e 16 in 20 az ag 3 ne M 1 u J o. n J o SM N iti d lE ia ec Sp

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CANADA:

100 Black Women to Watch 2016 Mind, Soul, Body & Pur$e

The BIGGEST CELEBRATION of Black Women in Canada (June 10 & 11, 2016)

Elevate, Connect, Empower, Ignite

Celebrating the RISE OF OUR OWN

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Canada International Black Women Event

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Contents The Sisterly Bond Behind and Beyond CIBWE

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The Power of Aisha Addo

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Dr. Nadine Wong: Entrepreneurship Fueled by Education

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Celina Caesar-Chavannes

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Agenda

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100 Black Women To Watch

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Canada International Black Women Event

www.cbwie.com

Sheri L. Lake (647) 272-3624 i_dezign@outlook.com

SHELLEY JARRETT AWARD WINNING IMAGE/STYLE CONSULTANT, MENTOR, SPEAKER & PUBLISHER

416-839-2792

twitter.com/SJImageCreation www.linkedin.com/in/sjimagecreations www.facebook.com/SJImageCreations w

www.limmediagroup.com

www.sjimagecreations.com/www.smjmag.com www.youtube.com/user/SMJMagazine pinterest.com/shellyspix/

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Founder & Publisher Shelley Jarrett Editor-in-Chief Andrew Terry Pasieka Creative Director/Layout Sheri L. Lake Chief Photographer Lubin Tasevski Fashion & Design Editor Claris Minas Manglicmot Contributors Shelley Jarrett Andrew Terry Pasieka Rose Cathy Handy Aisha Addo Publicity LIM Media Group Inc. Website www.sjimagecreations.com www.smjmag.com FRONT COVER: Rose Cathy Handy Layout: Sheri Lake

Contact publisher@smjmag.com SMJ Magazine is a division of Seventh House Publishing Arts. Special Edition Issue No. 13

SMJ Magazine celebrates its rd Special Edition

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DISCLAIMER: All rights reserved. No part of this magazine may be reproduced in any form without written consent from the publisher and CIBWE. We make conscious efforts to ensure complete accuracy in all editorial content, however we accpet no liability for any inaccurate information. SMJ Magazine is regularly published digitally online four (4) times a year with irregular Special Editions. To advertise in our publication, be featured, or for more information, please contact us at publisher@smjmag.com or visit www. smjmag.com. For editorial inquiries contact atp11th@gmail.com

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Canada International Black Women Event

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THE SISTERLY BOND

BEHIND AND

BEYOND CIBWE

By Andrew Terry Pasieka

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Rose Cathy Handy is a woman who brings a calm, soft spoken presence to a meeting, and a pleasant face that always seems ready to break out into a smile. Hardly the persona of a woman steadfast in her pursuit of bringing attention to the achievements of Canadian black women at home and abroad. She, however, is one half of a unique sisterly bond, one that goes beyond the grave. The bond has culminated in the Canada International Black Women Event (CIBWE). Yes, it’s another award show. But a unique one, because of the bond. It all began when Ms. Handy immigrated to Canada at the end of 1993. The recession had hit Ontario pretty hard and many people were unemployed and relying on government assistance. Somehow black women, especially young black women, became the face of what was deemed wrong with the economy or why it was so difficult to bounce back. Black women with two or more children living on social assistance and not working were constantly talked about. The stigma was that black women were a burden to the economy. Rose was one of those women. Fast forward fifteen years later. In that time, Rose Cathy Handy had become CEO of H.E.R Consulting & Services Inc., offering extensive expertise in development, empowerment

and career building. She wrote a book entitled “Going from Homeless to CEO: the no excuse Handbook.” Highlights of her life story were showcased on TVO, CTV, the Toronto Star, and RDI-Radio Canada. She also became President of Bilingual Link which has been responsible for helping over 30,000 bilingual candidates find work and improve their lives through publications, job fairs, web career site, seminars and training. Her watershed moment came in 2010 when her beloved little sister Esther Handy died. She traveled back to Cameroon for the funeral. She describes what she saw, and her reaction. Hundreds of people came, giving testimony after testimony, I learned how she spent her short life helping HIV positive women give birth with dignity. I learned how much she used her little salary of less than $100 per month to feed, clothe or pay for the education of abandoned children, orphans: mainly the children from these HIV positive mothers. I came back to Canada highly afflicted by the fact that I didn’t know my own sister. I was haunted by the question: what more could I have done if only I knew? It dawned on me soon after that a way to honor the life of my sister would be to give back something to the women of Cameroon on funds raised

