About Us
Inclusivity Diversity Racial Equity Award in Media
About Us
About Us
Our
Mission
Our
Vision
Our Board
and Team
Our Mission
We exist to realize the tangible role media plays in fostering equity, by leveraging our platforms of influence in support of BIPOC and underrepresented communities in the areas of art, entrepreneurship, film, music, and sport across Canada.
Our Vision
A future where all Canadians have access to, and benefit from a sustainable media and business ecosystem.
Theory of Change for Equity Awards Program
Goal: To foster a more equitable media landscape by recognizing and amplifying the work of underrepresented and BIPOC communities, thereby driving systemic change in representation and storytelling.
Inputs:
- Funding & Resources: Financial support from donors, partnerships with media companies, and in-kind contributions.
- Community Engagement: Collaboration with BIPOC communities, organizations, and media professionals.
- Outreach & Awareness: Marketing campaigns, social media, and partnerships to promote the awards program.
- Advisory Board: A diverse panel of experts and community leaders to guide the selection process and ensure alignment with equity goals.
Activities:
- Program Design: Develop award criteria that emphasize equity, representation, and impact within BIPOC communities.
- Outreach Campaign: Launch an awareness campaign targeting underrepresented creators, encouraging them to apply.
- Selection Process: Implement a transparent and inclusive selection process, guided by the advisory board.
- Awards Ceremony: Host an event to honor and celebrate the awardees, offering them a platform to share their stories.
- Post-Award Support: Provide winners with resources, mentorship, and networking opportunities to further their work and impact.
Outputs:
- Award Recognition: A diverse group of BIPOC creators and media professionals recognized annually.
- Increased Visibility: Amplified stories and works of BIPOC creators through media coverage and social media.
- Networking & Mentorship: Establishment of connections between awardees and industry leaders for career advancement.
Outcomes:
- Short-term:
- Increased awareness of underrepresented voices in media.
- Enhanced credibility and recognition for awardees in their respective fields.
- Medium-term:
- Strengthened networks among BIPOC creators and industry professionals.
- Improved access to resources and opportunities for awardees to further their careers.
- Long-term:
- A more diverse and equitable media landscape.
- Systemic changes in media representation and storytelling, with more inclusive narratives becoming mainstream.
Impact: To create a sustainable shift in the media industry by increasing the representation of underrepresented and BIPOC voices, ultimately contributing to a more just and equitable society.
#EquityInRepresentation
Not just opening doors! Building new ones where they are needed most!
Our Board and Team
Working Board, Team, Council of Advisors
Jamie Thompson
Chair, President & CEO
iDREAM roots start with its founding by Jamie Thompson, CEO of WPMC. Jamie started iDREAM to recognize, honour and give back to the Indigenous community which supported him 25 years ago in providing the seed to start his first company Adapt Media. Jamie wanted to make sure all diverse backgrounds which make up Canada were represented with what iDREAM has to offer, and that can be seen today.
Samuel Banks
Vice Chair,
Board Secretary
For the last 11 years Sam Banks, has implemented strategies and management systems for the NBA’s ticket sales operations.
Alan Sifuentes
Treasurer
A senior director at Kinesso, Alan Sifuentes. brings years of experneicence in digital media, advertising and marketing.
Justin Senior
Advisor to the Board
Justin Senior… wears many hats: entrepreneur, co-founder, consultant executive, and training facilitator. His opinions in the realms of inclusive media are valued and adhered to.
Henry Boyd
Dir. Government
Relations
In his experience as a consultant; Henry Boyd, helps organizations position themselves within the public space for accelerated growth while securing public funding.
Nicole Brown
Dir. Media Fundraising
President of the Dentsu-Aegis network; Nicole Brown, promotes the use of effocient advertising in response to challenges faced in the digital age.
Eddy Bucardo
co-Dir. Event Planning
Eddy Bucardo. is the founder and head of programming at Unchained Athletics. Bringing an understanding of athletes from marginalized communities to our cause.
Jef Combdon
Dir. Indigenous
Relations
A 30-year veteran of the advertising business, Jef Combdon is a proud L’nu and the owner of MarkerTree, an advertising/marketing agency based out of Ktaqmkuk (Newfoundland).
Norman Haughton
co-Dir. Judging
Leveraging his experience in providing in-flight media entertainment at Air Canada, Norman Haughton brings an understanding of how to engage audiences.
O’Neil McLean
co-Dir. Event Planning
O’Neil McLean is in the business of devloping organizations within Canadian media, or help business use events and media to grow.
Joanna Miles
Dir. Communications
Joanna Miles brings years of experince in distributing feature films at Entertainment One. She brings a dedication to Canadian media heritage to our table
Dwayne Morgan
Dir. Community
Engagement &
Volunteers
Writer, speaker, performer, educator. and Event Producer Dwayne Morgan understands how to engage communities and bring everyone together through performance art.
Shirley Muhato
Dir. Applications
Shirley Muhato brings years of experience in client management as well as human rights, and community engagement
Carolin Taubensee
Dir. Communications
Carolin Taubensee is a valued critical thinker and senior executive in broadcast media. Carolin is committed to her journey as an Indigenous ally.