Public Profile Database
My critically acclaimed recording, Lift Every Voice and Sing! The Roots of Gospel Music. Presenting my acclaimed performance at UNESCO's request at the symposium in Nigeria re Slavery and Its Impact. Raising, guiding, and protecting my boy-child successfully around a hostile environment through to manly, loving, and responsible adulthood.
Tracey-Acadia Thomas is the founding Editor in Chief of Soulful Image - a ministry magazine dedicated to encourage, uplift and inspire people of all walks of life. Since its inception in January 2014, Tracey has been recognized for her contribution to the community as a business owner, author, writer and entrepreneur. She was nominated, and won, the Woman on Fire Media Award in April 2015, “Built To Inspire” Premised on Excellence Award and “2016 Queens Rising Together Award Toronto”. She is the founder and part owner, along with her husband, of Thomex Inc., the corporation to Fareal Clothing, Fareal Custom Tees, Soulful Image Magazine and Faith Filled Books online Christian bookstore. Through her businesses, she has sponsored and supported many business and community events throughout the Greater Toronto Area (GTA).
Tracey-Acadia is also the owner of Soulful Woman Ministries, the founding ministry of Soulful Image Magazine and Soul Sistas fellowship group. Soulful Woman Ministries is a large sponsor of Happy Period GTA charity organization and Eternal Springtime non-profit organizations providing menstrual products and more to the shelters, as well as supporting other community organizations and women's events throughout the city of Toronto. In 1996, Tracey studied Fine Arts at York University working towards a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Classical Voice/Performance and Musical Theatre. Her musical background includes classical, gospel, pop, jazz and soft rock. Although music is her first passion, she continues to sing at weddings, funerals, other functions and events. As a praise and worship leader, she has sung on the show Encounter with Peter Youngren, on Grace TV as a part of the Encounter Band. She also sang on an award winning record, Alive in Me, having won the Gospel Music Association of Canada’s Covenant Award for Gospel Song of the Year 2007 for the song Because of You.
In 2017, Trey launched her new business brand, Black Girl In Love, which features the first lifestyle planner/organizer geared at professional black woman and also includes merchandise, workshops and retreats. Trey is a sought after professional speaker and delivers hundreds of keynotes per year, using humour, personal insight and vulnerability. She is a crowd favourite and is known to receive standing ovations everywhere she goes. She also delivered a popular TED talk which continues to inspire thousands of people everywhere. She recently spoke at Harvard University and again received a standing ovation. She is a writer for Huffington Post and a contributing writer for The Toronto Star.
My three major accomplishments would be completing my Masters in Law, my LLB and Bachelor of Arts Program.
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 .
Tyjondah Kerr, born in Toronto, is a Senior Municipal Relations Manager within Corporate Affairs for the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation (OLG). She is engaged in community stakeholder relations with Municipalities, Chambers of Commerce, the Quest for Gold Program for amateur athletes, and manages the Community Recognition Program with host gaming communities.
While completing her Psychology Degree at the University of Windsor, Tyjondah started her career in gaming in 1994 with Casino Windsor. She has held various management positions at OLG Slots at Mohawk Racetrack and OLG Slots at Woodbine Racetrack. During her 20 years with OLG, Tyjondah has had progressive leadership roles. In March 2019, Tyjondah received the Vaike Murusalu Empowerment Award at OLG.
Valarie H.A. Steele has lived and worked in Canada for the past 45 years. Her range of experience includes financial, government, self-employment and community activism.
Valarie Steele has been working in the Black Community for more than 40 years. Her advocacy began in the schools, assisting single mothers with issues that were adversely affecting their children. Those early days were very interesting because she did not have children of her own, as yet; but, the sting of racism was still there. It was very evident that in order to fix many issues in the community she had to focus on the children and that meant helping mothers to deal with all kinds of issues. Once she became a parent, she became involved with the school and school boards in order to ensure that the school had black teachers. She was Chair of the School Council for many years. She had resounding successes and that was very helpful to the community and school community.
