Jeremy Dias
Director and Founder
Jeremy Dias was born in Edmonton, Alberta, and grew up there until moving to Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, where he attended high school. As a youth, he was motivated by social and political inequality to take action, volunteering with numerous organizations and charities. In high school he started and lead a number of clubs including Stop Racism and Ontario Students Against Impaired Driving. He also founded and coordinated the Sault Ste. Marie first regional LGBTQ youth group.
After coming out in high school, Jeremy faced extreme cases of discrimination by school officials. At 17, he began a legal case against his school and school board, and at 21 won Canada’s largest human rights settlement. Jeremy used the money to found Jer’s Vision: Canada’s Youth Diversity Initiative and the Jeremy Dias Scholarship.
Jeremy has been featured on Canada AM, Much Music, CTV News, Global News and CBC News; and has been a keynote speaker at countless conferences and events. He is completing an Hon. in Psychology and Political Science at the University of Ottawa, and continues to volunteer for a number of organizations.
Jeremy Dias currently serves as Jer’s Vision’s Executive Director, proudly carrying out the Jer’s Vision mission.
Some of his awards/distinctions include:
National Youth Leader (MADD Canada, 2003)
Miss Campus Pride (uOttawa & Carleton, 2004-2005)
Mover & Shaker (Ottawa Citizen, 2005)
Political Activist of the Year (nomination Cap X, 2005)
Citizen of the Year (City of Ottawa, 2006)
Outstanding Achievement in Queer Youth Visibility (Youthline, 2006)
Youth Activist of the Year (Capital Xtra, 2006
Jury's Choice (Québec Queer Youth Alliance, 2007).
Ontario Medal for Young Volunteers (Province of Ontario, 2007)
Do Something/Teen Choice Awards (nomination Do Something Inc, 2008)
Youth Achievement Award (Pride Toronto, 2008)
Featured on 100,000 Doritos Bags (Do Something Inc, 2008)
Susan Sarandon Award (Do Something Inc, 2009)
Young Revolutionaries Who Rock (Dallas Jessup, 2009)
Grand Marshall (Vancouver Pride, 2009)
Youth Leader Award (Crime Prevention Ottawa, 2009)
Everyday Hero (Global National News, 2010)
Contact Jeremy at: info@jersvision.org
