Public Profile Database
Through her extensive work in race relations, social justice, politics, and labour relations, Yvette Blackburn has made her mark as an astute leader, strong political advocate, and effective community activist. Yvette has sound knowledge and application in strategic organizational change, Equity and Education. A very forward thinking individual who does not sit in indifference when wrongs are being committed. Even in the face of adversity, she champions the rights of citizens, believes in the principles of fairness, and the public voice.
Yvette Yende-Ashiri is a strong and passionate advocate for social justice, human’s rights and an agent of positive change. Her advocacy centers on minority rights, especially, women’s rights. She is not only an activist, but also an exceptional leader for all French-speaking women for the National Capital Region.
Yvette joined the Junior Chamber International (JCI) in Paris, 2006, a global non-profit organization that encourages young active citizens, 18 to 40 years, who are committed to creating positive change in communities and for the future of the world. While at JCI, Africa and the Middle Conference in Monastir, Tunisia, she was recognized for her drive, professionalism and dedication among more than 1200 participants as the “Best Attendee” at the conference. This opened doors for her to take on several roles, such as Assistant to the Director of Development and Growth and the Middle East, Maîtresse of Conferences and World Congresses and Award Jury and Local President, within this organization where she has been a member for more than ten years.
Yvette has lived in Canada since 2009. As an active and involved newcomer to Canada, she created Ottawa’s Junior Chamber International in 2011. As a mother, wife and newcomer to the National Capital Region, she identified this commitment as one of her first major challenges and served as Chair for two years. Deeply touched by the violence against women, the desperate situation of street children and the impunity/chaos of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), Yvette decided to become active in the protection of women and she co-created the Miss Congo Canada (MCC) contest in 2013. Every two years MCC crowns a young Francophone-Canadian-Congolese woman who has the role of being Ambassador to promote the fight to counter violence against women and children in Canada, the DRC and also the Congolese culture in Canada.
Joining the Ontario Public Service where I served for thirty-three years and being an activist member of the Ontario Public Service Employees Union, speaking out on such issues as human rights and equity within and outside of the union. As a direct result, I held many elected positions. The positions that I am most proud of are: Chair, OPSEU’s Provincial Women's Committee, Vice-President, Ontario Federation of Labour representing people of colour and Chair, OPS Network for Racial Minorities; these positions gave me the opportunity to contribute in the development of policy papers and workshops on issues such as Employment Equity, Child Care, and Workplace Discrimination to name a few. I am very proud that I participated in these
Yvonne Francis is an independent freelance musician who delights in exploring her talents in a variety of artistic arenas. This multi-talented musician performs music, which encompasses African derived idioms from classical, contemporary, jazz through to new wave.
Yvonne obtained a musical education with the Royal Conservatory of Music on the piano and saxophone and a Specialized Honors B.F.A in Music from York University. Yvonne’s virtuosity on the saxophone, trumpet, steel drums, African drums and other percussive instruments enabled her to perform with a variety of groups and teach music within the education system of the GTA. She has performed in Ghana, West Africa, Trinidad & Tobago, Guyana and the USA.
Mentorship is an important service to Yvonne and her desire to mentor youth has taken her behind the scenes of the music industry. Motivation to help others has led Yvonne to co-create organizations that work at developing the talents of youth within the Black Community. She is the co-founder and current Music Director of Toronto’s famed youth-oriented Ngoma Drum and Dance Ensemble. This group is in its third generation of performers. At the time of conception, there was no succession for organizations focused on African drumming. Ngoma prevailed and is a trailblazer in the industry by being the first children’s drum and dance ensemble in Ontario.
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.
Zanana Akande has worked towards social justice in our society by addressing education, communications and the media, feminism, race relations and social change. She once co-hosted a Toronto Arts Against Apartheid Festival. She has worked as a teacher, consultant and administrator in the public education system, and a lecturer at the university level. She continues to speak on issues of effective communication, social change, community development and diversity, a topic she has presented locally and abroad. Zanana has worked in the media with MTV.
Dr. Augustine was born in Grenada (West Indies) and came to Canada in 1960. She attended the University of Toronto, where she earned Bachelor of Arts and Master of Education degrees. She became an elementary school principal with the Metropolitan Separate School Board in Toronto.
From 1988 until 1993, she was chair of the Metro Toronto Housing Authority. Dr. Augustine was the first African-Canadian woman to be elected to the House of Commons. She was elected in the riding of Etobicoke-Lakeshore in 1993 and sat in Parliament until 2006. During this time, she served as Parliamentary Secretary to the Prime Minister, Minister of State for Multiculturalism and the Status of Women and was a Deputy Speaker.
In 1995, Dr. Augustine introduced the motion proposing Black History Month in Canada. That motion was passed with all party consent.
She has shared her expertise and enthusiasm with others as a member of several community boards, including those of York University, the Hospital for Sick Children, the Stephen Lewis Foundation and Harbourfront Corporation. She was also a former National President of the Congress of Black Women of Canada.
She has been honoured by many organizations for her leadership and community involvement. In 2009, the Women’s Executive Network named her as one of Canada’s Most Powerful Women: Top 100 Awards winners. The Girls’ Leadership Academy of the Toronto District School Board bears her name. She was awarded the Luminary Award by the University of the West Indies in 2006, and has received honorary Doctor of Laws degrees from the University of Toronto, Guelph University, McGill University, York University, Trent University and Ryerson University.
In December 2009, she was appointed as a Member of the Order of Canada and in 2012 received the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Medal. In 2014, she was made a Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE).
In June 2014, the Jean Augustine Centre for Young Women’s Empowerment opened in south Etobicoke. In January 2016, the Peel District School Board named a new school in Brampton, the Jean Augustine Secondary School.