Canadian Women of Colour Leadership Network

CREATIVE EXPRESSIONS - Roots & Blossom Creative Evolution (free 7 week program)
2024-09-28 11:00 - 2024-11-09 14:00 (America/Toronto) | Rideau Community Hub, 815 St. Laurent Blvd, Ottawa, ON, K1S 4G4, Canada
Roots and Blossoms is a 7-week creative expression program designed exclusively for racialized women and femmes. This program centers on the theme of “Evolution,” providing a nurturing space for participants to explore their personal and collective growth through various artistic and cultural activities. Each week focuses on a unique form of creative expression, from planting symbolic trees to crafting personal fragrances, culminating in a celebration of the participants’ journeys.

Program Dates & Times
Saturday September 28th, 2024 – 11am to 2pm
Saturday October 5th, 2024 – 11am to 2pm
Saturday October 12th, 2024 – 11am to 2pm* (location change)
Saturday October 19th, 2024 – 11am to 2pm
Saturday October 26th, 2024 – 11am to 2pm
Saturday November 2nd, 2024 – 11am to 2pm
Saturday November 9th, 2024 11am to 2pm

Location
Rideau Hub – 815 St .Laurent Blvd, Suite 220 (Accessible building : eleveators down the left hallway)
Parking info: On the left hand side of the building (accessible parking in the front of the building)
Bus info: From downtown Ottawa ( 7 St. Laurent ) From St. Laurent shopping centre ( 7 Carleton)

For more information: info@canadianwomenofcolour.ca

SIGN UP HERE

Grant Application Strategies for BIWOC Entrepreneurs
2024-11-13 17:30 - 18:30 UTC
In record numbers, Black women in Canada are taking charge of their financial futures by transforming their long-standing ideas into side hustles and full-time employment opportunities. In 2021 alone, the number of Black-women-owned businesses grew by 20.2%.
If you are a Black woman, a woman of colour, or femme who runs a small business, non-profit, or social enterprise that needs funding, Canadian Women of Colour Leadership Network warmly invites you to attend: Grant Application Strategies for BIWOC Entrepreneurs
Date: Wednesday, November 13th, 2024
Time: 5:30 pm EST
Location: Zoom
Cost: Free
Attendees will leave this workshop with the following:

Direction on where and how to identify grant funding.

Essential pre and post-application strategies.

A short list of upcoming grant opportunities.

If you are new to the world of grants or want to strengthen your submission skills, register at: https://forms.gle/NBqyrzqNUxu37yfU8

New Year, New You! Empowered Goal Setting for Black and Racialized Women and Femmes
2025-01-18 11:00 - 12:30 UTC | Online event
If you are a Black woman, racialized femme, or woman of colour who is ready to make 2025 a year to remember, you are invited to attend this facilitated workshop to set and share your goals in a community of your peers.

Session Highlights:
During this interactive 90-minute session, you will:

Gain clarity on what matters most to you.
Learn constructive mindsets that will help you to reach your goals.
Examine your community to identify sources of support.
Implement strategies to sustain your success.

If you are ready to set realistic life goals in support of your health, career, family life, etc… reserve your seat by registering at:

Facilitator
Kimberley John – Communications & Grant Specialist
Kimberley is an established equity educator with 20 years of work experience in higher education and non-profit organizations. As a proud member of the Afro-Caribbean community and reflective inhabitant of Turtle Island (Canada), Kimberley’s voice reflects the education endowed by elders and projects the wisdom of diasporic ancestors.
Kimberley’s intersecting identities and lived experiences, combined with her formal education in Sociology and career development, have equipped her to conceptualize and identify funding sources for social justice initiatives to provide racialized communities access to wellness and economic growth opportunities.
As an experienced writer with proven leadership skills, Kimberley is apt at aligning organizational objectives with curated storytelling and digital assets to support her client’s funding acquisition goals.
PLEASE NOTE THE FOLLOWING:
Date: Saturday, January 18th, 2025
Time: 11:00 am- 12:30 pm ( 90 minutes) EST
Location: Zoom Webinar – upon registration participants will be sent a link to access the session
Cost: FREE
*The program facilitation will be in English
**Spaces are limted**

