A. LaFerne Clarke
Education/Academic
My three adult children lead happy productive lives. Based on my faith in Jehovah God as my provider, protector and friend my hope is always bright, focused and clear. I have carried out my family motto “To whom much is given much is asked” to be best of my ability.
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)
Studying as a full-time student for 7 years as a wife and mom and starting a non-profit organization.
Research Chair – Canada Research Chair in Transnational Labour Law in recognition of my scholarly work that has sought to change the way that we understand labour law and its relationship to emancipation; Task Force Chair and Author, Employment Equity Act Review Task Force Report; lead expert in the International Labour Organization’s standard setting on Decent Work for Domestic Workers Convention (No. 189) and Recommendation (No. 201)
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.
My three major accomplishments are:
1. My beautiful Family
2. Ongoing work on anti-Black racism within the health care system and beyond
3. My career growth as an educator in tertiary mental health with affords me a chance to mentor and support folks across the health care system
Novel contributions to academic literature on black women and girls in Canada and activism in black communities
In 1970, I joined the ranks of single Black parents and was blessed with one of God’s greatest gifts, my son, Sean “Sax” Taylor.
In 2003 I attended and received a Certificate from Oxford University Round Table on the Superintendency and Principalship.
I mentored innumerable Black teachers who now hold positions as Principals and Supervisory Officers in many Boards of Education.
One of my most significant achievements is cultivating a loving family as a devoted mother and wife. Gratitude fills me as I embrace the chance to mentor and inspire others, guiding them towards transformative change. Lastly, I am profoundly blessed by the invitation extended by Dr. Bernice King to address the audience at the 2022 Martin Luther King Global Summit—an honor that amplifies my commitment to meaningful dialogue and positive impact.
Graduating with my Doctoral of Social Science degree (2022)
Having my film Ise Abe (Circumcision) selected and screened at many international film festivals most especially the Women Deliver Conference in Rwanda (2023)
Publication: proceeding paper in book “Social Engaged applied doctoral research in Canada: approaches to contemporary social management opportunities and challenges” Chapter 4 “equity, diversity and inclusion applied research: Doctoral student submission”, Royal Roads University (2021)”
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.
1) Raising three conscious, secure, and talented children after having been a teenaged mother
2) Surviving a tumultuous childhood and adolescence, and continuing to achieve against all odds
3) Ultimately completing my doctorate as a Black woman in a white supremist institution, in spite of institutional racism/sexism, while working full-time, supporting my family, and raising my young children
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.
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)
In addition to my role as a dedicated mother of two African Nova Scotian boys, my proudest professional achievements include earning my master’s degree during the pandemic, spearheading legacy programs for young black youth across grassroots organizations, and being appointed to the Expert Advisory Team for the Online Safety Bill by the Federal Government of Canada. These accomplishments highlight my commitment to academic excellence, community empowerment, and contributing to impactful legislation.
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.
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.
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
My top three major accomplishments have been 1. My self-financed training as a classical soprano of world-class status. 2. The founding Artistic Director of the charitable organization, No Strings Theatre which has impacted many emerging artists. 3. My Master’s Degree in Community Music and Narrative Research Capstone on using music to build cultural bridges.
Over the past 6 years, i rose through the ranks to become the first African woman to attain tenure and promotion to Associate Professor and Acting Director at the School of Nursing at my place of work. I published 26 peer reviewed journal articles: 16 since my appointment in 2017 and 7 of which as first author. I have also published a book chapter and presented at local, national, and international conferences.