Accelerate Auto Announces 2026 Black Automotive Professional Awards (BAPA) Recipients
Awards presented at the Automotive News Canada Congress
MISSISSAUGA, ON — March 2026 — Accelerate Auto is proud to announce the recipients of the third annual Black Automotive Professional Awards (BAPA), presented at the Automotive News Canada Congress during the Canadian International AutoShow week.
The Black Automotive Professional Awards recognize leaders of Black heritage whose excellence, leadership, innovation, and mentorship are advancing Canada’s automotive sector. The awards serve as a national recognition platform that elevates visible leadership representation while supporting the long-term development of diverse talent across the industry.
The awards were presented by Edith Pencil, Director of Employee Services at Performance Auto Group and Accelerate Auto Founding Member and Board Member.
“Congratulations to this year’s award recipients,” said Shannon Miller, Executive Director of Accelerate Auto. “The Black Automotive Professional Awards remain about ensuring that leadership in our sector reflects the breadth of talent driving its future. When that representation is visible, industries become more resilient, innovative, and more competitive on the global stage.”
2026 BAPA Award Recipients
Black Leadership Excellence Award
Faithlyn Hemmings
Vice President and Lead Counsel, General Motors of Canada Company
The Black Leadership Excellence Award recognizes exceptional professional achievement, leadership, and influence in the automotive industry. Faithlyn Hemmings leads all legal functions at General Motors of Canada, overseeing areas including Sales, Service & Marketing, Real Estate, Environment, Finance, and Customer Care & Aftersales. She serves on the GM Canada Board of Directors, the Canadian Executive Council, and GM’s global Legal & Public Policy team, and acts as Chief Privacy Officer. Her leadership has helped guide the organization through regulatory transformation, privacy governance, and the transition toward electric mobility.
Women’s Leadership Award
Zanell McGregor
National Manager, Marketing, Mazda Canada Inc.
The Women’s Leadership Award recognizes a female professional demonstrating exemplary leadership, mentorship, and sustained industry impact. Zanell McGregor leads national marketing strategy at Mazda Canada and previously served as Manager of Retail Marketing. With experience at Nissan Motor Corporation in marketing communications, she is recognized for strategic brand leadership, retail marketing excellence, and her collaborative approach to team advancement.
“Thank you to Accelerate Auto for recognizing me as the 2026 Women’s Leadership Award recipient,” said McGregor. “The important work being done by the Accelerate Auto team is truly making an impact as we continue driving meaningful change across our industry.”
Emerging Leader Award
Swaine Wellington
Honda Canada
The Emerging Leader Award recognizes a professional demonstrating leadership potential, strategic vision, and collaborative impact. With more than two decades at Honda Canada, Swaine Wellington is recognized for leading strategic initiatives and cross-functional collaboration across Canadian operations. He remains an active member of the Accelerate Auto community and represented Honda at the 2025 Canadian International AutoShow.
Young Professional Award
Jordan Russell
Automotive Professional; Co-Founder, Price Driven
The Young Professional Award recognizes an emerging professional under the age of 30 demonstrating early-career leadership and strong potential for future impact. Jordan Russell is an automotive professional and co-founder of Price Driven who has pursued formal education through the Automotive Business School of Canada and leadership development through programs including the Leadership Academy. His work reflects strong foundations in automotive retail, client engagement, and operational strategy.
Partnership Recognition
As part of the Congress program, Jerome Chinner, SVP at SCI Lease Corp and Accelerate Auto Founding Member and Board Member, also co-presented the Champions of Diversity recognitions in partnership with Automotive News Canada. The collaboration reflects a shared commitment to elevating inclusive leadership and strengthening representation across the automotive ecosystem.
About the Black Automotive Professional Awards
Established by Accelerate Auto, the Black Automotive Professional Awards recognize individuals who demonstrate excellence in leadership, innovation, mentorship, and industry advancement. Now in its third year, the awards contribute to Accelerate Auto’s mission to increase representation of Black talent across Canada’s automotive industry by elevating visible role models and highlighting the contributions of leaders across the sector.
About Accelerate Auto
Accelerate Auto is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to increasing Black representation across Canada’s automotive industry. Through initiatives focused on awareness, development, mentorship, and community, Accelerate Auto connects talent with industry opportunities while supporting professional growth and workforce development across the sector.
For more information, visitwww.accelerateauto.ca
Media Contact
Shannon Miller
Executive Director
Accelerate Auto
shannon.miller@accelerateauto.ca