Reelworld Founder and Executive Director Tonya Williams, O.C.
to be honoured with the Luminary Award at the
2026 University of the West Indies Toronto Benefit Awards

The evening which supports scholarships for Caribbean students and celebrates leaders whose work has created lasting global impacts will take place on April 25th at the Ritz-Carlton Hotel Toronto

Reelworld Screen Institute Founder and Executive Director Tonya Williams, O.C. will be honoured with the Luminary Award at the 17th Annual University of the West Indies (UWI) Toronto Benefit Awards, taking place on Saturday, April 25, 2026, at 5:30 PM, at The Ritz-Carlton Hotel in Toronto. The prestigious evening of recognition supports scholarships for Caribbean students and celebrates leaders whose work has created lasting global impact across culture, education, and community development.

Now in its 17th year, the UWI Toronto Benefit Awards have awarded more than 1,000 scholarships to Caribbean students, supporting academic excellence and leadership development across the region. The 2026 theme, Unlocking Brilliance, reflects UWI’s enduring mission to nurture talent, opportunity, and innovation throughout the Caribbean and its global diaspora. For more than 75 years, the University of the West Indies has been a cornerstone of Caribbean development, producing global leaders across medicine, law, science, culture, business, and public service. Today, UWI serves nearly 50,000 students across five campuses and global centres and is internationally recognized for its impact, innovation, and academic excellence.

“Tonya Williams embodies the very spirit of creativity, leadership, and purpose that the UWI Toronto Benefit Awards celebrates.” said Elizabeth Hind-Buchanan, Chair, UWI Toronto Benefit Awards. “Her extraordinary contributions to arts, culture, and inclusion have not only enriched the screen industries, but they have also opened doors for countless emerging voices across Canada and beyond. It is an honour to present her with the 2026 Luminary Award in recognition of a legacy defined by brilliance, resilience, and profound impact.” 

“It is truly an honour to be recognized by the University of the West Indies, an institution whose legacy is rooted in education, leadership, and unlocking human potential since 1948,” said Tonya Williams, O.C. “Education changes lives, not only for students, but for families, communities, and nations. I am deeply inspired by the students whose dreams have been ignited through UWI scholarships, and I am proud to stand alongside an extraordinary group of honourees who are committed to creating lasting impact.”

The 2026 UWI Toronto Benefit Awards will also honour an exceptional group of leaders and organizations, including Ayesha Curry (Luminary Award), Sam Ibrahim (G. Raymond Chang Award), the Black Opportunity Fund and the Lifelong Leadership Institute (Chancellor’s Awards), The Honourable Marci Ien and The Honourable Justice Donald F. McLeod (Vice-Chancellor’s Awards), and Sagicor (Patron’s Award), each recognized for their commitment to education, equity, and community advancement.

The evening will bring together community leaders, supporters, and advocates in celebration of education as a catalyst for transformation. As the UWI Toronto Benefit Awards continue their mission of creating access and opportunity, the 2026 ceremony stands as a powerful reminder of what is possible when brilliance is recognized, supported, and allowed to flourish.

For more information on Tonya Williams, visit:
www.reelworld.ca/founder