If you have a question about the session please email: info@canadianwomenofcolour.ca

To learn more about CWCLN visit our website: www.canadianwomenofcolour.ca

REGISTER HERE

Mind Your Money - Explore Your Money Mindset and Your Relationship With Money
2025-01-25 11:30 - 13:30 UTC | Rideau Community Hub, 815 St. Laurent Blvd, Ottawa, ON, K1S 4G4, Canada
What steps could you take to create a stronger, more empowered financial future in 2025? Designed specifically for Black women, racialized femmes, and women of color, this facilitated workshop provides the guidance and support needed to set impactful financial goals and turn them into actionable results. Through engaging exercises, practical strategies, and collaborative discussions, you’ll create a personalized plan for success while connecting with a vibrant network of peers who share your vision.

Session Highlights:
During this interactive in-person session, you will;

UNDERSTAND THE ORIGINS OF YOUR MONEY MINDSET
EXAMINE YOUR RELATIONSHIP WITH MONEY
REFRAME LIMITING MONEY BELIEFS
BUILD A PATH TO FINANCIAL wellness & EMPOWERMENT

Gain the tools and confidence to overcome barriers, embrace financial empowerment, and thrive in the year ahead. Join us to begin your journey toward financial transformation!

Facilitator
Pamela George – Finanical Educator & Counsellor
Throughout her career, Pamela George has been steadfastly committed to one overarching goal:
To educate and empower women, so they may regain control of their finances and start living the life they want.
In her own words: “There is no shame in needing help to get your financial house in order”
We all know that changing the cycle of poverty and lack within a family, particularly over many generations, is one of the most difficult challenges a person can face. Pamela George not only did that, but she now counsels highly successful women on how to address some of their own financial challenges. This helps them regain control of their entire lives because stress over money permeates everything.
As a frequent radio and TV guest, Pamela is a leader in providing tools to women and is a
unique talent in this space. As a woman who clawed her way out of poverty, and was raised by an illiterate mother, she now offers financial literacy counselling (a term she coined) to other women, proving anything is truly possible.
Originally from Trinidad and Tobago, Pamela herself grew up in a family with ever-increasing money problems, including homelessness. Having successfully taken control of her own finances and breaking a cycle of poverty that affected four generations of her family, she deeply understands the emotional side of money—and is, therefore, able to bring a balance of empathy as well as practical money skills to her work.
Pamela is also the author of Three Little Piggy Banks, a children’s storybook that promotes financial literacy. This book has been recognized by Credit Counselling Canada as one of the “top five best books for teaching kids about money.””
PLEASE NOTE THE FOLLOWING:
Date: Saturday, January 25th, 2025
Time: 11:30 am- 1:30 pm EST
Location: 815 St. Laurent Blvd, Room 220 (Ottawa)
Cost: FREE
*The program facilitation will be in English
**Spaces are limted**

If you have a question about the session please email: info@canadianwomenofcolour.ca

To learn more about CWCLN visit our website: www.canadianwomenofcolour.ca

Register Here

Money 101 - Know Your Numbers
2025-02-15 11:30 - 13:30 UTC | Online event
Take control of your finances and start building the life you’ve always envisioned. Money 101: Know Your Numbers is a transformative 90-minute workshop tailored for Black and racialized women and femmes. This session is designed to equip you with the skills and confidence to manage your money, set clear financial goals, and create a roadmap for a thriving 2025. Join a transformative workshop to explore the basics of budgeting, strengthen financial confidence, and create actionable strategies.

