Debbie Yolande Nicholls-Skerritt
Community Advocate/Service
Becoming a mother to my beautiful son. In addition, being a community mother through my dance students. Finally, to have the gift of creating safe and transformative spaces for individuals ( specifically women and girls) to to connect deeply with themselves and use artistic expression as a healing modality
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
My three majoir accomplishments that has brought tremendous joy to my life are as follows. My first one it the birth of my 4 children they have given me a true scnse of purpose by adding meaning to my life. My second accomplishment that I am extremly proud of was when I received my High school Diploma at age 36 from SCAS Scarborough Center for Altertrnative Learning while receiving the award for outstand academic excellence My third accomplishment was graduating from George Brown College at 41 while receiving the Hororable Jean Agustine Scholarship with my 4 children in the audience .
1. Winning of the highest leadership and diversity awards in Canada. In 2020 and 2023, I received the title and award of Canada’s Most Powerful Women: Top 100 Awards.
2. Completing the general machinist apprenticeship. Which requires 8000 hours of training.
3. Supporting women across Canada and sharing my story.
My three major accomplishment are
• Founder of The Black History Heritage Society 2018
• Founder of Mozia Women’s Network Society
• Executed MDC Marcus Garvey Entertainment Centre for Youth, Jamaica WI Sep 2007
1. Receiving a merit award for distinguished contribution to the office of the Clerk and Prime Ministers office. 2. Granting of recognition Award for contribution to the work of Treaty Bodies (CERD) and standing for Canada at the United Nations. 3. Achieving a tangible increase in diversity in judicial appointments for women of colour and other disadvantaged groups in Ontario.
2018 recipient of the Leading Women Building, Certified Fundraising Expert, Communities Award, Ontario NDP Candidate for Windsor Tecumseh,
1. My children are my greated accomplishment; 2. My work: Ability to support and increase equality-seeking NGOs working to address issues that affect women and girls across Canada (Gender-based violence, Leadership empowerment, etc.); 3. Going back school as an adult and was able to complete my degree
1. Queens Jubilee diamond recipient for humanitarian efforts
2. Sitting on the Pickering Accessibility board
3. W.R.A.C. award for outstanding efforts assisting abused woman and children
As President of the Essex County Black Historical Research Society, I share Black history through social media, traditional media, presentations, publications, and curriculum resources. I co-executive produced an award-winning documentary, The North Was Our Canaan. I co-founded Black Women of Forward Action, co-hosting a weekly safe space for Black women.
My three major accomplishments are: First, successfully raised my children into adulthood. Next, directing a community faith base Womens Ministries by empowering and nurturing women to be the best God intended them to be. Last, becoming a Community Volunteer and Advocate.
1.Different Faces Model and Talent Agency. 2).Operating The Exhibitor Support Centre 3).Became a heart transplant recipient
I addressed an acute workplace representation and diverse talent sourcing gap in the finance and accounting profession, creating visibility and community role models I co-authored the Finance Mentors Ledger and 21 Resilient Women In both 2019 and 2020 I was a keynote speaker at the AICPA Global Womens Leadership Summit Europe
My three major accomplishments are: Having raised two wonderful and self-sufficient young men; secondly, the creation of Flos Seniors Health and Care Programs Network Inc; and my third accomplishment is being able to be a community volunteer for over 20 years and still going.
One of Joy’s most significant achievements is not just a professional milestone but a personal triumph—finding her purpose and staying true to herself. This authenticity is the guiding force behind her work as an educator, advocate, and facilitator.
Single mother of 4 amazing children. Named diabetes educator of the year through the faculty of the Medicine University of Toronto. Recognized by the Canadian Diabetes Education Certification Board for the award of excellence in diabetes education management. Community advocate and activist for continental Africans and other Canadian communities to get free access to health, health equipment and medications for all.
My greatest accomplishments have been to my family, supprting and enjoying
multiple generations and learning from their wisdom and the strength of our ancestors.
The opportunity to address racial and social justice in so many spheres including in education, institutions, government and organizations both public and private, and have been a source of great satisfaction. As an educator and researcher, contributing to the production of knowledge and being able to work with young people in supporting their intellectual, social and social justice development have been a great joy of my life.
My top three accomplishments are: Leading as director for 6 years (2 terms); receiving the Fellowship of the American College of Nurse Midwives (FACNM) for service and leadership; and having the joy of co-parenting 3 step sons and co-grandparenting 3 grandchildren.
My greatest accomplishment to date is successfully delivering 4 children by Cesarean section, loving, nurturing and guiding them to be the best versions of themselves. Being elected and reelected to the Peel District school board as a trustee representing Brampton in wards 3/4 is my second greatest accomplishment especially because I believe that my advocacy and my perseverance played an important role towards the meaningful dismantling of systemic Anti-Black Racism in education. Surviving the trauma of advocating for the humanity of Black students and demanding that their human rights be recognized as they pursue an education is something that I am proud of especially since the changes are significant, permanent and my future grandchildren may have an education in Ontario free of discrimination, racism and hate. My third greatest accomplishment is making the Jamaican Chess Olympic team.
I never imagined growing up in Little Jamaica in Toronto with two regular parents, working regular jobs that I would end up halfway through a Ph.D. at the University of Toronto, having already taught four university-level courses and published one paper before the age of 30. As a result, I am dedicated to giving back to my community, especially young Black girls, as I can identify with their journey through adolescence, and have founded a grassroots organization in partnership with two other exceptional women in my neighborhood – Auntie’s Place – that co-creates a safe space with Black, Indigenous, and Afro-Indigenous youth who reside in Toronto and are seeking social support, community, food security, healing, and cultural knowledge. Furthermore, I have also gained the confidence to use my expertise to improve corporate and non-profit organizations policies and programs related to racialized individuals by conducting research through my own consulting company, which was inspired by the success of my research and analysis recruitment and retention of racialized individuals at TD Bank and the incorporation of my recommendations into their long-term plan.
RBC Top 25 Canadian Immigrant Award, CIBWE TOP 100 BLACK WOMEN TO WATCH AWARD, BRAMPTON TOP 40 UNDER 40
Co-creator of Impact of Race and Cultural Assessment for Family and Criminal Court
Primary Clinical Lead on the Development of IWK Mental Health Black Mental and Addictions Treatment Program Mother of an Amazing Young Adult.
I created programing that led to receiving the a Vital People award from the Toronto Community Foundation and Inclusion Innovation Award from the NBA and my work was recognized by the WXN Women’s Executive Leadership Networking naming me as a Top 100 Leader for 2020.
Founded the 1st Black led transitional home in CanadaGrew my Business to 7 figures in 1 year Co Created a Tomato spice blend.
My leadership in the award-winning Coaching to Career program, which focuses on bridging career gaps for IT professionals who are new to Canada.