That training ground prepared her for the activism in the wider community. In her journey, she became President of the Jamaican Canadian Association (“JCA”). There are several programmes offered at the social services arm of the JCA. They not only made things better for the women but their children benefitted exponentially. The Violence Against Women’s Programme is a remarkable initiative because it gives women the information needed in order to make informed decisions.
My first accomplishment is my family including my three daughters, Ayesha, Tahira, and Jamilah, my sons-in-law, Osama and Wendell, and my grandchildren, Zaid, Umayma, and Zora Mae. I cherish my roles as mother and grandmother. While we are spread out over various countries, we are nurtured by our precious connections. My second accomplishment is the PhD I was able to achieve later in life. I was happy in my teaching but there was always a feeling of something missing. Each September would roll around and I would think to myself, its September and I am not in grad school. Finally I applied, was accepted into the program, and decided to start with just one course. I come from parents who are descended from indentured labourers and who barely finished primary school, so it was a special accomplishment that I was able to complete a PhD in mathematics education. I am also proud that I was able to gain some small measure of understanding of Lacanian theory (which is notoriously difficult) with the help of the Lacan Salon, Vancouver. My third accomplishment is the longevity of my career as an educator. I taught for 30 years at Langara, and I continue to teach in my 32nd year at TRU. I am proud of the fact that many of my students are themselves teachers and researchers in mathematics. This has given me an understanding and appreciation of people and cultures that have helped me as I continue to work with students who increasingly come from countries other than Canada.
Velma Morgan is a leader with proven experience in creating and implementing policies and programs in the provincial government and education. Her comprehensive knowledge of government and public policy allows her to quickly decipher and analyze complex issues and positively contributes to a solution.
Velma has worked for the Provincial government in five ministries for four Cabinet Ministers in senior positions. Her work included working on the highly successful Pan/Para Pan American Games, overseeing the creation of government's first sports plan in 20 years entitled Game ON and the creation and passing of two legislations: The Ontario Immigration Act and Ontario Black History Month. She oversaw for the provinces Youth Justice Transformation Strategy and the Youth Opportunities Strategy that provide youth in underserved communities employment and entrepreneur opportunities. Velma also leads initiatives that are outside the mandate of the Ministry such as the first ever Black Leaders Summit in Nova Scotia and roundtables with various communities.
Velma is also a qualified educator. She is the co-author of a document entitled “Blurred Vision” that provides strategies to educators on how to harness diversity within the classroom and school system.
Veronica Sullivan - Molded by the creator from the same matter of my great Ancient African Ancestors, carefully choosing her parents, Reginald and Vernetta Sullivan, and sisters Rita, Linda and Regina to bring Veronica into my purpose. She migrated to Toronto, Canada at the age of ten from Barbados, and experienced all that came with being the only black student in a class, name calling, laughter at her accent, and harassment in the playground.
The power of a family grounded in the principles of Kujichagulia, self-determination, and Umoja, unity, buffered her through these times. She found refuge at the community rallies and lectures she attended at her father’s side, listening to speakers such as the late Kwame Ture and Senator Anne Cools.
By the time she reached high school she was taking an active role in lobbying for Black students to form study groups and promote awareness of the vast contributions of people of African descent. Her passion grew in this area becoming the driving force for her to become lead Black History instructor for the North York Board of Education, and piloting an integrated African Heritage Program at Orde St. School, for Toronto Board of Education (1991-1999).
Founding my non-profit VV'S Adult Support Centre Corp., founding my charity Victory Neighbourhood Services Inc. and creating programs for the youth and seniors.
Dr. Victoria Nelson immigrated from Jamaica to Canada in August 1970, and worked as a nurse until 1982. She attended Humber College in Toronto, where she received a Diploma as a Rehabilitation Counsellor. She worked for the City of Toronto as a Caseworker and a Vocational Counsellor for the Workers’ Health and Safety Centre.