Session Highlights:
During this interactive virtual session, you will;

Participate in a guided visualization meditation to envision your ideal financial future.
Take on a hands-on Budgeting Challenge by working in groups
create a budget for real-life scenarios.. Walk away with a personalized Budget Action Plan

Connect with a supportive community as you share experiences, exchange insights, and build the foundation for a thriving financial future.

Sign up for this fun and interactive session here: https://forms.gle/1JQ4xqgWXTtqwBXx9
A Zoom link will be sent to registered participants 48 hours in advance
Disclaimer: This is not financial advice, but simply informational. Please consult with a financial professional for personalized guidance.

Amplified Voices
2025-02-20 18:00 - 2025-03-27 19:30 UTC | Online event
In collaboration with the Writers Collective of Canada, the Canadian Women of Colour Leadership Network is offering a free writing workshop exclusively for Black and racialized women and femmes, including newcomer women who identify as part of the BIPOC community.
This workshop provides a space for storytelling, self-expression, and healing through writing—centering the voices and lived experiences of those too often unheard. Whether you’re looking to process personal experiences, explore creative writing, or build confidence in your voice, this group is for you.
What to Expect:
A supportive, judgment-free environment to explore your authentic voice
Encouragement and constructive feedback from facilitators and peers
Guided writing prompts to spark creativity and reflection
A community of women sharing and uplifting one another
Why Join?
Writing is a powerful tool for healing, advocacy, and self-discovery. This workshop offers a dedicated space to connect, express, and grow within a community that understands and values your lived experiences.
Date: February 20th – March 27th, 2025 (Thursdays)
Time: 6pm – 7:30pm (EST)
Location: Online – Zoom
Register: https://wcc-cec-org.zoom.us/meeting/register/CzEeyY19S6q-0oJfy4uTOg

Impact Report Launch + Webinar
2025-05-28 11:30 - 12:30 UTC | Online event
You’re Invited: Impact Report Launch + WebinarBlack Maternal Health & Reproductive JusticeMay 28, 2025 | 11:30 AM (EST) | Zoom
On May 28th, the International Day of Action for Women’s Health, we’re gathering to share the stories, data, and momentum behind our work.
Join us for a special Zoom webinar as we officially launch CWCLN’s Black Maternal Health and Reproductive Justice Impact Report—a reflection of the advocacy, care, and systems change our community is building every day.
This session will include:

Highlights from the report

Community insights and reflections

A call to action for the work ahead

This is more than a report—it’s a record of resistance, healing, and hope.
Register now: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_ckxDpnGYRka1try7jYFkfA

An Evening of Inspiration & Impact
2025-06-05 18:00 - 20:00 UTC | Rideau Community Hub, 815 St. Laurent Blvd, Ottawa, ON, K1S 4G4, Canada
New Beginnings, Bold Moves
CWCLN is proud to introduce Violet’s Voice — a new social enterprise rooted in healing, creativity, and economic empowerment for women navigating difficult life transitions.
Join us on June 5th as we gather in community to celebrate this exciting soft launch. This is more than just an event — it’s the start of something powerful.
Come for the connection, stay for the impact.
We’ll kick off Business Exchange Week by spotlighting makers, stories, and possibilities that inspire.
Whether you’re curious, connected, or just craving good energy — this is for you.
RSVP now and be part of the movement: https://form.jotform.com/250990866070059

From Silence to Science: Reproductive Health Promotion for Black Women and Femmes
2025-06-30 12:00 - 13:00 UTC | Online event
Description:Too often, Black women and femmes’ pain and reproductive health concerns are dismissed or misunderstood. Join us for an engaging and empowering virtual Lunch & Learn webinar on June 30th, 2025 at 12:00 PM (EST) as we shed light on three of the most common yet often overlooked reproductive health conditions affecting Black women and femmes: PCOS, fibroids, and endometriosis.
We’re thrilled to welcome Dr. Chantal Phillips, a family physician and public health resident passionate about advancing health equity in Black communities, as our guest speaker.
Learn how to recognize the signs and symptoms, understand the impact on your physical and emotional well-being, and explore pathways to care and support. This is a space for knowledge, validation, and community connection.
Bring your lunch, bring your questions, and let’s break the silence together.
Register Here: https://spcottawa-on-ca.zoom.us/meeting/register/3UlVMJLWQFaBqAmG1MbGDA

