It all started with a vision—a dream—conceivhed by Vinolia Apakoh, Founder & CEO of Blackcellence Network. As she settled into the Saskatchewan community with her family, Vinolia noticed that many individuals, like herself, had relocated from their home countries to make a life here. What struck her most was the realization that, regardless of their diverse backgrounds, these people all had unique and remarkable stories to tell. This was especially evident within the Black community.
Vinolia observed that many individuals were excelling in their professional fields—whether in business, healthcare, law, engineering, education, and more. Their work ethic was inspiring, and their brilliance was unmatched. Yet, what stood out to her was that this excellence often went unrecognized. Their stories remained largely untold, hidden like diamonds and rare minerals waiting to be discovered. It became clear that there was a gap to fill—a need to shine a light on these remarkable individuals and their achievements.
The natural response was to create a platform where these stories could be shared, and where these individuals could be honored within their community. This sparked the idea for an event to bring this vision to life.
To turn this idea into reality, Vinolia—who is also the CEO of Akwaaba Foods, a catering business specializing in Ghanaian cuisine and deeply rooted in community values—partnered with Black In Saskatchewan to host the inaugural Blackcellence Gala.
At the 2022 Blackcellence Gala, the Saskatchewan community gathered to celebrate the contributions of the Black community. The Guest of Honor, Dr. Samra Sahlu, addressed the important theme of mental health in the Black community and healthcare. The Gala’s beneficiary was City Kidz Regina, with all proceeds directed to this local organization. The event also honored outstanding individuals in various fields, including entrepreneurs, young athletes, and healthcare professionals, recognizing their significant contributions to the community. Hosting this first Gala was a major learning experience, and the enthusiasm it generated inspired the decision to make it an annual event.
The second edition of the Gala in 2023 was even more successful. This time, we celebrated Women of Excellence in athletics, business, and entrepreneurship. We raised the bar, sparking more interest than ever before, with attendance more than doubling from the previous year. This growth led to the formation of new community relationships, which were further solidified throughout the event. The success of the second edition resulted in a significant donation to Dress for Success, a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting the societal needs of women.
