Abigail Hamilton
2022 Honourees
I have been instrumental in the fight against anti-Black racism within the peel district school board the result of which is being currently implemented in all Ontario schools by way of the ministry’s directives. 2) My role as a student advocate. 3) ResQ Youth International Incorporated as founder.3)
1. Being able to accomplish all that I have coming from less privileged background 2. Knowing that I am a pillar of support and source of inspiration to so many young black girls and women who want to accomplish great things in the STEM industry 3. Knowing that I am a shining example of how hard work and determination can lead to technical breakthroughs and success in a fast-paced and changing industry.
1) Being a leader at the intersection of Education and Social Justice. 2) Being granted the favour of having such a title as Mother. 3) I AM a breast cancer Thriver!
Leading the labour movement, Fighting at the bargaing table and on the street with workers to win worker right and raise standards for workers, Helping student that need education tools to continue their education
Novel contributions to academic literature on black women and girls in Canada and activism in black communities
1. Completing my degree while working full time and putting myself through university, doing my dream job as a flight attendant, starting the Black Queens of Durham Region
I have provided college success and vocational Psychology coaching to diverse students across the world who have successfully secured $80.4M in scholarships, bursaries, differential tuition fee waivers and graduate assistantships and currently has a published directory AMEKETUNI with $446B worth of financial aid for diverse students, college professors, researchers and community members. Individuals who have benefitted from her services have recorded academic and career success rates by 98%, launched profitable businesses and transitioned into new careers in the past 5 years. Receiving the Manitoba150 Honours Award (once-in-a-lifetime) and also being recognized globally as a seasoned Learning Experience and Service Designer.
My top three accomplishments would include: 1.) Building and sustaining Canadas leading online magazine for Black Canadians over the last decade. Im proud of how much ByBlacks.com has contributed to helping our community see itself in greatness. 2.) Building that business together with my husband, AND building two other family businesses, AND raising our two children AND still remaining happily married! 🙂 3.) Going from giving out free advice at conferences to becoming one of the most highly sought-after racial equity educators in Canada, helping some of the biggest organizations in the world such as Google, re-imagine their workplaces through an anti-racist lens.
.My current position as the Director of Education for the Ottawa-Carleton District School Board has been a significant professional accomplishment. Secondly, the completion of my Masters of Arts degree was a very important accomplishment, as I had to navigate many competing priorities in that journey. My most significant personal accomplishment has been my family and guiding three marvelous young Black women to adulthood.
Parenting with my husband of 39 years, a daughter who now contributes to her community. Mentoring young black women, who are all now successful and well-adjusted adults carving out spaces for themselves in this rapidly-changing world. My contribution as a healthcare professional to the health and well-being of others.
One is parenting. I learned so many lessons while bringing up my son in Canada. Being a very young new parent, this proved very challenging as I navigate the type of systemic discrimination we experienced as immigrants in the 70’s and beyond. Those lessons however, strengthened my resolve and I am proud to say it served me very well as I mentor and counsel my two grand daughters and the many members of my teams throughout the years. Another, is my success in the corporate world where I achieved many successes and awards. At times, I was the only black and female in many situations. For eg I was one of five women and the only black in my 1990 Executive MBA program. Developing a strong sense of self actualization is another accomplishment that I am very proud of since it gave me a toolkit to be used in my day to day life.
My top three major accomplishments are, in this order (i) completing my degrees, (ii) attaining the position of Vice-President in a multi-billion dollar company before age 40, (iii) launching my business and sticking with it through the first decade of its existence., (iii)
1) Raising three Black ‘Renaissance’ young men to be successful leaders. 2) Coming to Canada with a young family and starting over from high school to complete a Master of Social Work degree. 3) Co-founding and co-managing an organization that uses Black Caribbean culture to nurture Canadian youth in a unique, iconic contribution to the landscape of the Canadian community for the past 17 plus years.
In 2021 I was selected by the City of Toronto to serve on the Confronting Anti-Black Racism Advisory Committee. In 2020, I graduated from OISE/UT with my Ph.D. in educational leadership and in 2016 I was selected by the City of Toronto to become a member of the Toronto Seniors’ Forum.
Mother to my daughter and seeing her growing into an amazing young adult
The re-launch of Sway Magazine – an inspirational and aspirational magazine devoted to the black community in Toronto.
Raising to an executive level as a black worman in Toronto
Community involvement in the Caribbean community, including Barbados Canada Association, Tropicana Community Services, The Grant Morris Foundation
Having my children at 17 and 21 was not in the plan, but sometimes the greatest things come when they’re unexpected. Going back to school as a mature student was daunting but also gave me an edge where I could apply my life and professional experience to my education. My involvement in infant and early childhood mental health awareness matters as it takes into consideration the parental/caregiver role, and ones community and culture.
Starting My Speaking Career as A Teenage Mother, Mentoring over 300 young women, Mentoring My Fellow Survivors To Become Revolutionary Speakers.
Raising kind, loving, caring children who have grown up to be emotionally and socially responsible adults who are compassionate, generous, and thoughtful.
Completing my final graduate degree at the age of 55; a Ph.D. in Organizational Psychology with a specialization in Leadership.
Winning a global pharmaceutical professionals award and being flown to Singapore to receive the award and represent Canada.
1. Raising 2 brilliant children who are grounded in their knowledge of self
2. Architecting the Youth in Policing Initiative, an award-winning youth employment program within law enforcement and providing job opportunities and mentorship to thousands of youth
3. Fierce advocacy within the Peel District School Board leading to a Ministry Review and subsequent Directives to address systemic anti-Black racism.
Becoming the first Black Female Principal of The Dismantling AntiBlack Racism Strategy in YRDSB, Being a Co-Lead of Black Excellence Program. Becoming a homeowner, Being a loving friend, sister and daughter
Working alongside a member of the mining hall of fame and supporting his efforts in responsible exploration, obtaining my LL.M degree in Comparative International Law and being nominated for the 100 Accomplished Black Canadian Women!
I am proud to have raised 3 very independent girls. Althea, Pamela and Breann. All are university/college graduates with jobs in their fields. I believe they are my three major accomplishment. When speaking of academic or professional accomplishments, completing my Masters of Science in Nursing and a Masters Certificate in Health Care management and becoming a Certified Healthcare Executive rank up there with being appointed the Vice President of Clinical Operations and the Chief Nurse Executive at the Center for Addictions and Mental Health. I’ve also receive the Alumni of distinction award from the University of Wester Ontario one of 10 recipients in 100 years.
1. I am the CEO and Director of a Multiple Six Figure income business 2. My message and platform has inspired over 10,000 people around the world 3. I have been recognized by the BBC as an Advocate for women and nominated as a woman of inspiration in Canada