Spotlight on Black Rising Leaders

This Black History Month, we’re spotlighting some of the incredible Black rising leaders within our network to showcase the work they do, the leaders who have inspired them throughout their leadership journeys, and what it means to be a Black rising leader at this moment in history. 

Keep reading to meet nine incredible leaders!

Alicia Richins: Director of Programming, Leading Change Canada

What work do you do and what are you passionate about? 

At the core of all of my professional and volunteer work is the conviction that we can and must solve the climate crisis, and the broader challenge of sustainable development. I invite all young sustainability leaders to apply to join us at this year’s Leading Change Capital Forum (rolling deadline). For those working at social impact organizations and businesses, assess your impact measurement process against the Canadian minimum standard at the Common Approach. I have also developed an SDG Primer to breakdown individual and organizational action steps on the UN Sustainable Development Goals.

Looking throughout history, who is a Black leader you think the network needs to know about?

Everyone should know about Octavia Butler. As a trailblazing African-American science fiction author, she created worlds and dreamed of futures that have served as ominously accurate precautionary tales for today’s challenges in politics, climate, equity, and inclusion. I think when it comes to creating better futures for all, we need to exercise imagining these worlds, and telling those stories as a way to better connect with others, ultimately making them a reality. One of her famous personal affirmations finds its way on to every vision board I make: “I will find the way to do this! So be it! See to it!”

What does it mean to you to be a Black rising leader in this moment in history?

To be a Black rising leader today means living out one version of the popular adage of being my ancestors’ wildest dreams. We are at a critical inflexion point in the history of humanity. It may sound dramatic, but our decisions over the next few years will quite literally determine our chances of survival on a planet that we are increasingly making inhospitable to ourselves. To be empowered to contribute to and lead these necessary decisions and transformations as a Black woman — working to ensure all people are included in resilience and prosperity — is my own dream come true.

Connect with Alicia on Twitter and LinkedIn.

Henry Ssali: Founder and Executive Director, University of Toronto African Alumni Association

What work do you do and what are you passionate about? 

When I first graduated from the University of Toronto, I walked into the Office of University Advancement in search of a connection with an African alumnus. The Office had no recommendations because they had never encountered such a specific question. They had no mechanism of tracking which alumni came from which region “because graduates just didn’t reveal their identities”. As a result, I created the African Alumni Association (AAA) to ensure no other African graduate faces a similar dilemma like myself. The AAA just celebrated our fourth African Scholars Awards and will be hosting our fifth Refugee Awareness Week (RAW) during Black History Month.

Looking throughout history, who is a Black leader you think the network needs to know about?

My Mother. She was a single parent of six who welcomed a village of orphans into our home simply “because it was the right thing to do”. I am influenced by women who foster meaningful change through activism and volunteerism. For example, Wangari Muta Maathai, who was a Kenyan social, environmental, and political activist. Dr. Maathai was also the first African woman to win the Nobel Prize and I take this as an opportunity to celebrate her excellence during Black History Month. Just like my mom, Dr. Maathai was an exceptional role model.

What does it mean to you to be a Black rising leader in this moment in history?

In 1979 James Baldwin posed a question that has yet to be answered. “If you are a citizen, why do you have to fight for your civil rights?” Baldwin attempted to answer it himself, suggesting that “if you are fighting for your civil rights, that means you’re not a citizen”. So, what does it mean for me to be a Black rising leader in this era of #BLM and #ICantBreathe hashtags? Well, I never knew I was Black until I came to Canada. So, I live in the moment. The past is memory, the future is imagination. Black POWER!

Connect with Henry on Twitter and LinkedIn.

Sharon Tindyebwa: Marketing and Web Specialist, Institute for Canadian Citizenship

What work do you do and what are you passionate about? 

I am passionate about using storytelling as a way to make spaces and policies more inclusive. As someone who was born outside of Canada, I love that a lot of my work over the past two and a half years has been in service of new citizens. I am currently working on a website redesign project, which has involved talking to a sample of the communities we serve. I have really enjoyed receiving direct feedback about our work. Beyond that, I am excited about using the website more effectively as a storytelling vessel.

Looking throughout history, who is a Black leader you think the network needs to know about?

I think everyone should know about Jean Augustine. She was the first Black woman to be elected to the House of Commons. She is also the reason that we celebrate Black History Month in Canada. I am embarrassed to say that I did not know of her until a few years ago. Now I make it a point to tell as many people as I can about her, especially during Black History Month.

What does it mean to you to be a Black rising leader in this moment in history?

It feels a bit uncomfortable in some ways to be a Black professional in this moment in history. The gaze of so many has turned towards us and it is hard to decipher what is genuine and what is tokenism; however, I am trying to focus on the opportunities that this moment presents. I want to connect with non-profit workers who look like me, and I strive to do what I can to ensure that this moment isn’t a moment, but rather the beginning of lasting change.

