Black Futures, Not Just History: Black Voices Leading at the YWCA
Black leadership isn’t new. It’s present and impactful, though often overlooked. We know gaps exist, and Black professionals face unique challenges, including a lack of representation in leadership or the additional responsibility of leading anti-racism initiatives on top of their roles.
This Black History Month, we wanted to launch a space to celebrate Black YWCA employees who are leading, innovating and making an impact across the organization. We’re here to honour the labour, resilience and brilliance of Black leadership—not just from the past but in this very moment.
To do this, we asked team members to nominate their Black colleagues and those who agreed to participate were asked these two questions: What are you proud of? What message would you share with other Black community members who continue to push forward despite barriers and challenges? Each team member was invited to share as little or as much as they wanted.
By amplifying Black leadership from within our own community, we commit to a future where these voices are no longer an exception but the norm. Let’s create spaces where Black leadership is valued, made visible and celebrated—not only during Black History Month, but every day.
As with many people, I don't often take the time to think about my accomplishments. Perhaps, this is because I don't feel that I've done anything out of the ordinary. Instead, I tend to think about what I am most grateful for because it is my circumstances that have led to any accomplishments I've achieved.
I am grateful for my parents who grew up in the segregated South of the United States and for my ancestors who came before them. Many people think that oppression ended with slavery. It did not. Black people were not allowed to work in many professions, go to the same schools, live in the same neighborhoods, or sit in the same places in restaurants or buses as their white counterparts. We were not allowed to vote. Healthy and vibrant Black neighborhoods with successful Black businesses were reclaimed for parks and lakes or destroyed as in the Tulsa race massacre. Of course, this is not an exhaustive list of the discrimination and oppression that occurred long after slavery ended. The ability to perpetrate some forms of discrimination changed with the multiple Civil Rights Acts in the 1960s but discrimination did not disappear. I mention all of this because these were the circumstances under which my parents grew up.
So, I am grateful... Grateful for the opportunities that I've been afforded by the circumstances of my birth and the people to whom I was born. Intergenerational trauma runs deep in the Black community and it impacts people and families in a variety of ways. Even those in my extended family have had wildly different life outcomes despite sharing a similar lineage. I truly stand on the backs of those who came before me. It is through their strength and perseverance that I am here.
What message would you share with other Black community members who continue to push forward despite facing barriers and ongoing challenges?
I'll admit that what I'm about to say is easier said than done and I'm not always successful at it. Tune out the noise. What do I mean by that? There is so much in the world that can make us feel judged and lesser than. We have to tune it out. The one thing that has helped me the most in my life is confidence. I've believed in myself and my abilities. I believe that I have something to offer in this world. I want everyone to feel this way. We all have something to offer. We all have value. Don't let people tell you otherwise. This doesn't mean that we don't make mistakes or have failures. It is how we acknowledge, learn, and grow from these instances that matters. Even in difficult times remember - you are valuable.
As a lawyer from Jamaica and a Director of IT Risk and Compliance, I am incredibly proud of the resilience, strength, and excellence that define both my personal journey and my cultural heritage. Jamaica, though small in size, has made an immense global impact, producing trailblazers in law, music, sports, and leadership. Our history is one of perseverance—overcoming challenges with determination, intelligence, and an unwavering belief in our potential.
That same spirit has shaped my own path. Navigating the legal and technology fields as a Black professional has come with challenges, but my heritage has instilled in me the confidence to rise, adapt, and lead. I take pride in not just my personal achievements, but in the opportunity to break barriers, create safer and more compliant systems, and mentor others along the way.
What message would you share with other Black community members who continue to push forward despite facing barriers and ongoing challenges?
They say the sky is the limit, but the truth is—the sky has no limit. There are no boundaries to what we can achieve, no ceilings we cannot break. Even when your goals seem far-fetched, keep believing, keep striving, and keep reaching. What seems impossible today is simply a victory in progress.
Never take 'no' as the final answer. If you are convinced there is a ‘yes,’ then keep pushing until you find it. Doors may close, but persistence will open new ones—ones meant for you. Remember "Persistence beats resistance."
