Three Jamaican-Canadian women have been named the top finalists out of a record-breaking pool of 243 applicants for the Women Empowerment Awards Mantella Corporation BIPOC Entrepreneur Grant Award.

The award recognises successful Black, Indigenous, and People of Colour (BIPOC) business leaders who have overcome challenges, breaking through roadblocks to gain credibility and establish themselves in their industry.

The Mantella Corporation BIPOC Entrepreneur category represents the highest number of nominees for this year’s Women Empowerment Awards, a release announcing the achievement said.

The winner of the award will receive a CA$10,000 grant towards the continued growth and success of her business.

The women, who have been identified for the prestigious award, are Judy Stewart, founder of Trèsolz, Kimesha Walters, chief executive officer (CEO) of Oasis Integrated Communications and Natasha Ferguson, founder & president of Ethelfox Construct Group.

“We are honoured to be acknowledged on such a grand scale and to be featured on the national stage in Canada,” said Walters.

“Each of us carries a deeply personal story – a calling – that inspired us to take bold action to change something we could not accept. We each found the courage to dream bigger than our circumstances and even more strength to turn our dreams into a reality,” she added.

Born in Canada, both Stewart and Ferguson are first-generation immigrants.

Stewart’s journey has been one of transformation as she was a teacher, professional athlete, personal trainer, life coach, before starting Trèsolz, a shoe brand created out of her own personal experience of struggling to find fashionable and comfortable shoes in her size.

Judy Stewart, Founder shoes brand of Trèsolz

“For over 30 years, I squeezed my feet into shoes that were too small, enduring pain and discomfort because trendy, affordable shoes simply didn’t exist in my size,” Stewart recalled.

“This nomination is not just for me; it’s for every woman who has ever felt overlooked or underrepresented. It’s a reminder that we have the power to create change and that our struggles can become our greatest strengths,” the mother of three added.

Meanwhile, Ferguson, an award-winning entrepreneur who has been demolishing and rebuilding walls on residential job sites, has also been inevitably shattering gender and racial barriers in the construction industry.

Natasha Ferguson, Founder & President of Ethelfox Construct Group

“I am deeply honoured to be a finalist for the Women Empowerment Awards, it underscores my commitment to fostering equality, uplifting women’s voices, and creating opportunities for future leaders. This recognition strengthens my resolve to continue breaking down barriers and driving meaningful change for women everywhere,” she said.

As for Walters, she created Oasis Integrated Communications after she was struggling to find a job in Canada when she migrated there in 2019. She said she considered the weight of her decision to leave the safety of her life and career in Jamaica where she worked with top brands and businesses. However  through her frustration Walters created her communications firm where she now assists various brands, entrepreneurs and C-Suite executives.

Kimesha Walters, chief executive officer (CEO) of Oasis Integrated Communications

“I know what it’s like to feel invisible, overlooked, and forgotten. While I was job hunting, I had hundreds of job applications under my belt. I had disappointing job interviews. Some were just downright heartbreaking. Some made me cry,” said Walters.

“My mission is to play even a small part in changing that reality for people across Canada. Being a finalist out of 243 applicants validates the growth and positive impact I’ve had since launching my business. I hope that this will inspire others who are struggling to dream bigger and to reach further,” she added.

The winner of the Women Empowerment Awards Mantella Corporation BIPOC Entrepreneur Grant Award will be announced on Friday, September 13, at an awards dinner gala at the Park Hyatt Hotel in Toronto, Canada.