Paula Wharton-Litt
Consulting
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.
• 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. Founding one of the largest independent optometric practice in Western Canada, and providing an inclusive, diverse work environment 2. Author- first book in 2020 3. Family- raising 3 amazing, strong, confident children with my supportive husband, who is also my business partner.
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.
Producing W’at Abowt Us Documentary, Providing an training manual for entrepreneurs and raising my sons to be great human beings.
Healthcare Executive Leadership; Entrepreneur (small business owner); Passionate mentor to young Black girls and women
My top three major accomplishments are being the recipient of the Universal Womens Network (UWN) 2019 Women of Inspiration award for Diversity and Inclusiveness, named one of 100 Accomplished Black Canadian Women 2022, and the recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award 2022 by the International Association of Top Professionals (IAOTP).
2015 Co-Founding the Nunavut Black History Society (NBHS); 2021 Selected Organizer, Writer & Presenter: History of People of African Descent in Nunavut at the Canadian Heritage first Emancipation Day Celebration event; 2022 Featured in Soft Landing, a Project by the Canadian Museum of Immigration on Immigrant Achievement and Impact on their communities
I have been able to do all my endeavours grounded in faith and spirituality
I have been able to stand on the shoulders of Black women who have gone before and work in sisterhood with Black woman to advance change.
I stay true to valuing continuous learning and the brilliance of children and grandchildren.
My biggest accomplishments are: Being a Mom to an amazing daughter, Alexandra, Being elected as a City Councillor after being in Canada for 9 years and Being elected as the 1st Black President for UBCM in my second term as a City Councillor .
I am most proud of achieving top honours at my Master’s degree completion after a turbulent time of life; of raising 3 humans alongside pursing academic and professional goals; and following the inspiration to pursue creative short story writing and the impact it has had on readers…
I have broadened and maintained an extensive network of contacts. Working albeit alone but got my proposal accepted by the Montreal Police Department.
Returning to my alma mater as a guest speaking dealing with the issue of Racism in the Healthcare Arena.