STBBIs & Black Maternal Health// ISTTS & Santé maternelle des personnes noires
2025-07-09 12:00 - 13:00 UTC | Online event
Join Us for a Lunch & Learn Webinar: STBBIs & Black Maternal Health
Let’s talk about how sexually transmitted and blood-borne infections (STBBIs) affect Black birthing people. This session will cover transmission, prevention, testing, and treatment, with a focus on the unique impacts during pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum. We’ll also explore how STBBIs can affect newborn health.
Participants will leave with a clearer understanding of STBBI risks, available care options, and culturally relevant approaches to prevention and treatment—empowering them to make informed decisions for themselves and their communities. Participants will also receive information about local and national resources for testing, support, and care.
Date: July 9th, 2025
Time: 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM EST
Location: Webinar Virtual – Zoom link https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_uOsrw47OSwOFv0J0gRCzHg
Guest Speakers:

Azeezat Sule (she/her) – African, Caribbean and Black HIV Prevention Strategy Worker, Somerset West Community Health Centre
Fatima Ahmed Souleyman (elle/she/her) – Women’s Outreach Coordinator, Aids Committee of Ottawa

Facilitated by:

Danielle James, Engagement and Learning Coordinator, Black Maternal Health & Reproductive Justice, CWCLN
Erica Kamikazi, Community Engagement Coordinator, Ottawa Public Health

This webinar is brought to you with the support of our partners: Somerset West Community Health Centre, AIDS Committee of Ottawa, and Ottawa Public Health. A special thanks to South-East Ottawa Community Health Centre for their generous support of these Lunch & Learn webinars.

Bring your lunch and join the conversation—because informed care starts with informed communities.

Joignez-vous à nous pour un webinaire dîner-causerie : ISTTS & Santé maternelle des personnes noires
Parlons de la manière dont les infections sexuellement transmissibles et transmises par le sang (ISTTS) affectent les personnes noires en période périnatale. Cette séance abordera la transmission, la prévention, les tests et les traitements, en mettant l’accent sur les impacts uniques pendant la grossesse, l’accouchement et le post-partum. Nous explorerons également comment les ISTTS peuvent affecter la santé des nouveau-nés.
Les participant·es repartiront avec une compréhension plus claire des risques liés aux ISTTS, des options de soins disponibles, et des approches culturellement adaptées en matière de prévention et de traitement, leur permettant de prendre des décisions éclairées pour elles-mêmes et leurs communautés. Des ressources locales et nationales pour le dépistage, le soutien et les soins seront également partagées.
Date: 9 juillet 2025
Heure: 12h à 13h EST
Lieu: Webinaire (virtuel – lien Zoom: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_uOsrw47OSwOFv0J0gRCzHg
Conférencier·ères invité·es:
Azeezat Sule (elle/she/her) – Intervenante en stratégie de prévention du VIH pour les communautés africaines, caribéennes et noires, Centre de santé communautaire Somerset Ouest
Fatima Ahmed Souleyman (elle/she/her) – Coordinatrice communautaire pour les femmes, le Comité du sida d’Ottawa
Animation par:
Danielle James, Coordonnatrice de l’engagement et de l’apprentissage, Santé maternelle des personnes noires & Justice reproductive, CWCLN
Erica Kamikazi, Coordonnatrice de l’engagement communautaire, Santé publique Ottawa
Ce webinaire est présenté avec le soutien de nos partenaires: le Centre de santé communautaire Somerset Ouest, le Comité du sida d’Ottawa, et Santé publique Ottawa. Un remerciement spécial au Centre de santé communautaire du sud-est d’Ottawa pour leur généreux soutien à cette série de webinaires dîner-causerie.
Apportez votre lunch et joignez-vous à la conversation, car des soins éclairés commencent par des communautés bien informées.

