Lola Adeniyi
2024 Honourees
My leadership in the award-winning Coaching to Career program, which focuses on bridging career gaps for IT professionals who are new to Canada.
1. Giving back to the community in any way I can.2. Marrying my soulmate Barry and raising a wonderful family.3. Establishing my own company, Lolletas Creations, which has been a successful business for over 25 years.
1. Raising three wonderful daughters who are making a positive contributions in Canada and South Africa.
2. Being able to realize my childhood dream of sharing my musical gift with audiences beyond my humble beginnings in Soweto, South Africa.
3. Taking care of my mother until she passed.
I became aware of who my God ( I am that I am) is and the birth of my sons.
Co-Founder of a major financial brand, founder of Women’s day symposium and launching a new venture aimed as women empowerment
My academic, professional, spiritual and personal(being a mother) accomplishments.
NCAA DI Student-Athlete
Bachelor’s and Master’s Degrees, pursuing PhD
Making the decision to immigrate to Canada despite being successful in my career in my home country took some courage. Attaining 2 professional designations in USA and Canada while working a full time job and raising 3 young children was remarkable. This past year, I was honored with a Humanitarian award of excellence for over 10 years of volunteering with an organization dedicated to sickle cell awareness in Canada.
-My marriage and three amazing children-Having had a positive impact on healthcare over the last 20 years -Being a positive role model to young Black girls.
My top three accomplishments are the launch of ref, and AfroQueer- and the ability to ground my practice with community work that centers and drives Black cultural production and gathering, graduating from OCAD with my MFA, and the opening of Sankofa: African Routes, Canadian Roots at the Museum of Anthropology UBC.
1. Motherhood
2. Creating a business in a male + white dominated industry
3. Opening my trade training school
Raising three amazing childrenCurating my skincare line Organic Skin TherapiesCo-founding BC’s first Black led business organization.
i) One of the few Black women producers in film, television and performing arts in Canada ii) Independently create, write and produce the first Black a cappella large scale Opera in Canada which is set to tour in South Africa 2024 iii) Building a nation as a mother of two beautiful children and mothering a generation to create, My hwrite and produce works that represent the Africa Diaspora in our own way.
My top three major accomplishments? Firstly, raising two incredible humans, my pride and joy. Secondly, forging a career path as a black woman dedicated to driving positive change. Lastly, simply cherishing being alive – navigating life’s challenges, embracing growth, and relishing every moment.
My top three major accomplishments? Firstly, raising two incredible humans, my pride and joy. Secondly, forging a career path as a black woman dedicated to driving positive change. Lastly, simply cherishing being alive – navigating life’s challenges, embracing growth, and relishing every moment.
Being honoured as one of the top 100 ABC women in 2024, I emerged as a winner in the BBPA Rise-Up Pitch 2023; I was named one of the top 100 Black Women to Watch 2023 in addition to other special recognition in 2023.
My greatest accomplishments include mothering three sons. I am also a published author of “Success is a Journey, the Entrepreneur’s Handbook.” Additionally, I achieved recognition as one of the Top 15 Coaches in Mississauga for both 2022 and 2023. In 2014, I was honored with the Microskills Entrepreneur of the Year Award.
1. Advancement of Black Women Entrepreneurs: As the founder of BWBN, she created pivotal platforms like the Metro Vancouver Black Women Business Expo,
2. Advocacy in Tech Diversity: Spearheading the Black Women in Tech Project and promoting diversity in the banking and finance sectors
3. Leadership Development
• Sole parenting 3 successful young black women
• 3 successful lingerie stores in a space not previously occupied by black women.
• Being able to climb the corporate ladder in organizations where ‘black female leader’ is still an anomaly.
1. Spearheading the promotion of construction skilled trades to women and youth, creating pathways for inclusivity and diversity in the industry.
2. Mentoring and coaching numerous women and young individuals across diverse industries, fostering their growth and success.
3. Empowering and inspiring individuals from all walks of life to reach their full potential, with a focus on philanthropy to uplift communities and contribute to social well-being.
1. Producer and Chair of the Nova Scotia Mass Choir Annual Tribute concert to Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. also acknowledging the contributions of ANS individuals and groups from 2008 to 2020. The concert shone a light on the untold stories of African Nova Scotians such as Midwives, Silvia Hamilton, Carrie and Calvert Best. I created the annual “”Towards the elimination of Racism concert series held in acknowledgement of the international day to eliminate racism 2008 to 2019.
2. As volunteer Chair of the Parent Teacher Organization of Nelson Whynder Elementary School and working as the Community Recreation Coordinator in North Preston. I created the Summer Brain Power Program to support students in grade 4,5,6 moving from a primarily segregated school in North Preston outside community. The program runs with the sponsorship of the Department of Education, African Canadian Services Branch across Nova Scotia. Presently as the summer Scholars grant program.
3. In 2019, As volunteer Chair of the North Preston Day Care Centre 50th Anniversary Celebration and Renovation committee, I planned the Anniversary Gala Celebration held in May of 2022. The Daycare Centre was the first of its kind in Atlantic Canada employing ANS Moms within the community of North Preston. I was successful in securing over $160,000.00 towards the 50th Anniversary project for renovation, board and staff development, and accessibility. The board has been successful in acquiring additional municipal land in community to expand the daycare program to develop a family resource centre.
1. i was the founder of the Canada Life Black and People Colour Employee Resource Group
2. While maintaining a busy litigation practice, I ran several marathons, competed thrice as a body builder, authored an article titled “You cannot out-exercise a bad diet” in the CABL Newsletter, and earned my certification as a Personal Trainer and Nutrition specialist from the National Academy of Sports Medicine.
3. I always bring my authentic self as a Black leader and meeting my audience exactly where they are providing a safe space for open communication.
4. I was one of the first cohorts to graduate from the Black North Academy C-Suite and Board Preparedness program through the Black North Initiative, and the Board Diversity Network – Ted Rogers School of Management, Executive Board Readiness Program, both initiatives are aimed at addressing the shortage of Black professional talent on Boards of Directors.