Jamaican-Canadian entrepreneur Kimesha Walters, CEO of Oasis Integrated Communications, has been awarded the prestigious Mantella Corporation BIPOC Entrepreneur Grant at the recent Women Empowerment Awards.
Walters received CAD$10,000 to support the growth of her business, recognizing her achievements in overcoming significant challenges and establishing herself as a leader in her field.
The Canada-wide award celebrates successful Black, Indigenous, and people of colour (BIPOC) business leaders who have broken through barriers and roadblocks to gain credibility and recognition. Walters was one of three Jamaican-Canadian finalists from a record-breaking pool of 243 applicants. The other finalists included Judy Stewart, Founder of Trèsolz, and Natasha Ferguson, Founder and President of Ethelfox Construct Group.
“It’s an honour to be selected as the winner among the powerhouse entrepreneurs and trailblazers who are doing incredible work and making a positive impact across Canada,” said Walters in a news release. “As entrepreneurs, we challenge ourselves, fight countless unseen battles, and push boundaries to chase a dream that sometimes only we can see. There’s a feeling of relief and exhilaration knowing that others are seeing the work I’ve been putting in.”
Walters, who migrated to Canada in 2018, shared that despite her extensive experience working with major brands like Grace, Hyundai, Microsoft, Pepsi, and Scotiabank, finding a job in Canada was challenging. That frustration pushed her to launch Oasis Integrated Communications, a strategic communications firm with operations in both Jamaica and Canada. The company focuses on helping brands, entrepreneurs, and executives increase their visibility through content development, brand storytelling, public relations, and digital marketing campaigns.
“Starting a business that serves other brands was like second nature for me,” Walters explained. “Since 2010, I’ve been running my Amazing Prospects charity, providing resources for children in the rural community where I grew up in Jamaica. Here in Canada, I recently served as the President of the Clarendon College Alumni Association, Toronto Chapter, because I’m always scouting opportunities to make a positive difference, even as I grow my business.”
Oasis Integrated Communications has quickly built a diverse portfolio of clients across North America, including collaborations with AV Communications, a top multicultural marketing agency in Toronto that serves major brands like Western Union, BMO Financial, and L’Oréal. Walters has also worked with several prominent brands in Jamaica, including Charles Chocolates and the National Road Safety Council (NRSC) Jamaica.
Sylvia Mantella, Vice President of Marketing, Sponsorship, and Philanthropy at the Mantella Corporation, praised Walters’ accomplishments. “I am thrilled to present Kimesha Walters, CEO of Oasis Integrated Communications, as this year’s winner of the Mantella Corporation BIPOC Entrepreneur Grant Award with $10,000 to further her success, recognising her unwavering perseverance, leadership, and outstanding achievements,” said Mantella.
In the last four years, Walters has also delivered speaking engagements and partnered with numerous organizations across Canada and Jamaica, including The Canadian Small Business Women (CSBW), Scotiabank Women Initiative, and the YWCA Hamilton, where she was nominated as a Woman of Distinction.
Walters’ success stands as a testament to her resilience and dedication in the face of adversity, as she continues to inspire and empower others through her entrepreneurial journey.