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by the women of Canada. But it wasn’t until I examined my own evolution in Canada that I realized what I could do. Ms. Handy had the following thoughts: has anybody bothered all these years to check whatever happened to the female black immigrant in Canada? Wouldn’t it be great if it was revealed what bigger stage these black women had attained? Many were doctors, nurses, managers, politicians, lawyers, ministers, public servants, advocates, entrepreneurs, business owners, engineers, great professional and accomplished leaders everywhere. Wouldn’t it be great it there was an occasion where all these women could be showcased, their stories highlighted, their achievements shared, and reverse the narrative? How much impact would there be if they could celebrate each other and support each other on an international scale?

That was when she realized how this could connect with her sister, because this celebration could also be a fund-raising event. And that is how Rose Cathy Handy came up with Canada International Black Women Event, or CIBWE.

Canada International Black Women Event

www.cibwe.ca

The inaugural event was held last May 23rd. For Rose Cathy Handy, there was never a doubt that there would be a second CIBWE. “I always hoped that once we started planning the first year, the event would be here to stay.” Statistics Canada states that there are almost a third of a million black people in Toronto, Mississauga, and Brampton alone. Ms. Handy is adamant. “Surely we can hold an annual event where a thousand black women come together to honor one hundred of their own,” This year’s event has been expanded to a second day to maximize networking opportunities. This is all part of a long term strategy to roll out all aspects of the full vision. The weekend has four separate sections with various pricing attached. Those who will be attending can base their attendance on affordability as well as interest. Responding to criticism by some of last year’s recipients who thought the event should have been free for them, Ms. Handy could not understand the mentality of not placing a value on their award. “We cannot break the cycle of poverty in our community if we expect everything to be free.” The most controversial topic stemming from year one is the extent to which last year’s 100 recipients are involved in year two. Rose Cathy says she was warned that probably less than 10% would return, and said that she was keeping her eye on it. Two weeks from the event at the time of our interview, the warnings appear to be accurate. Her reaction? “I hate it. It breaks my heart.” Handy wants to diffuse this trend this year so it does not recur in the future, so she is planning to keep the topic front and center throughout the weekend. Rose Cathy Hand’s determination in starting CIBWE, and the dedication she has displayed in building a legacy for herself and her sister, will no doubt assist her in overcoming any future challenge.

Rose Cathy Handy has been a coach, a mentor and a role model to female immigrants, leaders and entrepreneurs locally and around the world.

Visit her at: www.rosecathy.com

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www.cibwe.ca

The

POWER of AISHA ADDO

(A Self-Portrait)

My name is Aisha Addo and I am the founder of Power To Girls Foundation (PTGF), which empowers and mentors young girls to be the best they can be. I started PTGF as a result of some of my experiences as a young girl growing up in foster care. I didn’t have any one to mentor me or help me discover my true self as a young woman. It has been a long journey for me to reach this point in my life. I am still on my journey of discovery, yet I am grateful for the moments when I felt like giving up . Things that I was personally dealing with as a young girl include emotional turmoil, stress related issues, depression anxiety, etc. I had striven so hard to attain perfection, yet did so in the wrong ways. I realized everyone tries to talk at you; telling you the things you should do with your life but no one really takes the time to talk to you and to listen. No one takes the time out to help you figure out yourself and your purpose. Helping young girls became my mission at the age of 18; to be the person I longed to have at my side while I was growing up. Why did I choose girls? Why not youths in general?? I could relate more with young girls because I have been there. I have experienced loneliness, I have experienced depression, I have experienced low selfesteem, I have experienced homelessness. As girls, we sometimes reach so far for validation and approval that sometimes we end up losing our true self.

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With that in mind I started a weekly mentoring program with six girls. We began talking about what it meant to be a girl. There were differences in stories and journey’s but what bonded us together was greater than what tore us apart. I became the person I longed to have at my side when I was their age. I became a mentor. I found out what it meant to truly care for someone; to be patient, to be non-judgmental. After three years of weekly meetings we organized our 1st Annual Girls Power Leadership Conference, which brought between 60-70 girls together. After that we started the Power To Girls Foundation, which was registered in 2013 as a non-profit corporation. Today we offer mentoring and leadership programs for young black girls in the GTA.We do this by encouraging them to reach beyond the ordinary and to awaken that purpose and passion within them.