Stay focused, even when the road gets tough. Delays are not denials; they are just moments of preparation for something greater. Just keep in mind "my gratification is just delayed". Your success is not out of reach—it’s just waiting for the right moment. Keep going, keep rising, and never stop believing in your power to achieve.
Keep striving, keep breaking barriers, and keep lifting as you climb. Your journey matters, your impact is real, and your success paves the way for a more inclusive and equitable future.
Keep striving, keep breaking barriers, and keep lifting as you climb. Your journey matters, your impact is real, and your success paves the way for a more inclusive and equitable future.
This Black History Month, and always, I celebrate you.
I’m proud of the work of the Racial Equity Committee and my role as co-chair, which I’ve held since 2021 after volunteering to step in.. In particular, I’m proud of the systemic and policy changes we’ve helped bring to the YWCA, like the Inclusive Hiring Framework and the updates and new resources related to the Conflict Resolution Policy. This policy was of specific interest to me in helping create a workplace where all staff—especially those who are marginalized—are empowered to report harassment and abuse, with the larger goal of eliminating workplace harassment entirely. I had specific concerns with the existing policy, which I brought to the attention of Senior Management. This, combined with the finding in an external organizational audit report that indicated many staff didn’t feel comfortable or safe reporting harassment, served as the impetus for the committee’s work on the policy and its associated learning modules (an internal resource that explains the Conflict Resolution Policy process step by step). The Racial Equity Committee continues to advise management and advocate to make the YWCA more inclusive for racialized individuals and I’m proud that the committee members continue to trust my leadership in this endeavour.
What message would you share with other Black community members who continue to push forward despite facing barriers and ongoing challenges?
You don’t have to prove anything to anyone other than yourself and those who are genuinely in community with you. In this current moment of political instability where discriminatory governments and business leaders are rolling back decades of progress on inclusion, diversity, equity, and accessibility initiatives, one might feel a desire to try to convince opponents of the benefits of IDEA and your value as a Black person. But Toni Morrison reminds us that “The function, the very serious function of racism is distraction. It keeps you from doing your work. It keeps you explaining, over and over again, your reason for being…. None of this is necessary. There will always be one more thing.” Your most important work in this world is to be the best version of yourself that you can be, always learning and always growing, in order to enrich the lives of community, loved ones, and your own self.
I’m proud of how far I have come despite my educational background and language barriers. I’m also proud to have a family and work team that supports and helps each other despite our different backgrounds and difference.
What message would you share with other Black community members who continue to push forward despite facing barriers and ongoing challenges?
To those who continue to push forward despite challenges, Your perseverance is powerful. Every step you take toward your goals contributes to progress, not just for yourself but for others who will follow.
Obstacles may arise, but your determination, talent, and hard work matter. Stay focused, seek support when needed, and know that every effort you make brings you closer to success. Keep going, and continue to inspire others through your journey.
I am deeply proud of how far I’ve come, and for the first time in a long time, I feel genuinely excited about my future. Growing up and into early adulthood, I questioned whether I could ever build a meaningful career. But that changed when I became an employment counselor at YWCA Career Zone. In helping others find their path, I saw my own story reflected in theirs—battling self-doubt yet capable of so much more.
A defining moment was when a participant gave me a note at the end of one of our cohorts which read “I really appreciated your help and our one-to-ones because not even my teachers did that for me”. That’s when I truly recognized my value and gained the confidence to strive for more, not just for myself but for my community.
Now as the Project Lead for YWCA City Shift, I have the privilege of advocating for equitable decision-making in local government while leading our Peer-Centered Advocacy Council. This is truly an opportunity that I could have only dreamed about years ago and I am so proud and honoured to lead this work.
What message would you share with other Black community members who continue to push forward despite facing barriers and ongoing challenges?
Never stop believing in the potential and value you bring to this world. People will always have opinions about who you are and what you can do, even without truly knowing you.
The moment you start believing them, you begin to limit yourself to their expectations instead of your own possibilities. Stay true to your worth, trust your journey, and keep pushing forward even when it's hard because only you define your potential.
