Media Coverage
2/25/22
Diversity Champions
Accelerate Auto participated in an executive roundtable featuring leaders from across the Canadian automotive industry.
2/24/22
Reforming the Auto Industry
Founding member Christopher Nabeta joins the Automotive News Canada roundtable discussing diversity with executives from Nissan Canada, Scotiabank, and Canadian Black book.
5/20/21
Related Article
Cox Automotive Canada announces the creation of The Cox Automotive Canada Inclusion Award and The Cox Automotive Canada Diversity Award for eligible students at Georgian College’s Automotive Business School of Canada.
Diverse Teams
Jennifer Okoeguale and Emiliano Void talk with automotive industry strategist Jason Harris about the importance of creating diverse teams and fostering an inclusive culture with the dealership.
Investing in Education
The video of Hyundai Canada president and CEO Don Romano alongside the members of the Accelerate Auto team as Hyundai announces a significant investment to create opportunities for Black youth at Georgian College and the Automotive Business School of Canada.
4/9/21
Related Article
Hyundai Canada announces an investment of more than $250,000 in Georgian College and the Automotive Business School of Canada. Moderated by Accelerate Auto Member Joyce Tshiamala.
Accelerate Auto Meets with TADA
Accelerate Auto founding member, Emiliano Void sits down with Todd Bourgon, the Executive Director of the Trillium Automobile Dealers Association (TADA) to discuss Accelerate Auto’s mission.
4/6/21
Feature Article
Automotive News Canada’s Stephanie Wallcraft, interviews founding members Jennifer Okoeguale and Emiliano Void about the organization’s aim to increase the number of Black professionals in automotive.
4/5/21
Related Article
Hyundai Canada becomes the first Canadian automaker to sign on to the BlackNorth Initiative, which in part will see the company recruit dealer principals of colour.
3/20/21
Toronto Star Opinion
Accelerate Auto founding member, Emiliano Void’s thoughtful and passionate opinion piece to the Toronto Star about his life and the formation of Accelerate Auto.
2/17/21
Feature Article
Accelerate Auto founding Members, Oumar Dicko and Edith Pencil explain how the organization will raise awareness around the issue of systemic anti-Black racism.
Meet the Founders
Canadian auto dealer editor Todd Phillips interviews founding members, Emiliano Void and Christina Morris about Accelerate Auto’s mission to promote opportunities for Black talent in Canada's automotive industry.
2/4/21
Cover Story
Accelerate Auto was featured on the cover of Canadian auto dealer magazine and with a five page feature story.
2/4/21
Editor’s Note
Canadian auto dealer’s editor Todd Phillips writes about the founding of Accelerate Auto and why the organization matters.
Press Releases
Black Women Talk Tech Announces Return of Roadmap to Billions Toronto, Presented by Accelerate Auto
Black Women Talk Tech (BWTT) proudly announces the return of its groundbreaking Roadmap to Billions conference to Toronto, taking place October 5–6, 2025. Presented by Accelerate Auto, this second annual Canadian edition marks a continued commitment to uplifting Black women founders in tech through dynamic programming, powerful partnerships, and community engagement. Sponsored by Black Founders Network, TD Bank, Air Canada, and Talk Tech Association.
Accelerate Auto Hosts Second Annual Women’s Leadership Dinner
In recognition of the 50th anniversary of International Women's Day, Accelerate Auto held its annual Women’s Leadership Dinner.
Hosted at the Village Loft, the annual event convened a group of esteemed women in the automotive industry, including leaders from the private sector, educational institutions, and non-profits.
Accelerate Auto Reflects on Action-Packed Black History Month
The theme for this year’s Black History Month was: “Black Legacy and Leadership: Celebrating Canadian History and Uplifting Future Generations.” A not-for-profit dedicated to increasing representation of Black talent across Canada’s automotive industry through collaboration, networking and mentorship, Accelerate Auto spent the month doing just that.
