author: Canadian Immigrant| Date: Tue, 06 Aug 2019 15:43:05 +0000
Youth of any sexual orientation or gender identity are now welcome to apply to the LGBTQ+ January Marie Lapuz Youth Leadership Award. Launched in 2015 by Sher Vancouver, the award recognizes youth (16 to 30 years of age) who have demonstrated involvement, commitment and leadership in the LGBTQ community whether locally, nationally or internationally.
Sher Vancouver empowers newcomers and other diverse communities with free, multilingual programs, such as its Together Now LGBTQ+ Newcomer Support Group.
Starting this year, DIVERSEcity Community Resources Society, an organization empowering newcomers and other diverse communities to build the life they want in Canada, is the new, exclusive sponsor of the award. “Not only does the award honour January’s legacy, it shines a light on LGBTQ+ issues in the immigrant community, and recognizes amazing young leaders promoting something we need more of in this world — a sense of inclusion and belonging,” says Neelam Sahota, CEO of DIVERSEcity.
“We are thrilled to have the support of such an established, inclusive and diverse organization like DIVERSEcity to sponsor the youth leadership award. By becoming the exclusive sponsor of the January Marie Lapuz Youth Leadership Award, DIVERSEcity is sending a message that LGBTQ+ youth need to not only be welcomed, and supported, but also embraced,” states Sher Vancouver Founder Alex Sangha.
Who was January Marie Lapuz?
January Marie Lapuz, the inspiration behind the award.
January Marie Lapuz was born on April 9, 1986, in Santiago City, Philippines and passed away on September 30, 2012, in New Westminster, B.C. January was the Social Coordinator of Sher Vancouver and the first transgender person to hold an executive position within the organization. January had many challenges and struggles as an immigrant, as a person of colour and as a transgender woman living in poverty. Nonetheless, she was a bright light and shining star in Sher Vancouver.
Applying for the January Marie Lapuz Youth Leadership Award
Applications are now being accepted for the award until December 31, 2019. Winners will be announced in January 2020. Winners will receive a letter of congratulations, a framed certificate, as well as ad cash prizes sponsored by DIVERSEcity. To apply for the January Marie Lapuz Youth Leadership Award, please visit: www.shervancouver.com/youth-award.html.