In my work, I am proud to have created spaces and initiatives in the Employment Navigator program for single moms that has enhanced and continues to enrich the experiences of those that access it. These initiatives have included much-needed information sessions on areas such as housing, dispelling a lot of myths and misinformation as well as equipping participants and others with the right knowledge and current information on their options. I am particularly proud of creating the Sister Circle Café – an online community for single moms, that houses the personal development/life skills workshops that I also designed and facilitate monthly. It is an equitable and supportive space where single moms feel safe to share some of their battles, wins, insights, strengths and wisdom while at the same time learning some basic tools for the journey ahead. I am also proud of my active community engagement - a long-standing signature of my work - which has been and continues to be integral to expanding the reach of the Employment Navigator program in the Metro Vancouver area.
What message would you share with other Black community members who continue to push forward despite facing barriers and ongoing challenges?
"If they don't give you a seat at the table, bring a folding chair." - Shirley Chisholm
We are not always invited to the table but pull up anyway and bring your folding chair, not begging or pleading for permission to speak but owning the right to speak and unapologetically take up space. Our collective stories may be steeped in struggle, oppression and anti-Black racism, but it is not the entirely of our stories. Black History did not start with slavery and Black Futures holds endless possibilities to visualize, design and create.
What message would you share with other Black community members who continue to push forward despite facing barriers and ongoing challenges?
Be bold and fearless, ambitious, we are undaunted in our beliefs that we should overcome; that we will rise up. Be confident: One important key to success is self-confidence. Be open to change. Be motivated in your work, always learn new things, above all be grateful, be thankful for what you have.
Be a role model; you never know how or when you'll have an impact or how important your example can be to someone else.
Respect everyone.
I’m proud of the personal growth I’ve experienced over the past few years. One of the biggest triumphs for me has been learning to find, embrace, and confidently use my authentic voice.
Being unapologetically myself and taking pride in my identity has been a journey, especially as a Black woman in spaces that haven’t always been welcoming or inclusive. I’m learning to stand firm in who I am, and that has been so empowering. It’s given me the strength to advocate for change, not just for myself, but for others who may feel marginalized as well.
I’m also proud of the meaningful relationships I’ve cultivated, both personally and professionally. I am especially grateful for the strong women who’ve been part of my journey—those who have selflessly shared their wisdom, experiences, and guidance, and have consistently supported me with their unwavering emotional strength. These connections have played a huge role in shaping my growth and have shown me the power of community and support.
What message would you share with other Black community members who continue to push forward despite facing barriers and ongoing challenges?
I would encourage you to stay true to yourself. Your story, your culture, your experiences—they matter. Our history isn’t just something to look back on; it’s a source of power we carry with us every day. One of the best things I’ve learned also is the importance of finding your people—the ones who truly get you - whether it’s family, friends or peers, find those who push you to be better, who root for you, and who make you feel seen.
Another thing I want to share is to stay curious and keep learning. Diversity of thought and perspective is so powerful, and it will continue to shape your own unique worldview. Don’t be afraid to ask questions, reach out for advice, especially to those who have walked the path before you. Their wisdom, insights, and experiences can offer you guidance and inspiration. You are not alone in this journey—there’s a whole community of us doing this work together. Keep pushing, keep growing, and don’t forget the brilliance you carry!
Titi is a certified Career Development Practitioner known for being a compassionate leader who leads with conviction and integrity. After graduating, she began her career in social services, working in roles that supported individuals at high risk and helping people navigate various life transitions. Over time, she found herself drawn to broader issues affecting young people, women, and the community. Titi grew within the field and was eventually promoted to team coordinator, manager, and train-the-trainer positions.
When thinking about family, community, and life overall, there are many proud moments. Related to her career—specifically program and curriculum development—Titi has inspired and designed programs for different organizations in the past. One of her proudest accomplishments at the YWCA was building and naming two programs from the ground up. When she joined the organization, she was asked to design a specialized employment program for women survivors of violence and abuse. She drew on her years of experience, the stories of women she had worked with, and the knowledge she had gained from her frontline work. Every aspect of the program was intentional—from the language used in forms to ensure accessibility and safety, to the curriculum she developed, to the trauma-informed approach that made participants feel supported. She wanted to create a space where women felt seen, heard, and empowered.