Past Awards Received: • Black Diversity Group2014 Role Model • Young Black and Gifted – Community Service Award 2015

“The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others” Mahatma Ghandi

www.cibwe.ca

DR. NADINE WONG: ENTREPRENEURSHIP

FUELED BY

EDUCATION

By Andrew Terry Pasieka To say that Dr. Nadine Wong is educated is a gross understatement. Her scholastic path took her from a certification in psychology to a hairdressing diploma to a cosmetology and ethnic hair degree to a doctorate in cosmetology to a doctorate in trichology (hair loss/scalp disorder/skin issues) to psychotherapy accreditation to doctorate of Integrated & humanitarian medicine. An immigrant to Canada from Jamaica as an adolescent in 1989, she has spent nearly twenty years of her twenty-seven in this country on this seemingly never-ending post-secondary route. For the most part this walk was planned; there was a conscious strategy to undertake a certain course of study in order to be eligible for the next one. But all the while there has been a tug-of war going on. “My scientific journey is to always ask why; my spiritual journey is not to question why. These worlds collide, and they are my ‘big bang.’ Scientists create things and take credit for them, using hybrid elements for the most part. Spiritually we read that we were created from natural elements because we came from the earth and God was the only Creator. That is why there is a clash.”

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Her theories found their way into her book If Your Hair Could Speak, What Would It Say? Natural elements form the basis of Dr. Nadine’s business. She has a wellness clinic where she practices her three doctorates: trichology, psychotherapy, and integrated medicine. “Your hair tells a story. Some women don’t know how transparent they are by their hair choice.” Staying on the subject of women issues, there has been a lot of discussion recently about gender discrimination in public service specifically and in the work place generally. We wondered if that topic has been over-dramatized or is it that there is just more awareness and more women who are bold enough to speak out. Dr. Wong answered, “I believe gender discrimination is a falsification to limit and to control women and their aspirations. Women are great leaders.” She goes on to say that lack of execution is more the root cause than discrimination.

Dr. Wong’s has a charitable foundation called Alabaster Gates Children’s Charity. Founded in 2011 when a need arose at Franklintown Primary, in Kingston, Jamaica (her family school) to provide supplies, uniforms, and complete renovation projects, it has now grown all over the world to provide a missing link of connection. The idea is to educate children on similarities and differences with other children. “My foundation is giving them a passport to travel in their mind.”

the maintenance of good character has made the difference. In terms of the biggest challenge that has stood in the way of her advancement, she responds that the biggest challenge is time management or to work with time. She goes on to say: Your time is the most important thing that you can offer to other people and even yourself. Time management is the key. Always show self-discipline, and always strive to do better.” The one accomplishment she is most proud of is her ongoing tenacity which has been the driving force in not allowing her to give up on herself or her purpose of life. The one thing that women should do to ensure not only success, but recognition and respect, is to be confident to encourage each other to be successful. Contact Dr. Wong at www.alabasterwellness.com The address of her new clinic is 1400 Bayly Street, Suite 8A, Pickering, Ontario, L1W 3R2, and is opening in June 2016.

When asked what in her background most prepared her for success, she feels

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KEYNOTE SPEAKER:

CELINA CAESAR-CHAVANNES By Andrew Terry Pasieka

another young woman from Grenada, Jean Augustine, was named Parliamentary Secretary to Prime Minister Jean Chretien. It is too early to predict how far Ms. Caesar-Chavannes will go in Ottawa, but there is no doubt she is a star on the rise. Recently the Hon. CaesarChavannes posted on social media what a typical day in Ottawa looked like. What have been the hardest adjustments to living part-time in the Nation’s Capital? She says the hardest adjustment is leaving her children Desiray 16, Candace 11, and Johnny 7 every week. Another adjustment which she found surprising if not hard is that Ottawa is much colder in the winter than Whitby. Nevertheless, she is effusive in praising the exciting opportunity that awaits her over the next four years.

