Earlier this year, the Province of Manitoba announced the Mosaic Awards, a new initiative designed to honour the “outstanding contributions of newcomers, immigrants and refugees who help shape a stronger, more inclusive Manitoba.” The awards feature five different categories, including the Community Spark Award, which recognizes two recipients in leadership known for uplifting their communities with “heart” and “vision.” Serena Aguinaldo, a part of Morden’s Filipino community, received the Spark Award for her efforts in the community. The purpose behind the awards Minister of Labour and Immigration, Malaya Marcelino, said the inaugural award ceremony for the Mosaic Awards took place on September 18th. The province responded well to the new opportunity to spotlight influential community members. She had multiple nominators who wrote in to tell us about all the things that she's involved in, all the kinds of support roles she's taken on, and how she's really taken on a leadership role in Morden in the newcomer communities there. -Minister Malaya Marcelino on Serena Aguinaldo's nominations for the Community Spark Award. “We got nominations from all over the communities in Manitoba, and we ask for folks to nominate people in their community, people in their lives, that are making a meaningful impact,” she said. “These are newcomers, immigrants, refugees, and community champions.” Marcelino said that individuals who help build bridges between newcomers and Canadians, as well as those who are changemakers and create opportunities, were eligible. “It was pretty broad, [and] there were multiple categories,” she said. “[We] got a lot of nominations, and in the end, we got this really great crop of nominees and award winners.” The minister said that there were so many nominees that the province added a category for award honorees. Fighting negativity surrounding immigration For Marcelino, one of the reasons she worked on the Mosaic Awards project was to combat a trend of negativity surrounding immigration in Manitoba. “We wanted, as a province, to shine a light on what newcomers, immigrants, and refugees bring to our province and how they contribute to our province and also shine a light on folks ... that are being very welcoming as well,” she said. “[We wanted to] show that when we do things together like this as Manitobans, we build a better Manitoba.” Recipient Serena Aguinaldo Marcelino said that although she knows the Community Spark Award recipient Serena Aguinaldo from Morden “tangentially” because she has visited the Filipino community of which she is a part, she was not involved in the Mordenite’s selection process. Aguinaldo’s far-reaching impact on the community was the culprit. “Serena was chosen because of her nominators,” said Marcelino. “She had multiple nominators who wrote in to tell us about all the things that she's involved in, all the kinds of support roles she's taken on, and how she's really taken on a leadership role in Morden in the newcomer communities there.” Related stories: Regional Connections is changing lives one career at a time New Immigration Minister Marcelino given a warm welcome to the Pembina Valley The minister said Aguinaldo had “glowing” letters from her several nominators that touched on her involvement in Morden, including her role in projects like the city’s annual multicultural Winterfest. ‘I never expected such an incredible award’ For Aguinaldo herself, receiving the Spark Award came as a surprise. She said it was a humbling experience. “I never expected such an incredible award,” she said. Aguinaldo’s path to impacting Morden began in 2016, when she moved to the Pembina Valley with her family. In your small act of kindness, you make a difference, and it's a lot for others to feel that. We were treated like a family when we first came here, ... and we would like to do the same to others so that they will feel welcome and [inspired] to contribute as well. -Serena Aguinaldo on what inspired her to the community action that resulted in a Community Spark Award. “It's a very nice journey knowing that, when we first set foot in this community, we were embraced by so much support [from] devoted individuals and organizations in our community. We are just thankful.” The award recipient said the hospitality she received when she moved to the area set the tone for how she interacted with it. “It just inspired us to carry the spirit forward so that we can at least, in our own small way, inspire others to and empower them to contribute as well,” she said. ‘It brought me to tears’ One of Aguinaldo’s nominators was Shelly Voth, Morden’s immigration coordinator, whom the recipient appreciates greatly. “She's an amazing woman. I can't speak enough of her,” she said. “When she forwarded me the nomination package, I read through it, and it brought me to tears because it was just so many amazing words written about me .... She mentioned in there that I was unique in the sense that I was volunteering in different areas, not only focussing on one area. That makes me feel so humbled, so grateful that someone like Shelly is looking up to me like that.” A great night, a great celebration For Aguinaldo, the award ceremony was also memorable. She said that it was a “very special” evening to be surrounded by like-minded people who have contributed meaningfully to their communities. “It was a great night and a great celebration.” At the event, Aguinaldo also had the opportunity to connect with Minister Marcellino, whom she admires. “I was truly inspired by what she is doing because she is really highlighting the contributions of the immigrants here in Manitoba,” she said. “It just validates that she is pushing and strengthening the sense of belonging of the newcomers here in the province.” The value of togetherness Although Aguinaldo received the Spark Award alone, she reiterated that, to her, it’s the culmination of returning the positivity that she has received from a vibrant network of community that includes organizations like Regional Connections, the city overall, and her supportive and welcoming workplace. It all comes together to reinforce and create more community ties. “In your small act of kindness, you make a difference, and it's a lot for others to feel that,” she said. “We were treated like a family when we first came here, ... and we would like to do the same to others so that they will feel welcome and [inspired] to contribute as well.” The award recipient encourages others to take the leap to get involved. “Don't underestimate the impact that you can make on the community, because [through] your skills, your cultures, and your time, you can make an impact and make a difference. Be involved, because the friendships that you will make over the years are just very fulfilling,” she said. With files from Robyn Wiebe