Creative Expression 2025: New Beginnings
2025-09-27 - 2025-11-08
Now in its 4th year, CWCLN’s Creative Expressions returns as a beloved space for reflection, creativity, and community — rooted in care, culture, and connection.
This year’s theme, New Beginnings, invites Black and racialized women and femmes into a 7-week creative wellness journey that blends artistic exploration with personal growth.
Each week offers something new: from crafting sun catchers and exploring the meaning behind your name, to journaling, movement, and flag-making. Whether you’re reconnecting with your creative self or simply looking for a space to be held — this is for you.
Program begins September 27th, 2025
Held in person (Ottawa)
Limited spaces available
Register here: https://forms.gle/rp5rMNssZ6yVojnf8
Join us to move, reflect, create, and begin again — together.

Together in Purpose: Recognizing the People, the Practice, and the Path Ahead
2025-10-16 09:30 - 11:30 UTC
A Networking Breakfast in Celebration of Global Peer Support Day
Hosted by: Canadian Women of Colour Leadership Network (CWCLN)
Date: Thursday, October 16, 2025
Time: Doors open at 9:00 AM | Event: 9:30 AM – 11:30 AM EST
Location: Rideau Community Hub, 815 St. Laurent Blvd, Ottawa, ON
Event Overview
Join CWCLN for a Networking Breakfast of reflection, recognition, and relationship-building as we officially launch our Peer Support Collective and Community of Practice. This gathering brings together facilitators, community leaders, organizational allies, and care workers to uplift the people doing the work, celebrate the impact of culturally grounded support models, and build momentum for what comes next.
This event is held in celebration of Global Peer Support Day — an annual recognition that takes place each October to honour the power of peer support in transforming lives and communities. It acknowledges the wisdom, care, and leadership of those with lived experience who offer connection, advocacy, and healing to others navigating similar paths. The day celebrates both formal and informal peer support efforts around the world and recognizes the importance of this work in building compassionate and resilient systems of care.
This event honours the emotional, relational, and often invisible labour behind peer-informed care — particularly in the hands of Black and racialized communities. Through storytelling, shared wisdom, and meaningful conversation, we aim to strengthen connections and lay the foundation for a community of practice that is trauma-informed, values-based, and built to last.
Whether you are a peer facilitator, clinical or community care provider, nonprofit leader, allied health professional, or system partner — your voice matters in shaping this space. We invite individuals with lived experience working in health and healing spaces, those with a personal or professional interest in peer support, representatives from community health centres, nonprofit organizations, and clinical providers. Guest speakers will share insights and strategies, and participants will help shape the future of this growing community.
Who Should Attend

Individuals with lived experience offering support in their communities
Trained peer facilitators, mental health navigators, and wellness practitioners
Community workers supporting youth, families, or racialized populations
Health and social service professionals working in trauma-informed or person-centered care
Staff working in hospitals, clinics, or community health settings
Equity and wellness staff within educational or institutional environments
Mental health advocates, cultural leaders, and care workers
People supporting systems change, equity, or relationship-centered approaches
Allies and champions of lived experience leadership and care models
Those interested in deepening collaboration across community and clinical spaces

This Networking Breakfast is Free and open to anyone committed to care work, equity, and peer-informed practice — whether you hold formal roles or informal wisdom, work in community or clinical settings, or are just beginning to explore this path. You are welcome here.
REGISTER: https://form.jotform.com/252167002722245

