The Wave Awards is IABC/BC’s signature awards program, recognizing communicators who have demonstrated excellence in professional work experience or contributions to the chapter. These chapter awards celebrate leadership and achievement in the workplace, recognize volunteer contributions within the IABC/BC and identify the rising stars currently studying communication, marketing or public relations.
For 2025, communicators from across British Columbia had the opportunity to nominate their peers or self-nominate for a Wave Award. This resulted in over 17 nominations spanning the full communications and marketing discipline. Thank you to all the nominees and nominators who submitted an application and recognized a peer. The awards are adjudicated by a panel of IABC/BC directors and volunteers who hold senior positions in the field of communications and marketing.
Without further ado, here are the winners and nominees for 2025!
Making Waves Award
Making Waves recognizes a new superstar communicator with 6 years or less in the profession who demonstrates skill above their level of experience and who has a bright future.
Winner: Rachael Pérez
Internal Communications Specialist, External Engagement
Union Gospel Mission
Their nomination was supported by Nicole Mucci, Media Relations & Communications at UGM, who said, “Rachael’s future is incredibly bright. With her passion for learning, dedication to excellence, and analytical mindset, she is poised to achieve great things in her career. I have no doubt that she will continue to inspire and drive positive change wherever she goes.”
Lighthouse Award
A senior communicator with 7 years or more in the profession whose experience, accomplishments or projects have made them a trusted leader in their organization and a role model.
Winner: Viola Cohen
Communications and Marketing Strategist
University of British Columbia Okanagan
Their nomination was supported by Rehmatullah Sheikh, podcaster and journalist, who said, “I’ve had the opportunity to work with Viola for two years, but I’m going to reap the dividends of her mentorship for eternity. She gave me excellent feedback on my articles and it helped shape the early years of my journalism career.”
New Navigator Award
A communicator who is a dedicated volunteer with IABC/BC for 1 to 5 years, making major contributions, creating benefits for members, sharing time and knowledge.
Winner: Todd Hauptman
Communications Manager, Vancouver Aquarium
IABC Career Development Volunteer
Todd is the mastermind behind our Chapter’s Mentorship program, spearheading the successful execution of the program by creating a welcoming and supportive environment for both mentors and mentees – even becoming a mentor himself. This year, he hosted an in-person gathering for the mentorship program, which drew over 20 attendees.
Long Beach Award
A communicator with a long history as an IABC/BC volunteer, making significant, creative contributions to the chapter for more than 5 years.
Winner: Carmen Wright
Manager, Brand and Digital Experience
Langara College
Their nomination was supported by Maycko Macapugas who remarked on Carmen’s demonstrated and exceptional leadership within the Chapter. Some key contributions include President of the 2022-2023 IABC/BC Board and role in collaborating with chapter presidents across Canada to navigate and support the “Stronger Together” initiative at IABC International. She explored the possibility of a Diversity, Equity and Inclusion committee at the chapter and brought the conversation to the forefront of the chapter’s work. In recognizing the importance of efficiency and digital collaboration, she also helped modernize the chapter’s organization by leading the transition to Google Workspace.
SAIL Award (Student Advancing in Learning)
A post-secondary student in communication, marketing or public relations studies who demonstrates excellence, collaborates well and shows promise. The winner of the SAIL Award receives a $750 bursary to continue their studies.
Winner: Caleb Peterson
Communications Intern at Seaspan and Bachelor of Media Studies & Master of Management candidate at the University of British Columbia.
Thank you to all nominees and supporters of the 2025 Wave Awards! Stay tuned for our Wave Awards program in 2026.