Connect with Sharon on LinkedIn.

Paulysha De Gannes: Policy Analyst, Canadian Cancer Society

What work do you do and what are you passionate about? 

I am a public health and policy professional who is passionate about health equity. I lead a one-of-a-kind, innovative, community-based initiative improving prostate cancer outcomes in the Black community. We will also be specifically targeting Black LGBTQ+ communities, as people in these communities have unique needs. To ensure Black communities are meaningfully engaged, I advocated for and recruited an advisory council, who are involved in all phases of the initiative. Shortly after, I proposed a budget to compensate council members for their contributions. This unique initiative demonstrates the “nothing about us without us” public health approach and will launch late this year.

Looking throughout history, who is a Black leader you think the network needs to know about?

Camille Orridge is a senior fellow at the Wellesley Institute and a Top 25 Women of Influence Lifetime Achievement Award recipient for 2021. As an immigrant, Camille climbed the ranks to become CEO of both Toronto Central Community Care Access Centre and subsequently CEO of Toronto Central Local Health Integration Network (TC LHIN). At TC LHIN, she mandated regional race-based data collection. Research shows COVID-19 has disproportionately affected Black neighbourhoods, subsequently leading to increased advocacy for systematic race-based data collection nationally. Camille’s work supported marginalized communities, setting a foundation for future equity work such as with the race-based data collection.

What does it mean to you to be a Black rising leader in this moment in history?

The COVID-19 pandemic placed great pressure on everyone. It has put even greater pressure on Black individuals following George Floyd’s murder, since demands for Black emotional labour to address anti-Black racism have increased. As a Black rising leader, I must meet greater professional and personal demands with a heavier workload. Typically this means prioritizing initiatives that serve ‘all Canadians’, which often do not reach underserved communities. During this time of reduced spending due to the pandemic’s financial impact, I continue to deliver and advocate for tailored, culturally appropriate initiatives to improve health outcomes for those in greatest need.

Connect with Paulysha on Twitter and LinkedIn.

Janeen Brown: Founder & Executive Director, EmpowHERto

What work do you do and what are you passionate about? 

I am the Executive Director of EmpowHERto, a Toronto-based organization formed in 2015, dedicated to helping young women and girls reach their fullest potential through its three pillars of independence, leadership, and confidence. We work with girls aged 14-21 to empower them to become the next generation of female leaders by hosting events, providing mentorship opportunities, encouraging entrepreneurship, and creating leadership opportunities.

Looking throughout history, who is a Black leader you think the network needs to know about?

Dorothy Height, described as the godmother of the women’s movement, spent her life working for gender equality through her leadership of the National Council of Negro Women, her involvement in the 1963 March on Washington, and her work advising the Young Women’s Christian Association (YWCA). Height began her career as an educator in New York City, where she caught the attention of Eleanor Roosevelt. She later received the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 1994. I believe Dorothy deserves to be recognized for her work regarding gender equality. Her influence has opened up opportunities for me to continue my journey.

What does it mean to you to be a Black rising leader in this moment in history?

As a leader of an organization dedicated to empowering young women, I understand the importance of guiding future leaders in order to bring out their potential to achieve their goals. I believe in lifting others up so that they can in turn lift up other women. As women, we are too often in competition with each other when we should be pooling our resources to help each other. I would not have been able to reach the success that I have without the guidance and knowledge of talented Black women who lent their expertise and shared their journeys with me.

Connect with Janeen on LinkedIn.

Zoë David-Delves

What work do you do and what are you passionate about? 

I do a lot of things, but mostly community work and research in Black communities in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA), specifically among women and queer people. I live in the intersections of Black, woman, queer and am passionate about advocating for myself and people like me.

Looking throughout history, who is a Black leader you think the network needs to know about?

My immediate instinct is to write “my dad.” I think every Black person knows someone who has done heroic things for their family/community. I want to big up those local, quiet, often unknown heroes. Also, big up any Black person who is queer, does sex work, is from the Global South, is disabled, is poor, or otherwise lives in intersections that pushes them into societal margins.

What does it mean to you to be a Black rising leader in this moment in history?

It’s VERY interesting to be a Black person right now, period. After George Floyd, it was suddenly mainstream to advocate for Black lives. It’s bizarre to see anti-Black racism become a household term so quickly, while also living in a society where anti-Black racism is inescapable. Although anti-Blackness is ubiquitous on this stolen land, right now, advocacy for Black lives among non-Black people and institutions has reached an all-time high, in my experience. I need folks to keep this same energy, until every Black person is free.

Tanya Rumble: Director of Development, Faculty of Arts, Ryerson University and Board Director, Association of Fundraising Professionals-Canada

What work do you do and what are you passionate about? 

