Honoured for dedication to supporting gender equality and women-led businesses, and charitable initiatives that uplift women
The award recognizes Canadians demonstrating leadership in their communities, and promoting the values and mission of the UN.
Minhas is receiving the honour for her dedication to supporting gender equality and women-led businesses, and her charitable initiatives that uplift women. Her work demonstrates a dedication to the UN’s Sustainable Development Goal aimed to achieve gender equality and empower women and girls.
One of the entrepreneur’s charitable endeavours is working with YW Calgary to raise $50 million for a crisis shelter for women and children fleeing domestic abuse.
The annual gala celebrates the achievements of Canadians who “exemplify core UN values,” according to the organization’s website, recognizing Minhas as the sole recipient of the 2024 award.
“Her success as a trailblazing entrepreneur embodies the spirit of resilience and innovation, serving as a powerful inspiration for other women and girls to follow in her footsteps and drive positive change within their communities.”
Minhas’ success in the male-dominated business world is described as “barrier-breaking” by UNA-Canada.
Perhaps best known in Calgary for co-owning Minhas Breweries & Distillery, Minhas is also recognized globally for being one of the dragons on CBC ’s long-running television show Dragon’s Den, where she uses her business acumen to support up-and-coming entrepreneurs and expand her own business portfolio.
“I’ve always been cognizant of encouraging women business owners on the Den and in other mentoring situations, because a more inclusive economy is a stronger economy,” she said in a release, on how her work in business supports gender equality.
In addition to co-owning Minhas Breweries & Distillery and working on Dragon’s Den, Minhas also sits on the boards of ATB Financial, the Calgary Airport Authority and the Alberta Small Brewers Association.