Trailblazer Winnie Harlow Announced As Recipient Of The 2023 Global Citizen Award
Trailblazer Winnie Harlow Announced As Recipient Of The 2023 Global Citizen Award By The United Nations Association In Canada
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Ottawa, CANADA – August 15, 2023 – The United Nations Association in Canada (UNA-Canada), a charitable organization with a mission to cultivate global citizens, is delighted to announce international supermodel, entrepreneur, and advocate Winnie Harlow as the recipient of the 2023 Global Citizen Award.
The Global Citizen Award honours an individual who, both personally and professionally, contributes to the building of a better world. Each laureate of the Global Citizen Award has consistently demonstrated generosity, creativity, and leadership, applying their talents to address challenges within their local communities, across the country, and around the world.
The ethos of a Global Citizen extends beyond the realms of diplomacy or philanthropy. It rests on the understanding that actions and decisions, while capable of yielding short-term benefits, can significantly elevate the condition of humanity in the long run. Each laureate has contributed to their community, country, and the world, exhibiting the courage and resolve necessary to uplift others.
Winnie Harlow, celebrated for shattering norms in the fashion industry and her profound advocacy for diversity and female empowerment, is an exemplar of these values. Her staunch stand against all forms of discrimination and her unwavering dedication to the upliftment of women of colour worldwide makes her a remarkable Global Citizen.
As we observe the 75th Anniversary of the United Nations Universal Declaration on Human Rights in 2023, Winnie's work mirrors the declaration's principles of equality and respect for diversity. We are honoured to present her with this accolade in recognition of her vital contributions to these pressing issues.
The award will be conferred on October 26th, 2023 at the Fairmont Royal York in Toronto, Canada. This celebratory event will include a welcome reception and a sit-down dinner, with diplomats, business leaders, philanthropists and UNA-Canada programme participants. The gala, held with the kind support of our Official Hotel sponsor, the Fairmont Royal York, will also feature speeches from Winnie Harlow and the President & CEO of UNA-Canada, Ms. Jaime Webbe.
We are excited to announce that the proceeds from this event will directly benefit UNA-Canada’s programmes to connect those in Canada to the United Nations, and support the implementation of Canada’s commitments under the United Nations here at home. Our initiatives promote diversity, foster empathy-based learning, and devise solutions for shared global challenges. This event will serve as a catalyst for future engagements, helping us to expand our reach and impact across Canada and beyond.
UNA-Canada is hopeful that by honouring Ms. Harlow's monumental work, Canadians will feel inspired to further engage with the United Nations' mission and commit to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals.
About UNA-Canada
The United Nations Association in Canada is a registered charity with the mandate to educate and engage citizens on the work of the United Nations and global issues that affect us all. In summary, we grow Global Citizens. As the leading policy voice on multilateralism in Canada, our work is framed by the 17 Sustainable Development Goals established by the UN to guide the international community until 2030.
We meet our mandate primarily through a national network of Branches, volunteers and programmes that inspire and mobilize Canadians in support of the principles and critical work of the UN. By growing global citizens, we are building a stronger, more outward looking Canada ready to accept the greatest challenges of our time.
About Winnie Harlow
Born to Jamaican parents and Canadian bred, Winnie Harlow is one of the world’s most sought-after supermodels, beauty entrepreneurs and on-screen talents, hailed by Vogue as “one of the most recognized faces on the international fashion scene.” After being diagnosed with vitiligo at the age of 4, Harlow took her experiences with childhood bullying as a calling to showcase to the world the diversity of beauty.
She has since graced the covers of international editions of Vogue, Harper’s Bazaar, ELLE, and more. She has walked in shows for Moschino, Marc Jacobs, Coach and participated in campaigns for well-known brands such as Fendi, Bulgari, Dior, Armani Beauty, Tommy Hilfiger, and many more. Winnie is the first-ever global ambassador for Paul Mitchell and has partnered with major brands including Puma, Maybelline, Smartwater, Cîroc, and more. She’s also released capsule collections with KKW and Steve Madden in a campaign that was shot by legendary photographer Steven Klein. In addition to modeling, she has made on-screen appearances as a season judge on Amazon Prime’s series Making the Cut, alongside Heidi Klum and Jeremy Scott and in several music videos including Beyoncé’s “Lemonade.”
Winnie embarked on her most recent endeavor with her skincare brand Cay Skin after experiencing a severe sunburn during a beach shoot that damaged her vitiligo. Launched in April 2022, Cay Skin prides itself on its look-good/feel-good formulas that preach inclusivity as the products blend into all skin tones, types, and conditions. The brand has been a massive success in its first year, receiving praise from outlets such as ELLE, Allure, Essence, Vanity Fair, and Forbes. It is sold exclusively on CaySkin.com and at Sephora across Canada and the United States. Harlow is one of only 12 women of color to receive funding in excess of $1M as a Founder and aims to raise voices and awareness for other female founders of color through the success of Cay Skin. Harlow raised an impressive $4.1 million to launch the brand.
Press Contact:
Jaime Webbe
President & CEO, United Nations Association in Canada
+1 236-334-3837
Winnie Harlow Press Contacts:
Kristin Somin / Alex Labrie
The Lede Company