If there ever was a feel-good story in Canadian federal politics, it is Celina Caesar-Chavannes, who was named one of the One Hundred Black Women to Watch at last year’s CIBWE. Her story has been well documented in the press. Arriving in Canada from Grenada at age two, Celina got involved in politics less than two years ago. She was elected MP for Whitby, Ontario in last October’s federal election, and was appointed Parliamentary Secretary to Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. What was unique about the appointment is that it came one generation after

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“I am very lucky that everything is so convenient. I take the 4pm train on Sunday from Oshawa, which is only seven minutes away from our home, and then I take the 4pm train train back from Ottawa on Friday, which is only 3 1/2 hours away.” Days in Ottawa can commence as early as 7am and end as late

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as 10:30pm. Work days in Whitby can start a bit later and end a bit earlier, but the agenda can be just as full. Is it the extra duties as Parliamentary Secretary that make for the long hours? Celina says that actually she puts in about the same time as other MPs, because each of them have Committee meetings and paperwork, which she does not have. So what then does a Parliamentary Secretary do? The Hon. Caesar-Chavannes answers first by saying what she is not. She is not a wall nor a mouthpiece for the PM, so she should not be mistaken for the American President’s press secretary. She is like the head of a community relations department of a major corporation She is a bridge between various communities, such as the the caucus and cabinet, stakeholder groups, and the public. On any given week, she could be speaking to a European business delegation, a domestic agricultural group, university graduate students, or the Canadian Medical Association. Celina is also a filter for information, with some of the material she gathers passed on to respective cabinet ministers as well as the PM. She comments, “It is awesome to have both the far-reaching responsibility and the wide-ranging connections.” The Hon. Caesar-Chavannes is one of several southern Ontario MPs who do what is called ‘House duties’ in Parliament on Fridays for fellow Liberals whose riding are in distant provinces across Canada. It allows them the chance to leave for home a little earlier because they have farther to travel. On those days, she will attend Parliament for the day until it adjourns, in order to be fully informed on the day’s events. It is akin to taking class notes in university for an absent friend. There is a final insight that says a lot about the woman. Celina will randomly pick out a fellow MP to talk with and find out some of the issues that the representative is facing in their riding. Is that an extension of her Parliamentary Secretary duties? She smiles. “Heck no! I am a trained extrovert! Some people look up in the sky and see stars. I look up in the sky and see constellations.” You can contact Celina at either of: Celina.Caesar-Chavannes.C1B@parl.gc.ca, celina.caesar-chavannes@parl.gc.ca, celina.caesar-chavannes.a3@parl.gc.ca

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Canada International Black Women Event

Friday June 10, 2016

AGENDA SPECIAL LUNCH: With our Youth and Pioneers National Anthem Opening Prayer Opening Remarks: Rose Cathy Handy , Event Founder The Pioneers’ Celebration 11:45am Special Address by Minister Mitzie Hunter to Performance

1:50pm

THE CATALYSTS: Special Discussion on Philanthropy Aisha Addo Ashley Jane Lewis Dr Renée N. Rawlins Georgette Boma-Bimbi Yaa Priscilla Birago

FINANCE MATTERS: Tools & Ways to Break the Cycle of Poverty 2:00pm to 3:30pm

Presenters: Celia Meikle Nicole Thomas Adaoma Patterson Rachel Nyaamine Agnes Charly Lemassi Moussi Moderator: Rose Cathy Handy

BUSINESS & SUCCESS MATTERS: Tools & Ways to Make It In Business and Succeed Presenters:

AGENDA

3:45pm to 5:15pm

Tamar Huggins Bridgette Reinford Felicia Sarpong Hodan Nalayev Kike Lola Odusanya

There will be Vendors, Exhibitions and Demonstrations going on from 12pm to 9pm Friday.

Moderator: Rose Cathy Handy

COCKTAIL RECEPTION + NETWORKING 5:30pm to 9:00pm

Mix, Mingle & Connect for Business, Work and Social Host: Maliaka Bryce, Comedian Performances By: Dione Grant, Jazz Vocalist Empress A

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Saturday June 11, 2016

SPECIAL BREAKFAST: Matters of Love And Black Women 8:00am to 9:15am

Presenters: Dewitt Lee Kerry Lee Crawford Tosin Bello

Jeff Martin Jonathan Hood Moderator: Angelina Williams

INFLUENCE MATTERS: The Power of Representation and the 9:30pm to 11:00am

Leadership That Represents Us. Who Has Our Back? Presenters: Nikki Clarke Christine Cargill Sandy Hudson

Kike Ojo Denise Andrea Campbell Moderator:Tatiana King

HEALTH MATTERS: 11:15am to 12:45pm

Tools & Ways to Make It In Business and Succeed Presenters: Dr. Nadine Wong Diane Mason Simone Money Walsh

1:00pm to 2:30pm

AGENDA

2:45pm to 4:15pm

Celeste London Dr Marie Ange Noue Moderator:Michelle Smith

IMAGE MATTERS: How Can We Cmake Ourselves More Visible, Relevant, Respected and Taken Seriously? Presenters: Gwyn Chapman Nana Yanful Jill Andrews

Nicole Meyers Moderator:Belinda Kamshuka Barrocks

FAITH MATTERS: Is It Still Faith That Leads and Guides Us Or Is It Now Cultural? Presenters: Rachel Shako Mwamba Natalie de Haney-Stewart Diane l Johnstone

Moderator:Rose Cathy Handy

EVENING GALA 6:00pm to 7:00pm

Red Carpet Arrival

7:30pm to 11:00pm

Evening Gala

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There will be Vendors, Exhibitions and Demonstrations going on from 8am to 4:30pm Saturday.