I am a fundraising leader who has raised millions for some of Canada’s largest charities including Heart and Stroke Foundation, the Canadian Cancer Society, McMaster University, and now Ryerson University. As a racialized philanthropy professional, I’m honoured to share my insights with students, emerging professionals, and peers in the sector. I regularly write articles on the topics of inclusion, equity, access, power, privilege, and fundraising, and speak to professional audiences. In partnership with a colleague, I am starting a Community of Practice (CoP) in March 2021 to provide a brave space for fundraisers to discuss philanthropy, equity, inclusion and accessibility.

Looking throughout history, who is a Black leader you think the network needs to know about?

Bill Russell, an American former professional basketball player who played center for the Boston Celtics from 1956 to 1969 and for whom the National Basketball Association (NBA) Final’s Most Valuable Player award is named. A five-time NBA Most Valuable Player and a 12-time All-Star, he was the centrepiece of the Celtics dynasty that won eleven NBA championships during his career. Bill coordinated the Cleveland summit with other prominent Black athletes — Jim Brown, Muhammad Ali, and Lew Alcindor aka Karim Abdul Jabar — to establish the role of Black athletes in the civil rights movement. He paved the way for the activism in sports that we see today. 

What does it mean to you to be a Black rising leader at this moment in history?

The Black Lives Matter movement has created a great opportunity for Black professionals across all fields. This leaves me feeling enlivened, empowered, and also very fatigued. I am carving my own path in the fundraising sector, which is both exciting and a heavy burden. Fundraising is fraught with power imbalances that are often amplified as a result of the race and intersectional identities of the fundraiser and the donor. My hope is that emerging Black fundraising professionals have limitless choices for the types of careers they want to have in philanthropy and that the sector is inclusive and safe for them to thrive.

Francine Mbvoumbo: Founder and Strategic Leader, Mothers to Daughters 

What work do you do and what are you passionate about? 

Mothers to Daughters is a for-impact organization on a mission to bridge intergenerational gaps amongst women. We empower women around the globe through events, mentorship, and sisterhood. We highlight the importance of younger generations to reach out to older generations. Our mission is to create a space where women find a haven in each other and learn from their experiences. Furthermore, we amplify women’s voices and advocate for them as pillars in society. Mothers to Daughters also designs and delivers educational programs to empower women, specifically the less advantaged and/or marginalized.

Looking throughout history, who is a Black leader you think the network needs to know about?

“When you learn, teach. When you get, give.” This is a quote by Maya Angelou that I live by. She inspired the project Mothers to Daughters on many levels. As a previous sex worker, she did not let her past define and condition her future. She blossomed and went on to be the voice of her generation and the ones to come. Another aspect of her life I’m edified by is the understanding of the power of her voice at a very young age. The lessons learned from her story are powerful and worth being acclaimed.

What does it mean to you to be a Black rising leader in this moment in history?

I play a critical role in setting a precedent for future Black generations. I have younger sisters and I want by all means a brighter future for them. I want to use my voice and embrace my identity to unlock doors I am unable to access. A rising leader is hopeful, brave, and does not stand back in the face of challenges. The stakes are too high. The time is NOW.

Connect with Francine on LinkedIn.

Jamaal Myers: Director and Chair of the Advocacy and Policy Committee, The Scarborough Business Association

What work do you do and what are you passionate about? 

The Scarborough Business Association is a membership-based organization of businesses, entrepreneurs, organizations, and individuals committed to building a strong local economy that benefits the businesses and residents of Scarborough and builds on Scarborough’s strengths of location, skilled labour, and diversity. To help fulfill this mandate, my committee has been focused on improving area WiFi connectivity, creating a Community Benefits Agreement for residents and businesses, and increasing options for mobility beyond personal vehicles. My passion for local economic development stems from having lived in several cities around the world and having moved back, seeing Scarborough’s enormous economic potential with fresh eyes.

Looking throughout history, who is a Black leader you think the network needs to know about?

Judge Pamela Appelt served for 11 years as the first African-Canadian woman to be appointed a Judge of the Court of Canadian Citizenship. A tireless community builder, she has spent decades working and volunteering to make life better for children and families, her greatest passions. Judge Appelt’s lifetime of outstanding achievement has been recognized by awards, honours and accolades, including the Order of Distinction in the rank of Officer from the Government of Jamaica for her dedicated service to Jamaica and the Canadian Jamaican Diaspora and a Harry Jerome Award for Lifetime Achievement, the premier award in the African-Canadian community.

What does it mean to you to be a Black rising leader in this moment in history?

To be a Black rising leader today requires a clear understanding of the tremendous strides and accomplishments that the generations before us have achieved while being clear-eyed about the work that remains unfinished. It means dealing with prejudices and slights, while recognizing the enormous difference our voices, experiences, and knowledge make by having a seat at the table. Finally, it means helping to make sure that when our time passes, there’s a new and bigger generation of Black leaders equipped with the confidence, opportunities and skills needed to finish the work that remains undone.

Connect with Jamaal on Twitter and LinkedIn.