Thank you to all our sponsors and volunteers who make this event possible.
🎬 Watch the two minute event opening video.
🎬 The 2023 Bikila Awards Ceremony
On Saturday, September 23, 2023, the much-anticipated 2023 Bikila Awards Celebration and Gala Dinner graced the splendid venue of Daniels Spectrum in Toronto. This extraordinary event marked a triumphant return following the challenges brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Distinguished guests and luminaries gathered to make this night an unforgettable experience. Hon. Dr. Jean Augustine, an iconic trailblazer and past member of the Canadian Parliament, captivated everyone with her presence. Renowned author and Africa's trusted Political-Economic Analyst, Dr. Lawrence Freeman, shared invaluable insights.
Guiding us through this remarkable evening was none other than Eden Debebe, the accomplished Anchor and Reporter at CP24, who orchestrated the event with utmost grace and eloquence. Our Event Manager, Nicole Waldron, coordinated the stage for a smooth transition during the event. The evening reached its emotional zenith as the Order of The Shining Star of Ethiopia paid tribute to the late H.E. Ketema Yifru for his monumental contributions.
The spotlight then shifted to the exceptional Ato Girma Wake, the recipient of the prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award for his transformative role in Ethiopian Airlines. Mesfin Tasew, CEO of Ethiopian Airlines, took center stage to receive the Exemplary Global Airline Excellence Award.
Acknowledgment and admiration flowed for the Academic Excellence Award recipients and the 2023 Bikila Scholarship beneficiaries, Adame Awoke, Dr. Maclite, and Lillian Abebe, who demonstrated exceptional academic prowess.
The galaxy of honorees expanded to include Fesseha Atlaw, Dr. Berhanu Bulcha, Jomo Tariku, and Betelhem Dessie, all of whom were bestowed with the coveted Professional Excellence Awards. Haile-Manas Academy was honored with the Academic Institute of Excellence Award, the founder Rebecca Haile graciously accepting the accolade. Eshetu Melese, Liben Gebremikael, and People To People Canada also shone brightly as they were recognized for their outstanding Community Service Excellence.
Yet, the enchantment of the evening didn't cease there. Amidst joyous applause, the event's ambiance was set ablaze with delectable cuisine, captivating Ethio-Jazz performances by The Barnes/Woldemichael Ethio-Jazz Quartet, door prizes that left attendees in awe, and captivating entertainment that made hearts dance. It was a night of unity and celebration, with a full house of attendees, marking a sold-out triumphant return to the social calendar after the challenges of the COVID era.
For deeper insights into the Bikila Award organization and to explore the complete list of previous esteemed award recipients, kindly visit www.bikilaaward.org.
In a world that often yearns for inspiration, the 2023 Bikila Awards Celebration and Gala Dinner delivered it in abundance, leaving an indelible mark on hearts and minds.📍
Don't work for recognition, but do work worthy of recognition." - H. Jackson Brown, Jr
Credits:
Pictures by Leon Emmanuel, Gezahegn Asfaw, and Ethiofidel. Videos directed by Behailu Atnafu, closing video script by Petros Dejene, voice Asres Assefa and edit by Wondwossen Guessese.