Krissy Doyle-Thomas

2022 Honourees

Krissy Doyle-Thomas
Title: Dr.
Achievements & Accomplishments:

My top three major accomplishments are that I authored several high-impact peer-reviewed articles that have furthered the field of medical neuroscience, I established multiple community initiatives and programs that support the success of black youth, and I have built a loving family and home.

La Toya Dennie
Title: Ms.
Achievements & Accomplishments:

– increased SMP applications by more than 350% and enrolment by more than 200% between 2013 and 2021
– 2015 IDERD Award Recipient
– 2020 Staff Impact Award Recipient

Laurian Powell-Bennett
Category / Expertise: , ,
Title: Ms.
Achievements & Accomplishments:

1. In 1978 VP for Immigrant nurses group in Quebec – re Bill 101 challenged this bill and won. Hospital had to rehire all nurses that were laid off. Was VP for C.A.P.I. (Centre for Professional Immigrants)
2. Establishing a Black Ombudson person in 1997 as part of a settlement reached
3. In 2000, won case against OHIP on behalf of Sickle patients in Southwest Ontario to be taken care of Harper Hospital, , Detroit, Michigan.
4. In 2008, won case where VIA Rail had to carry portable Defribulators on all their trains

Lee-Anne Lyon-Bartley
Category / Expertise: ,
Title: Mrs.
Achievements & Accomplishments:

I’m proud to be Cameron’s mom, to be considered a leader in my industry and being a Canadian Registered Safety Professional (CRSP). Safety professionals are the people you never hear about. Three people die on the job daily in Canada, and we help organizations protect their workers, so they get home every day.

Leisha Strachan
Title: Dr.
Achievements & Accomplishments:

Becoming a professor; winning a medal at the world championships; starting ANANSI School for the Performing Arts

Marie Philippe-Remy
Title: Mrs.
Achievements & Accomplishments:

1. Launching the first Canada-wide black-led mental health support program. 2. Being a contributor and the national spokesperson for the MHCC new resource Shining A Light On Mental Health In Black Communities. 3. Getting acknowledged by the Haitian embassy for our efforts.

Marlye Monfiston
Title: Ms.
Achievements & Accomplishments:

Earning a law degree, my admission to the Quebec Bar, and having practiced law in both official languages. Overcoming my fear of public speaking and earning the Distinguished Toastmaster (DTM) award. Being a vocal advocate for the marginalized and the voiceless in the workplace and in the community.

Mary Boudreau
Category / Expertise: ,
Title: Mrs.
Achievements & Accomplishments:

My top three accomplishments would be being the first black woman to hold the position of Vice- President and President of my local union and being the first black woman to hold the position of Vice-Chair of the Unifor Prairie Regional Council

Maureen Fraser
Title: Mrs.
Achievements & Accomplishments:

The ability to use the knowledge I gained in my Master’s Degree in Christian Counselling that enabled me to counsel many blacks through difficult times. Founder of Scrabble clubs (100 tiles ) also (200 tiles } bringing black women and girls together to share and think. Being a participant of two community choirs that have brought joy and happiness to the elderly in nursing or retired homes. Helped in the 55 Plus to organize, execute and as team made its 10th Anniversary a smashing success. As a single parent I have raised three adults who have made significant contributions to its 10th Anniversary

Michele Pearson Clarke
Category / Expertise: ,
Title: Ms.
Achievements & Accomplishments:

My major accomplishments include being the second person to be appointed as Toronto’s Photo Laureate (2019-2023), being recognized as the top graduate in my MFA class with the Ryerson Gold Medal for the Faculty of Communication + Design, and caring for my mother through her 14-year journey with pancreatic cancer.

Michelle Jacques
Category / Expertise: ,
Title: Ms.
Achievements & Accomplishments:

My three most significant accomplishments include making an impact on three public art museums across Canada by contributing to their potential for broader relevance; supporting the work and career development of a diversity of artists; and learning how to be a leader who can guide teams with empathy and kindness.

Michelle Munroe
Title: Mrs.
Achievements & Accomplishments:

1. Raising two incredible human beings- two gorgeous children 2. Learning how to become my best self 3. Fulfilling my purpose while balancing the joys of life…family, friends and travel!