BLACK WOMEN TO WATCH 100 BLACK WOMEN 100 TO WATCH 100100 BLACK100 WOMEN TO WATCH 100 BLACK WOMEN TO WATCH

100 BLACK WOMEN TO WATCH

100 BLACK WOMEN TO WATCH

Abas Ibekwe Pharmacy Student - Health Care “You may not be able to change your present circumstance, but you can always change how you respond to it.”

Adaoma Patterson Advisor – Peel Poverty Reduction Strategy Human Services – Strategic Planning, Policy & Partnerships

Agnes Charly Lemassi Moumi

Aina-Nia Ayo’dele

Advisor – Sunlife Financial Co-founder of Urban Curls Toronto & Institut Keo

Founder and Managing Director, Sacred Women International

‘We go faster alone but farther together’

Alicia Vianga

Alyestal Hamilton

Anayah Phares

Founder of After Breast Cancer (Charity), Bras for the Congo (Non-profit) ,Premier Jour Lingerie & Swimwear (Retail)

Speaker, Writer, Spoken Word Poetess

Founder and CEO, CHEERS: Creating Hope and Ensuring Excellent Roads to Success

“Fantastic… Be good to yourself.”

“Be kind to others, a candle loses nothing when it lights another candle” – James Keller

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“When I dare to be powerful, to use my strength in the service of my vision, then it becomes less and less important whether I am afraid.” - Audre Lorde

Andria Maria Thompson Elementary School Teacher Founder & CEO of UR Woman Ministry Host of Gospel Faith TV “My source of strength, my source of hope is Christ alone.” “Love Wins!”

Canada International Black Women Event

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Angel Deen Personal Trainer & Owner of Angel Fit & Healthy Inc. Host, Women of the Word (Christian talk show) Co Founder - Women United Network Women Empowerment Movement Minister, Motivational Speaker, Author

Aretha Benka-Coker

Ann Divine, MA, BA (hons)

Banking Advisor CEO - Ashanti Leadership and Professional Development Services, Consulting

Independent Business Contractor Brand Ambassador Fashion show Petite Model

Ashley Jane Lewis Interactive Artist and Youth Tech Educator

“Live, Love n Laugh today to the fullest; life is too short to be bitter.”

“Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth.”

Barbara Kahmoh Ncho Pre-operations product quality – Consumer foods “Push Until Something Happens” “When you put your hand on the plough, do not look back, keep ploughing.”

Beatrice Kabeya

Brandy Skinner

Bridgette Lacquer

Activist and Philanthropist, Founder of The Light At The end Foundation

Executive Director of the Canadian Black Caucus and President of the International Women’s Achievers Awards

Founder of the Bridgette by Bridgette Lacquer polish line

“Your dream’s achievement needs witness” Beatrice Kabeya

“ Teamwork is Dreamwork”.

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Celeste London Certified Metabolic Balance Coach

www.cibwe.com

Celia Meikle, CPA CA Chartered Professional Accountant “Live, Love and Laugh”

Chiamaka Mogo

Chioma Ikejiani

4th year Public Administration (Honours) student at the University of Ottawa. Project Manager at Enactus.

Publishing

“My friends, love is better than anger. Hope is better than fear. Optimism is better than despair. So let us be loving, hopeful and optimistic. And we’ll change the world.” - Jack Layton

Christine Ross-Cargill Paralegal CEO Ross Gourmet Spices & Sauces President Congress of Black Women (Brampton Chapter)

“I’m convinced that about half of what separates successful entrepreneurs from the non-successful ones is pure perseverance.”

