Georgian College celebrated local entrepreneurs and business leaders at the 2025 Henry Bernick Awards for their contributions to community through entrepreneurial leadership and initiative.
Georgian College hosted the 2025 Henry Bernick Awards on June 9, celebrating local entrepreneurs and business leaders. From left: Dr. Mira Ray, Executive Director of Research, Innovation and Research, Georgian College; Mark and Amaya Doucette, family of the late Cecilia Doucette; Lisa Roth Collins, granddaughter of Henry Bernick; Emily Baillie, Compass Content Marketing; Ricardo Irivarren, Miski Brewing Company; Jesse Kerr, Sandbox Centre; Tyla Badger, The New Beginnings Project; Mariella Irivarren, Miski Brewing Company; Dr. Deborah Ledley, granddaughter of Henry Bernick; Kevin Weaver, President and CEO, Georgian; and Ryan Burwell, Manager of Programs and Services, HBEC.
Hosted by the Henry Bernick Entrepreneurship Centre (HBEC) at Georgian's Barrie Campus on June 9, the annual event highlights a wide range of entrepreneurial journeys - launching new ventures, growing established businesses, and supporting the broader business community in meaningful ways.
"Each of our nominees this year represents a different path, a different challenge - and all of them contribute something meaningful to the region. We are proud to continue celebrating the hard work and vision that drives entrepreneurship forward," said Dr. Mira Ray, Executive Director, Research, Innovation and Entrepreneurship at Georgian.
Meet the award winners:
- Student Entrepreneur Award - recognizes a Georgian College student, or recent graduate within two years, who has boldly and successfully launched a business or community initiative.
Winner: Tyla Badger - The New Beginnings Project
The mission of The New Beginnings Project is to help transform lives through rehabilitation and reintegration of those affected by incarceration and homelessness, providing core services through support, resources and community engagement to support positive change in society.
Nominees: Larissa De Simone - 24Karis Creative,
- Entrepreneurs' Champion - awarded to an exceptional individual who is dedicated to empowering students, entrepreneurs, innovators, and the broader business community in Central Ontario.
Winner: Jesse Kerr
Kerr has been a longstanding leader in the community through his work at the Sandbox Centre, reIGNITE conference, and, more recently, with Barrie's Regional Innovation Centre. His dedication and passion for entrepreneurship has supported many entrepreneurs and businesses as they grow and connect in the region.
Nominees: Beatriz Zanatelli, Dina Tzirakos-Hawker, Gianna Saes Negrinho.
- Community Entrepreneur Award - honours a visionary business or community innovator who has leveraged the resources of HBEC to achieve remarkable success.
Winner: Emily Baillie - Compass Content Marketing
Compass Content Marketing provides support to organizations of all sizes across Canada with artificial intelligence and digital marketing, training, advising and mentorship.
Nominees: Cameron Christie - thorGLUE Consulting, Ciara Thompson - Wood & Heart Design co., Harvey Howard - Kick Ass Pizza, Jillian Whitfield - Happy Hounds
- Cecilia Doucette Newcomer/Immigrant Entrepreneur Award - a new honour in 2025, the award is named in memory of the late Cecilia Doucette, who was the International and Newcomer Entrepreneurship Coordinator at HBEC and whose life and work championed inclusion and opportunity for all. This award celebrates a dynamic individual who embodies resilience, innovation, and community spirit. This accolade recognizes a newcomer or immigrant who, with the support of HBEC, has overcome significant challenges to build a thriving business.
Winner: Mariella and Ricardo Irivarren - Miski Brewing Company
The Irivarrens built Miski Brewing Company to reflect their values of sustainability, inclusion and community giving. Through their hard work and strong sense of purpose, they have leveraged regional entrepreneurial networks and community supports to build a successful business.
Nominees: Adrian Caraballo - Carnival Barrie, Carmen Bautista - Green Parenting/TOMI
The event also featured a keynote address by Chelsee Pettit, owner of aaniin retail inc., who shared personal insights from her entrepreneurial path and offered reflections on resilience, decision making, and community connection.
Chelsee Pettit, owner of aaniin retail inc., was the keynote speaker at the 2025 Henry Bernick Awards.
"One thing I've learned in four years of business - and something I often reflect on - is that in sales, you can usually only have two out of three: good, fast, or cheap. I didn't have money when I started, so I focused on building something good, and I had to do it fast. Now that I have a bit more capital, I can take my time, focus on profitability, and continue delivering something great," said Pettit.
She spoke about the importance of Indigenous economic reclamation and the role entrepreneurship plays in cultural revitalization and self-determination. Through her work with aaniin, Pettit continues to champion Indigenous-owned businesses and create space for Indigenous voices in the retail and fashion industries.
HBEC is a living tribute to Henry Bernick's legacy a legacy built on perseverance, innovation, and a deep belief in the power of community. When Henry immigrated to Canada, he didn't have access to the kinds of supports that today's entrepreneurs can find through HBEC. In establishing the centre, Henry and the Bernick family sought to change that ensuring that individuals with ideas, drive, and vision would have the tools, mentorship, and community to succeed. The Henry Bernick Awards celebrate not only the entrepreneurial achievements of today, but the enduring values of inclusion, possibility, and shared success that define Henry's legacy and continue to guide HBEC's work.
To connect with the HBEC team or learn more about upcoming events and opportunities, visit GeorgianCollege.ca/hbec.
For more information
One Georgian Drive
Barrie Ontario
Canada L4M 3X9
www.georgiancollege.ca