Beyond the Stigma
2025-10-21 12:00 - 13:00 UTC | Online event
Beyond the Stigma – Conversations on Stigma, Strength, and Breast Cancer Awareness in Black and Racialized Women
Join us for a powerful webinar exploring stigma, strength, and breast cancer awareness in Black and racialized women. This session will highlight the lived experiences and advocacy of women who continue to inspire change.
We are honoured to welcome Khalilah Elliott, a Certified HR Professional, Digital Entrepreneur, wife, mother, and breast cancer survivor. Diagnosed with Stage 3 HER2+ Invasive Ductal Carcinoma at 39, Khalilah transformed her journey of fear into one of faith, strength, and advocacy. Today, she boldly shares her story, volunteers with BrightRun, and empowers others to find courage and healing through their own struggles.
We are also joined by Bukun Adegbembo, Director of Operations at the Canadian Breast Cancer Network (CBCN). With a background in social psychology and years of experience in research, policy, and program management, Bukun works to ensure that the voices and concerns of breast cancer patients are amplified through education, advocacy, and systemic change.
Together, they will shed light on the intersections of stigma, culture, and healthcare access while inspiring resilience and action in our communities. Don’t miss this conversation rooted in strength, lived experience, and the pursuit of health equity.
Hosted by: Canadian Women of Colour Leadership Network
Facilitators:
Danielle James, Engagement and Learning Coordinator, Black Maternal Health & Reproductive Justice, CWCLN
Erica Kamikazi, Community Engagement Coordinator, Ottawa Public Health
Date: October 21st, 2025
Location: Online/Zoom
Time: 12pm (EST)
Register at this link: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/E1yQWJ-ES0Sjko5d58vGTQ

Our Health, Our Power: Understanding and Preventing Diabetes among Black Women
2025-11-12 12:00 - 13:00 UTC | Online event
Join us for an engaging and timely webinar exploring the intersections of race, gender, and health through the lens of diabetes among Black women in Canada. This session will examine how social and systemic factors — including racism, income, and access to care — contribute to higher rates of diabetes, while also highlighting pathways to prevention, advocacy, and collective wellness.
We are honoured to welcome Dr. Josephine Etowa, Professor and Tier 1 Canada Research Chair in Black Women’s Health at the University of Ottawa. A midwife, perinatal nurse, and lactation consultant, Dr. Etowa is globally recognized for her leadership in addressing health inequities and racism in healthcare. Her research bridges evidence, community experience, and action, advancing health equity and transforming systems of care so that Black women and families can thrive.
Together, we’ll explore how diabetes connects to broader issues of health justice and how community knowledge can drive systemic change.
Don’t miss this powerful conversation that centers healing, empowerment, and prevention through collective action.
Hosted by: Canadian Women of Colour Leadership Network (CWCLN)
Facilitators:

Danielle James, Engagement and Learning Coordinator, Black Maternal Health & Reproductive Justice, CWCLN
Erica Kamikazi, Community Engagement Coordinator, Ottawa Public Health

Date: November 12th, 2025
Location: Online via Zoom
Time: 12:00 PM (EST)
Register HERE

Black Reproductive Health and Fertility
2025-11-19 18:00 - 19:00 UTC | Online event
Thinking about starting a family?
Join CWCLN and the Black Fertility Agency on November 19, 2025, at 6PM EST for an inclusive webinar on Reproductive Health and Fertility. Learn when to get screened or tested, explore fertility options like IUI and IVF, and understand how health disparities impact our communities.
Featuring Claire Pyvoine Abanda, a Fertility Nurse, and Yvette Mendonca, a Nurse Coordinator with over a decade of experience, this session offers compassionate, expert guidance for your fertility journey.
Free Online Webinar — Open to all Black and racialized women, femmes, and couples.
Register HERE.