Danielle Kadjo

Mrs. Dawn Addison

Denise Andrea Campbell

Model, Women’s Rights Advocate, Humanitarian Miss Universe Canada 2015 National Delegate

Educator for over 34 years, Principal for 9 years

Director, Social Policy, Analysis & Research with the City of Toronto

“To work in the world lovingly means that we are defining what we will be for, rather than reacting to what we are against. “ -Christina Baldwin

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Canada International Black Women Event

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100 BLACK WOMEN TO WATCH 100 BLACK WOMEN TO WATCH www.cibwe.com

Diane L. Johnstone

Dionne R. Grant

Dissirama Lao Akpoboua

Dodji Ousmane

Actor, Writer, Producer

Registered Nurse, Jazz Singer

Financial Services Risk Management Professional, Founder of Manyatta Network

Business ­Owner of Do Grow Hair Clinic Inc Community ­President of Chadian Women Association of Ontario

“Know Thyself”

Dora Anie Entrepreneur, Philanthropist Founder and President of Ghana Schools of Dreams

Dr. Eyitayo Folasade Dada

Barrister & Solicitor, Public Notary, Minister “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” – Philippians 4:13

Canada International Black Women Event

Dr. Marie-Ange Noué

Dr Marlyn Morris

Global Medical Information manager

Strategic Development Planning, Policy Expert, Educator

“Life expectancy would grow by leaps and bounds if green vegetables smelled as good as bacon.”

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Dr. Nadine Wong

Dr. Nekessa Remy

Dr. Renée N. Rawlins

Tisa Farrell Muhammad

CEO of Alabaster Wellness Clinic

Chiropractor, Acupuncturist, Health & Wellness Speaker/Educator

Department Leader/Guidance Counsellor, Student Services, TDSB Sessional Lecturer, OISE/UT Scholarship Fund Director, Black Pearls Community Services, Inc. Partner, The Miss Education Project

Doctor of Natural Medicine, Homeopathic Medicine, Nutritional Medicine, Vibrational Medicine & Womb Wellness Worker

My recipe for living a happy life: “Life is 10% of what happens to you and 90% of how you react to it”

Drea Wheeler Director at Victoria Park Health Club ( Westmount, QC) Celebrity Trainer, Model “My mission in life is not merely to survive, but to thrive; and to do so with some passion, some compassion, some humor, and some style.” -- Maya Angelou

Elle Brown

Erika Enyolu

Founder of: The Real Single Ladies and TorontoFormation Entrepreneur, working in the social media and hospitality industry

Public Relations, Marketing, & Entertainment

Esther Natalie Daniels

“Walk by faith, not by sight.” 2 Corinthians 5:7

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“A Nation can Rise No Higher than its Woman!” ~The Most Hon Elijah Muhammad

Justice of the Peace Ontario Toronto Region Ministry of the Attorney General “It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous? Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small does not serve the world...” Marianne Williamson

Canada International Black Women Event

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Faith Tull, M.H.R.M.

Felicia Sarpong

Senior Vice President, Human Resources, Randstad Canada

CEO and Creator, Paba Cosmetics Inc.

Frances E. DelSol

Prophetess Funmilola Lucas

Trade & Investment Commissioner for Dominica (in Canada) IPP Commonwealth of Dominica Ontario Association (CDOA) IPP Council of Caribbean Associations Canada (CCAC)

Minister of the Gospel “Love everyone, but trust no one but God.”

“Thoughts become things...choose good ones”

Georgette Boma-Bibi Founder Kids On the Mission to Excel Philanthropist/Community Mobilizer

Georgia Greenwood-Duncan Image Consultant, Executive Director & Show Organizer - Community Events “Coins always make sounds but paper money is silent so when your value increases keep yourself humble and silent.”

Canada International Black Women Event

Geraldine Abumbi

Gladys Tabod

Public Health Nurse / Community Educator / Registered Midwife

Community social services sector (guidance and support to people living with disability)

Virginia Henderson: “A Great nurse has to have a combination of heart, head and hands”.

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“Women should always ask, for they will hardly get no for an answer.”

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Hodan Nalayeh

Janet Marie Rajroop

Josephine Casey

Julia Katsivo

Founder/Host of Integration TV

Vice President Nursing Program/Chief Nursing Officer - Community Health Sector

Law Clerk, Author, and Poet

Career Transition Coach/Strategist, Professional Development

“Be the change that you wish to see in the world.”― Mahatma Gandhi

“Be Inspired! Feel Inspired! Stay Inspired! This is your time...just shine!”

“Janet does not want to follow where the path leads, she wants to create a path and leave a trail for others to follow!”

