While the winner of this year’s Ernst & Young (EY) Entrepreneur of the Year award presentation went to Knix founder and CEO Joanna Griffiths during an online ceremony Jan. 26, the global consulting firm also recognized three Black entrepreneurs.

Cheryl Kerr, the founder of MedEx Health Services Inc., Kishawna Peck, founder of Toronto Womxn in Data Science and Nathanael Williams, founder of Legacy Holding Group Fund, were acknowledged in the EY Entrepreneurs Access Network Class of 2022 category.

Nine women entrepreneurs were also honoured for The EY Entrepreneurial Winning Women North America, Class of 2022.

Canadian journalist Amanda Lang hosted the ceremony and the 2022 independent national judging panel for Canada included the following:

• Geoff Chutter, president and CEO, WhiteWater West Industries

• Wes Hall, executive chairman and founder, Kingsdale Advisors, The BlackNorth Initiative and WeShall Investments.

• Germain Lamonde, founder and executive chairman, EXFO Inc.

• Kim Mason, senior vice president and head of private banking, RBC Wealth Management

• Linda McCurdy, president and CEO, K-Bro Linen Systems Inc.

• Kristi Miller, managing partner, Krystal Growth Partners

• Joseph Randell, president and CEO, Chorus Aviation Inc.

Griffiths’ selection means that the Knix founder will compete against 60 other country winners for the title of "EY World Entrepreneur of the Year" this summer in Monaco.

You can see the complete list of winners here. Learn more about the Black entrepreneurs that took home one of the prestigious awards.

Cheryl Kerr

The founder of MedEx Health Services Inc. was among the three Black founders honoured.

Her business provides innovative disability management, workplace health and wellness services, and home healthcare. It also specializes in client-centred care and interdisciplinary rehabilitation.

Kerr. is considered a champion of diversity and inclusion. She has been featured in the Globe & Mail and has been recognized as one of the Top 100 ABC Women for 2020. According to a recent LinkedIn post, more than 80 per cent of staff at MedEx are female medical professionals, such as nurses, chiropractors, and physiotherapists.

Kishawna Peck

She is the executive director of Toronto Womxn in Data Science. The company highlights women in data science, and shares their professional paths and technical, commercial, and ethical knowledge.

Peck is on a mission to "inspire and empower a million data-literate womxn” and diversify the talent pipeline in data, according to The Daily Hive.

The company is hosting its 2023 Conference Launch on Feb. 3 at 200 Front St. W. in Toronto. Tickets are sold out; however, virtual passes are still available. Also, the 2023 Womxn in Data Science Annual Conference and Awards will take place on April 26-27, 2023. You can find more details here.

Nathanael Williams

President and founder of investment firm Legacy Holdings Group Fund, Williams has created a company focused on the ethnic and dairy food industry.

He is also the president of the United Dairy and Grocers and serves as a board member for the CEE Centre for Young Black Professionals.

The Toronto-based charity is dedicated to addressing the economic and social barriers that affect Black youth ages 14 and over.