Empire Nights Presents Leaders in the Auto and Tech Mobility Sector
In recognition and celebration of Black History Month, Accelerate Auto was pleased to be the lead sponsor of the highly anticipated February installment of Empire Nights last evening. Established in 1903, the Empire Club’s mission is to facilitate meaningful connections and productive dialogue on diverse topics that impact Canadians and the world. Accelerate Auto is a not-for-profit dedicated to increasing representation of Black talent across Canada’s automotive industry through collaboration, networking and mentorship.
Accelerate Auto Announces Winners of the 2025 Black Automotive Professional Awards (BAPA)
Accelerate Auto is proud to announce the winners of the second annual Accelerate Auto Black Automotive Professional Awards (BAPA). Presented at the Automotive News Canada Congress during the kick-off to the Canadian International AutoShow, the Black Automotive Professional Awards (BAPA) were established to recognize and honour Black individuals who exhibit talent and dedication to their work in the automotive industry, while also making substantial contributions within their communities.
Accelerate Auto names Shannon Miller as new Executive Director
Accelerate Auto is pleased to announce the hiring of Shannon Miller, a seasoned industry leader in the newly-created role of Executive Director.
Accelerate Auto is a not-for-profit focused on increasing representation of Black talent across Canada’s automotive industry.
Nominations open for 2025 Black Automotive Professional Awards (BAPA)
Accelerate Auto is proud to announce the launch of the second annual Black Automotive Professional Awards (BAPA), set to take place in February 2025 during Black History Month.
Building on the success of last year's event, BAPA continues to celebrate the outstanding achievements of Black professionals who are driving excellence and innovation within the automotive industry.
Accelerate Auto and BMO Dealer Finance Partner to Amplify Opportunities for Black Talent
Accelerate Auto, a not-for-profit focused on increasing representation of Black talent across Canada’s automotive industry, is pleased to announce a new partnership with BMO to help support the organization’s efforts to attract more diverse talent.
Accelerate Auto announces names of the four winners of the inaugural Black Automotive Professional Awards (BAPA)
Today, Accelerate Auto, a not-for-profit focused on increasing representation of Black talent across Canada’s automotive industry, is proud to announce the names of the four winners in the first annual Accelerate Auto Black Automotive Professional Awards (BAPA).
Accelerate Auto launches new awards program to recognize successful and impactful Black professionals in Canada’s auto industry
Today, Accelerate Auto, a not-for-profit focused on increasing representation of Black talent across Canada’s automotive industry, is launching its first annual Accelerate Auto Black Automotive Professional Awards (BAPA).
New Accelerate Auto program provides wage subsidies to employers hiring Black talent
Accelerate Auto, a not-for-profit focused on increasing representation of Black talent across Canada’s automotive industry, launched the Accelerate Auto Access to Work Program today, an initiative aimed at providing valuable work opportunities for young professionals, college and university students, and recent graduates of Black ancestry in the age range of 18-34 residing in Ontario.
Accelerate Auto launches new mentorship program to help support Black talent in Canada’s automotive industry
The Accelerate Auto Connect pilot program officially launched Oct. 17, 2023, and is aimed at introducing college and university students as well as adult community partners with experienced career professionals in Canada’s auto industry.
New research finds Black shoppers have different dealership experience
Accelerate Auto commissions study to understand the Black consumer vehicle buying experience and how Black Canadians feel about careers in automotive.
Black high school students invited by Accelerate Auto to tour AutoShow
Accelerate Auto invites Black students from five Toronto-area schools to tour the Canadian International AutoShow, meet auto industry leaders and learn about career opportunities.
Accelerate Auto discusses research findings on diversity gaps in Canada’s automotive sector
Accelerate Auto speaks to the continued need for greater focus on diversity efforts across the automotive industry.
Accelerate Auto and Nissan Canada sign three-year partnership
Three-year partnership with Nissan Canada will support Accelerate Auto’s education programs to attract, develop, and promote Black talent in Canada’s automotive industry.
Accelerate Auto Recognizes Universus as First Official Partner
Industry support continues to grow for Accelerate Auto as it continues the push to attract, develop, and promote Black talent in Canada’s automotive industry.
Industry leaders express support
Accelerate Auto is working with industry partners to attract, develop, and promote Black talent.
Accelerate Auto launches today
A new not-for-profit launches today to combat anti-Black racism and promote opportunities for Black talent in automotive.