Karen Lopez (a.k.a. Pepper Brooks) Human Services Counsellor |Creative Entrepreneur | Blogger

Karla Bailey

Kartia Velino

Registered Early Childhood Educator

Nurse, skin care consultant, fashion designer and blogger

M. Ghandi - “Be the change you want to see.”

“Aspiring to Inspire”

“The source of my faith is my inspiration; without it, I wouldn’t be here.”

Kike Ojo Principal, Kojo Koncepts Consulting

“One hand can`t clap (...work with others to achieve a common goal, you can’t do it alone...)”

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Canada International Black Women Event

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Larissa Anais Nseyep Mounga Business Analyst at Morgan Stanley “Let us be mad enough to dare to invent the future” — Thomas Sankara

Lillian Etuka

Livia Tabnor

Bilingual Correspondence Representative at CIBC Credit Card Service

Personal Chef and Caterer also known as The Kitchen Diva

Lua Shayenne Choreographer and Dancer

Community Leader

“I don’t make excuses, I get results!”

“Be patient toward all that is unsolved in your heart and try to love the questions themselves...the point is, to live everything. Live the questions now. Perhaps you will then gradually, without noticing it, live along some distant day into the answer.” - Rainer Maria Rilke

Magdalene John

Makesha Miles

Marcia Bowen

Marcia H. Brown

TV Host/ TV Producer

KenRose Naturals Hair Salon, Owner and Operator

Program Coordinator in Healthcare, Community Health & Safety Educator and Master Training, Advocate and Volunteer Manager

Executive Director/Founder of Trust15 Youth Community Support Organization

“When You Focus On What You Are Not, You Forget Who You Are Meant To Be.”

Arbonne International, Area Manager “If you want something you have never had, you’ve got to do something you’ve never done” Debbie Neal

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“Your Crown has already been bought and paid for. All you have to do is wear it.”

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100 BLACK WOMEN TO WATCH WOMEN TO WATCH 100 BLACK WOMEN TO WATCH H 100 BLACK100 BLACK WOMEN TO WATCH

100 BLACK WOMEN TO WATCH 100 BLACK WOMEN TO WATCH

Marguerite Rose Doreen Orane Management Guide and Leadership Coach, Management Consulting; Author: Free & Laughing: Insights into Everyday Living; Blogger

Michelle Berry

Nadia L. Hohn

Owner of Shelley’s Catering & Special Events

Teacher (Educator) and Author (Arts)

Nadia Williams aka Mad LinQz Singer/songwriter/producer/promoter

Owner of Sabrina J Events Planning Company

“Don’t look at what another man has because you don’t know what he went through to achieve it!”

“DONE is better than perfect!”

“Never Would’ve Made It,” by Marvin Sapp

Nana Yanful

Nana Yeboaa

Natalie De Haney-Stewart

Author, Spoken word artist, Writer

Labour Lawyer, Social Justice Advocate and Public Speaker currently working at the Ontario Public Service Employees Union

Criminal defence lawyer - Yanful Law

“He who is not courageous enough to take risks will accomplish nothing in life.” – Mohamed Ali

Nicola Jane Thomas Permaculturist - Agriculture “If my life is for myself, I don’t want it!” Bob Marley

“…the One who called you is ompletely dependable. If He said He’ll do it, then He will” - 1 Thessalonians 5:24

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Canada International Black Women Event

BLACK WOMEN TO WATCH 100 BLACK WOMEN 100 TO WATCH 1 100100 BLACK100 WOMEN TO WATCH 100 BLACK WOMEN TO WATCH

100 BLACK WOMEN TO WATCH 100 BLACK WOMEN TO WATCH

Nicole Brewster-Mercury

Nicole Myers

Producer with CBC TV: The National (Media/Television)

Counsel, Ontario Public Service

“Reach for the moon and if you miss...

“She is clothed in strength and dignity, and she laughs without fear of the future.”

you’ll land amongst the stars.”

Yaa-Priscilla Birago

Owner of Coffee and Cheesecake Business Class Women’s Directory Social Worker

Social Entrepreneur, Speaker, Mentor, Workshop Facilitator and a Philanthropist Co-founder of Saba Africa Ltd

“If a woman is sufficiently ambitious, determined and gifted there is practically nothing she can’t do.”

“You are the pilot and owner of your aircraft. To keep soaring above all odds, you must keep fear from hijacking your aircraft.”- Yaa- Priscilla Birago

Canada International Black Women Event

Nicolle Williams

Learning and Development Specialist, Transformational Coach

Mortgage Agent “You’re blessed to be a blessing to others”

“Just as you are, you are more than

Proverbs 31:25

Paula Paterson

Nicole Wright

ENOUGH!”

