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.

2/22/22

Breakfast Television Interview

Jennifer Okoeguale talks with Stephanie Henry on Breakfast Television about the importance of diversity in automotive and the mission of Accelerate Auto to drive that change.

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.

4/16/21

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.

4/9/21

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.

4/7/21

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

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

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.

2/17/21

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

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

Tara Cardinal Tara Cardinal

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.

Read More
Tara Cardinal Tara Cardinal

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.

Read More
Tara Cardinal Tara Cardinal

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.

Read More
Tara Cardinal Tara Cardinal

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.

Read More
Tara Cardinal Tara Cardinal

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.

Read More
Tara Cardinal Tara Cardinal

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.

Read More
Tara Cardinal Tara Cardinal

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.

Read More
Tara Cardinal Tara Cardinal

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.

Read More