Victoria earned a Master’s Degree in Theology from Beacon University in the United States, another Master’s Degree in Christian Counselling and a Doctorate in Theology at the Kingdom Covenant Leadership Institute in Ontario. Dr. Nelson is an Ordained Minister and Chaplin at Kingdom Covenant Ministries in Mississauga.
She was involved in two research projects that she believes affected her community. One is entitled “Suffering in Silence", which addresses the reason why some women remain in abusive relationships. The other is entitled "Recidivism", which addresses the reasons why some youth are repeat offenders, and how their criminal records prevent them from attaining post-secondary education or finding gainful employment.
Becoming President of the Canadian Bar Association through a time of organizational change focusing on young lawyers, diversity, inclusion and belonging Leading the Canadian Bar Association through COVID-19 crisis, Created the Task Force on Justice Issues Arising from COVID-19 in 2020. Created the Racialized Leadership Bootcamp for Canadian Lawyers
Vivienne Dickson is one of three founders, and Chief Executive Officer of A-Supreme Nursing and Home Care Services Inc. Her expertise in sales, marketing and management with her ability to create efficiencies in commercial operations for organizations are few of the reasons she, along with her two partners, selected to launch A-Supreme; an organization that supports and caters to the needs of seniors in the community. Finding solutions to senior care is critical to A-Supreme Nursing and Homecare Services. The organization is a community-driven company that is people-oriented and focused on providing important senior care services.
My university degree, owning my own restaurant and my own counselling company.
I have had a long and distinguished career in the field of social work and have been successful not only in my employment-related practice, but also in my dedicated volunteer work in my church and in the community. I am a deeply committed family-oriented person. In addition, I nurture strong extended family relationships and am a community mother to many whom I have mentored over the years. I am highly regarded for addressing racial and cultural diversity in social work education and in the community. As a thoughtful leader, I have generously shared my expertise in family and social development with local, provincial and national organizations, notably as a founding member of the Association of Black Social Workers. I would say that one of my greatest accomplishments is my ability to work with people in a way that motivates and inspires them to join the fight for social justice and social change.
With over 25 years of experience in Financial Management and Executive Leadership, Wendy Beckles is an accomplished and innovative Healthcare Administrator.
Wendy is a graduate of Harvard University and the Rotman School of Management. She holds several accreditations including the Certified General Accounting designation, Chartered Professional Accounting designation and Certified Healthcare Administrator designation.
As President and CEO of Shepherd Village Inc., Wendy provides executive leadership to the largest integrated single site, seniors’ community in Ontario. Serving over 900 seniors across an innovative healthcare campus, Shepherd Village Inc. delivers a continuum of care including independent living, retirement living, assisted living and long-term care.
Wendy Jones is the quintessential ambassador of the Steel Pan. She has received numerous awards for her exceptional skills as a Panist and her work in pan is being recognized internationally. For the past 25 years, she has worked for the Toronto Catholic District School Board as a Counselor in the Elementary and Secondary Schools and also works as an Event facilitator at Tropicana Community Services. Wendy was born on the twin-island Republic of Trinidad and Tobago. She came to Canada at an early age as her mom decided to migrate to seek a better life and education for her children. She was introduced to pan music in 1976, while she was enrolled at Westview Centennial Secondary School.
She deserves the highest praise for using the Steel Pan as a Cultural Tool to draw families into the Pan Fraternity: To Inspire Youths, to Ignite leadership Skills and To Affect Social Change. She is a Co-Founder and #1 Female Bandleader of the award winning Pan Fantasy Steel Orchestra which celebrated its 31st Anniversary in 2017.
Wendy‘s pan journey really started in 1977 with the Afro Pan Steel band. She carries the Title “Queen of the Bass” and is the recipient of:
Woman on the Bass award 1992
Pan Arts Network Woman in Pan award 2010
Toronto Catholic District School Board Ethnic and Diversity Award 2010
Toronto Catholic District School Board Festival of the Arts Award 2015
Dance Caribe Cultural Participation Award 2014, 2015.