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Qadira C. Jackson

Rachel Nyaamine

Partner, Lawyer - Legal Services

Branch Manager, BMO Financial Group

“When people are not involved in a process, they resist it or distance themselves from it” -- Cardinal Turkson.

“Followers who tell the truth, and leaders who listen to it, are an unbeatable combination” - Warren Bennis

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100 BLACK WOMEN TO WATCH 100 BLACK WOMEN TO WATCH

Rachel Shako Mwamba

Rokhaya Gueye

Evangelist

Manager (B2B) Telecommunication

“A woman who knows her identity, knows her value”

Sabine Raboteur

Rose Kumbu

“Challenges are what make life interesting; overcoming them is what makes life meaningful” Joshua J. Marines

Owner and Executive Chef at Rosaly’s Food Services - Catering and food production company

“Vouloir c’est pouvoir”

“You can be anything you want to be in life, just BELIEVE.”

Communications Advisor for the Attorney General/ Minister responsible for Francophone Affairs “He who says he can and he who says he can’t are both usually right.” - Confucious

“Everything is possible”

Samantha Nicola Crossley Wedding & Event Planner - Event Industry “Lions never lose sleep over the opinions of sheep.”

Samantha Rosalie Robinson

Sandra Hudson

Sandra Marie Sylburne

Client Service Worker – City of Toronto Shelter Services & Housing Administration

Co-founder, Black Lives Matter – Toronto “Ain’t I a woman?” - Sojourner Truth

“I believe God…”

Superior Business Services, Entrepreneur Coordinator Vaccine Preventable Disease (Region of Peel) From a Jamaican Grammy award winning reggae artist “You can get it if you really want it” and “Try and Try, you succeed at last.”

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Canada International Black Women Event

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100 BLACK WOMEN TO WATCH 100 BLACK WOMEN TO WATCH

Sherika Marie Powell

Simone Atungo

Simone Da Costa

Simone Walsh

Social Service Worker & Motivational Speaker

Vice-President, Resident and Community Services Toronto Community Housing Social Housing

Publisher and freelance writer - Publishing & Media

Author, Entrepreneur, Fashion designer and Advocate

Podcast Host (Women Unchained Radio) & TV Talk Show Host (Women on the Rise) Rogers Durham Author of “A Woman Unchained: Breaking the silence of childhood sexual abuse”

Sonia Aimy World Music – Songwriter and Singer “The power of your mind, determination, focus and love will take you beyond every expectation.” – Sonia Aimy

“Who says happy endings are only in fairy tales? Pray, believe and wait patiently on God and He will make a fairy tale out of you.” ~Simone Da Costa

“It always seems impossible until it is done.” - Nelson Mandela

Stephanie J. Joseph

Tasheka R. Mason

Tracey-Acadia Thomas

Event Producer & Community Leader

Social Service Worker, Toronto Community Housing Author & Speaker - Social Services and Entrepreneurship

Writer, Author, Editor-in-Chief -- Print Media

“Be the change that you wish to see in the world.” - Mahatma Gandhi

Canada International Black Women Event

“I truly believe that knowledge is power and experience teaches wisdom. So learn as much as you can and appreciate all your experiences.”

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“All Things Are Possible If You Believe.”

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Tracy Folorunsho-Barry Student, Healthy lifestyle Designer, Speaker, Serial Entrepreneur “What the mind can conceive and believe, it can achieve.” – Napoleon Hill

Trudie Mulalu Owner and founder of Curl Bar Beauty Salon “There is no impossible in my vocabulary.”

Veronica Nnensa COO/Co-founder of Kuwala, E-commerce/ fashion retailer “My mission in life is not merely to survive, but to thrive; and to do so with some passion, some compassion, some humor, and some style” – Maya Angelou

The 100th Honorary Black Woman to watch! Dr. Margarett Best-Duncan Lawyer, advocate, dedicated community person Former member of the Ontario Legislature and Minister of the Crown Her work has left the Province of Ontario with a large legacy

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Canada International Black Women Event

www.cibwe.ca

Matters of BUSINESS & SUCCESS, HEALTH, FINANCES FAITH, GIRLS, INFLUENCE, LOVE AND IMAGE

www.cibwe.ca Canada International Black Women Event

998 Bloor Street West, Suite 10612 Toronto, Ontario M6H 1L8 Phone: 647-701-2640. 32