Mikaella Celestin
Title: Ms.
Achievements & Accomplishments:

I am so proud of creating my own line of products Tricho Solutions. Been a example of for my 4 sons by working hard, you can achieve anything. Getting peoples to know trichology in Canada and able to help my community.

Nadine Williams
Title: Ms.
Achievements & Accomplishments:

I received the Deeds Speak Award from York Regional Police, opened for Mrs. Obama, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, and the former GG of Canada, and being the proponent in the Enslavement of Africans in Canada being named a historic significant Canadian event.

Naki Osutei
Category / Expertise: , ,
Title: Ms.
Achievements & Accomplishments:

Helping others see and realize their own potential; using my voice, strategic thinking and influence to challenge organizations and drive more equitable outcomes; helping to redefine the ideas of leadership in my professional and volunteer work.

Nicola Clarke
Title: Pastor
Achievements & Accomplishments:

My top 3 major accomplishments are my children, the Nikki Clarke Show, and starting the first Black Music /Urban Showcase with Canadian Music Week in 2014.

Nimo Abdulkadir
Title: Ms.
Achievements & Accomplishments:

Leading TEC through the lens of service, humility and passion. Raising my daughter as a single mother while pursuing my own goas, and teaching her to do the same. Being a mentor and source of support to women from my community who needed guidance in navigating a new country

Nnenna Uboma
Title: Ms.
Achievements & Accomplishments:

Co-author of Beyond Math, a critical thinking mental math workbook for ages 8 to 13 years and currently working on my second book title “Notes to my younger self” for ages 13 to 25 years. Being a black leader with a voice Initiating and implementing a knowledge platform where employees can share experiences

Onye Nnorom
Title: Dr.
Achievements & Accomplishments:

Leading the Black Health Vaccine Initiative; Establishing the Black Health Education Collaborative; Publishing Black health research papers on Afrocentric care at TAIBU CHC

Oyindamola Isaac
Title: Mrs.
Achievements & Accomplishments:

I founded the African Canadian Weddings; I authored the book, Motherhood, a Sacred Ministry; Certified Human Resources Professional & Payroll Compliance Practitioner

Patrice de Peiza
Title: Ms.
Achievements & Accomplishments:

It is important to me to serve the community, my patients and contribute to my profession. My proudest moments include starting an organization to unite and mentor Black Occupational Therapists, developing an outpatient program for women with breast cancer, and authoring cancer rehabilitation courses that have reached international audiences.

Patricia Wilson
Title: Ms.
Achievements & Accomplishments:

Being a parent to 2 wonderful adult children whom I have been blessed to raise for most of their lives as a single parent. Being instrumental in creating the first Access to Justice Team in Canada who provided training on Gender Based Violence in East Africa. Last but by no means least, having this auspicious nomination as one of 100 ABC Women in Canada.

Paula de Ronde
Title: Mrs.
Achievements & Accomplishments:

From I was a child I wanted to put books and people together. That resulted in the career I chose. I believe that literacy and being informed is key to making wise decisions for life. uthor of My Bert Has Alzheimer’s: Caregiving is living for Two. I found the strength to lay bare the anguish and the moments of joy of caring for a loved one living with dementia. Sharing is caring and I hope the book can help others on a similar journey.

As President of the Ontario Library Association I was able to work with a creative dedicated team which saw the birth under my watch of the Forest of Reading programmes which has spread all across Canada.

As a lifelong advocate for social justice I am still reaching. That keeps me working and aware. Doing my part to level the playing field, to call out injustice, and to be a voice for those who are voiceless are worthwhile goals.

Paula Wharton-Litt
Title: Mrs.
Achievements & Accomplishments:

Being a mother who was a student and not a student who was a mother, she balanced being a single parent and community activism always.

Prof. Rita Orji
Title: Dr.
Achievements & Accomplishments:

Recently, she was recognized as one of the Top 150 Canadian Women STEM, Outstanding Young Computer Science Researcher Award in Canada, Top 100 Canada’s Most Powerful Women, Top 100 Leading Nigerian Women, one of the Top 60 African Women in STEM, Top 50 Young Most Influential Best Brains in Nigeria, and admitted into the Royal Society of Canada College. She also won many research excellence awards and a digital leadership award as a Women Leader in Digital Economy for her work in advancing technology.