The first program, LEADS, was designed to be part of WorkBC services. It started small but quickly grew, expanding from a single location to multiple centers across the province. During this time, Titi was promoted to coordinator and then manager. She hired and trained facilitators and case managers, placing them at participating WorkBC centers, maintaining partnerships, and working closely with service providers and leadership to ensure the program’s success. She eventually transitioned to a different management position within the YWCA, where she designed and launched Survive to Thrive, another employment program specifically for survivors of violence and abuse. With a fully staffed team, the program gained momentum, becoming widely referred to by community partners and sister agencies. Word of mouth also played a significant role—women who participated in the program would recommend it to their friends, sisters, and daughters, reinforcing its impact.
Beyond program development, Titi has worked to expand awareness and education around trauma-informed employment support and the impacts of violence and abuse. She has facilitated webinars and developed trauma-informed training for in-house staff and external organizations. Before joining the YWCA, she was one of the contributing authors hired to create a workbook on overcoming cycles of abuse and to revise a BC educational and training guide exploring the effects of abuse on survivors' mental, physical, spiritual, and financial well-being. As a speaker, she has shared her expertise at events hosted by the BC Career Development Association, BC Society of Transition Houses, and other BC non-profits. Additionally, she has provided feedback on provincial programming to help shape current and future services in British Columbia and Ontario.
She has had the opportunity to mentor and train others to continue raising awareness and developing specialized employment programs. She also contributed ideas for a program designed for newcomer women who are survivors of violence. She has done this in the same way she learned from elders, peers, and the founding mothers of grassroots organizations. She credits them for inspiring her and for showing her that these programs can expand far beyond what she could achieve alone. Seeing the ripple effect of the work she does inspires others to not only survive but truly thrive.
What message would you share with other Black community members who continue to push forward despite facing barriers and ongoing challenges?
Your voice is needed. Your voice is valued.
Thinking about my own experience, I reflect on the paradox of being called a "visible minority". It’s interesting because you are called “visible”, yet you can still be completely unseen in some spaces. That’s a reality I’ve had to navigate in my career. When I first entered this field, there wasn't much diversity in nationalities and cultures, and not many people who looked like me in career development. Not because of lack of education or ability, quite the opposite, but because it was simply harder to get in at the time. Things are changing now, and that’s something to celebrate. We learn from the past, but we don’t stay in it.
I would also say that representation matters. Especially when it comes to cultural sensitivity and understanding, representation makes a difference. And I think it’s important not to be afraid to speak up. It can be nerve-racking when you’re the only Black person in the room, especially when you know that some belief systems are at play. I’ve noticed that someone else—someone who doesn’t look like me—could say the same thing, and it wouldn’t have the same negative impact. But I would say, speak anyway. Use wisdom. Respect yourself and others; one doesn't have to sacrifice the other. Understand timing and your surroundings. It can be done without compromising.
I’ve had the pleasure of working with women from all over the world—different cultures, different languages, different experiences. I’ve also worked with Indigenous women, and I still think we need to see more representation there, in our field of work. And there’s a reason why these women feel safe reaching out—not just to me, but to people who recognize these realities and build that consideration into their programs.
I’ve worked with people who have had early disrupted education and with people who have master’s degrees and PhDs. The impact of violence and abuse is something that affects everyone, but we know the statistics for women are staggering. And if we’re going to see more people from different cultures and backgrounds, more Black women, getting the support they need, then all of those voices need to be represented in this industry too.
So if you’re thinking about this kind of work—your presence is needed.
And I would also encourage you to keep being that light.
Keep sharing with the next generation—not just our history, but our presence today. We learn from our elders, from our mothers and fathers. We have such a rich culture and community, and that looks different across countries, dialects and ethnicities.
To my parents, my elders, my family and community elders, aunties and uncles, brothers and sisters – thank you. Much respect and honour. For young Black youth—I see you. Keep going. Keep up with your education. Keep striving. Not in comparison to others, but in pursuit of your own excellence. Whatever God-given gifts have been placed in you—don’t bury it. Use it. Multiply it. And shine. You are needed. That’s what I would say.