Recipient of the Harry Jerome Entertainment Award 2015
Consulate General of Trinidad and Tobago Outstanding Contribution Award 2015
Honorary Mention in Published Book 1962-2012 “Trinidad & Tobago in Canada “
Cultural Recognition Award (for 20 years of service) High Commission for The Republic of Trinidad & Tobago 2017.
As a founding member of the North York Inter-Community Youth Group, she has organized numerous concerts, workshops, fashion shows and a variety of recreational activities in the Jane and Finch area, the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) and other communities.
Mrs. Francis has volunteered her time as the Public Relations Officer for the Mississauga 55 Plus Caribbean Canadian Group. In that capacity, she has spent countless hours connecting Black seniors to educational resources in the areas of politics, finance, physical and mental health, social issues and spirituality. She has received several awards from the organization for her outstanding contribution.
Dr. Winsome Elizabeth Smith was born in Jamaica and attended St. Andrews High School, where she received a scholarship to Dalhousie University. She obtained the BSC & DDS degrees. After accepting a post-graduate scholarship to the University of Toronto, she obtained a specialty in Paediatric Dentistry in 1972.
Dr. Smith operates two Dental practices for Children & Youth and for 17 years remained the first & only Black female Paediatric Dentist in Canada. She served and volunteered on several organizations including Acting, Vice President and Chair of Youth Affairs of the Black Business and Professional Association, and past Director of the BBPA Learning and Resource Center, providing assistance to marginalized Black students.
Winsome was the first Black female Chair of the Board of Governors of Humber College Institute of Technology and Advanced Learning, where a scholarship named in her honour was established for Black and Indigenous first year students exhibiting academic excellence. As a Director of the Caribbean Housing Initiatives Corp. and Vice President of the Caribbean Association of Peel, she facilitated in subsidized housing in Peel.
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...
Yara Vasconcelos is a multidisciplinary artist best known for her passionate, creative expressions through dance, choreography, and fine arts. Born in Huambo, Angola, Yara comes from a family where arts and self-expression were an integral part of daily life. Creativity runs in her family, with relatives who are teachers, actors, musicians and crafters. Even at six years of age, adults were astounded by her Art skill, not believing that she had drawn such intricate pieces herself. At 11, Yara moved to Canada where her passion and skills blossomed. When she arrived in the country, Yara did not speak English, and so she used the language of art and dance to express herself.
Yara draws inspiration from a myriad of sources. Her daily encounters with people, her dreams, music, her movement, emotions, nature and popular culture, all feed into her art work. Her style is playful, adventurous, diverse, fluid and organic. Her paintings are alive with movement. Yara plays with both figurative and abstract elements in her paintings. Elements of her African culture are evident throughout her work, as she uses bright, bold colours, rich textures, and bead work of the Angolan people. Her art and paintings are part of several private collections in Canada, Austria, Portugal and Italy, and have been showcased in numerous art exhibits in Canada.
Traditionally published author of over 7 children's books and counting, representing children in the Caribbean/African diaspora via literature and consistent appearances in schools, activist for inclusion in children literature and against racism.
Yolanda McClean is the 2nd Vice President of CUPE Ontario and has been for almost a decade. Prior to this, Yolanda served as Diversity Vice-President for Racialized Workers in Ontario. She was re-elected to this position at the National level of CUPE, making her the longest serving Diversity Vice President in our National Union’s history.
Yolanda is responsible for providing leadership support to areas of the union in establishing equity structures, committees, and changing their leadership structures to have designated representation for racialized CUPE members. She assists with bargaining materials for locals across the country on issues of racism in the workplace and supports CUPE as an employer in attempts to bargain for employment equity provisions..
Yolanda is the recipient of the “Ed Blackman Award” that recognizes the contributions and leadership of a racialized CUPE member. Yolanda (was given this award) the successful nominee for this and was awarded by a committee of members from across Canada.