The Power of Clarity: Moving from Vision to Action
2025-12-13 11:30 - 12:30 UTC | Online event
Before stepping into 2026, join us for The Power of Clarity: Moving from Vision to Action — a free guided reflection experience led by CWCLN Founder & CEO, Sophia Jacob.
This one-hour session is a calm, intentional pause — a space to breathe, reflect, and reconnect with what matters most. Through gentle grounding, journaling, and shared reflection, you’ll explore how to move from vision to action with purpose and ease.
Who It’s For:
Black and racialized women, femmes, and non-binary individuals who lead, care, and carry much — and need a moment to refill their own cup before giving again.
Come Prepared With:
A notebook or journal, your favourite pen, and a quiet, comfortable space to reflect. You’ll be invited to write, pause, and share brief reflections in the chat as you feel called.
Details:
Friday, December 13, 2025
11:30 AM EST
Online via Zoom
Free Community Session — Register to join HERE
Facilitated by Sophia Jacob, Founder & CEO of the Canadian Women of Colour Leadership Network.
*This session is not therapy or counselling. It’s a reflective, coaching-based experience focused on clarity, purpose, and alignment.

The Bigger Picture: A Call To Action / La Vue D’ensemble: Un Appel À L’action
2026-04-02 09:30 - 15:30 UTC | Online event
Join us for a powerful, community-rooted gathering focused on Black maternal health, reproductive justice, and collective wellbeing.
This conference brings together Black mothers and birthing people, families, community members, health and wellness leaders, advocates, and partners for a full day of learning, dialogue, connection, and shared action — grounded in lived experience, community voice, and collective care.
🌿 The day will introduce CWCLN’s Black Maternal Health & Reproductive Justice Framework, a community-rooted approach shaped by lived experience, collective care, and community leadership. This framework reflects a holistic vision of reproductive health and wellbeing that extends beyond birth and centres dignity, safety, and equity across the lifespan.

✨ What the day includes:
• Community voices & lived experience
• Engagement and interactive spaces
• Resource sharing & community connections
• Wellness, care, and collective support
☕ Light refreshments will be available
🖤 Who this gathering is for:
Black mothers and birthing people • Black women and femmes • Community members • Doulas and birth workers • Health and wellness professionals • Community organizations • Advocates • Researchers • Policy and systems partners • Anyone committed to equity, dignity, and justice in maternal and reproductive health.
📅 Date: April 2nd, 2026
🕘 Time: 9:30 AM – 3:30 PM
🕙 Program Begins: 10:00 AM
📍 Location: Ottawa Birth and Wellness Centre
2260 Walkley Road (Canon Building)
Ottawa, ON K1G 6A8
🎟 FREE COMMUNITY EVENT
Registration required. Limited capacity. Advance registration is required to attend. Registration link.

Joignez-vous à nous pour un rassemblement puissant et ancré dans la communauté, axé sur la santé maternelle des personnes noires, la justice reproductive et le bien-être collectif.

Cette conférence réunit des mères et personnes enceintes noires, des familles, des membres de la communauté, des leaders en santé et bien-être, des défenseurs et partenaires pour une journée complète d’apprentissage, de dialogue, de connexion et d’action commune, le tout fondé sur l’expérience vécue, la voix de la communauté et le soin collectif.
Au programme, la présentation du Cadre sur la santé maternelle et la justice reproductive des personnes noires de la CWCLN, une approche ancrée dans la communauté, façonnée par l’expérience vécue, le soin collectif et le leadership communautaire. Ce cadre reflète une vision holistique de la santé et du bien-être reproductif qui dépasse la naissance et place la dignité, la sécurité et l’équité au centre de toutes les étapes de la vie.
✨ Ce que la journée inclut:
•Voix de la communauté et expériences vécues
• Espaces d’engagement et activités interactives
• Partage de ressources et connexions communautaires
• Bien-être, soins et soutien collectif
☕ Rafraîchissements légers disponibles
🖤 À qui cette réunion est-elle destinée:
Mères et personnes enceintes noires • Femmes et femmes noires • Membres de la communauté • Doulas et intervenants en naissance • Professionnels de la santé et du bien-être • Organismes communautaires • Défenseurs • Chercheurs • Partenaires politiques et institutionnels • Toute personne engagée pour l’équité, la dignité et la justice en santé maternelle et reproductive.
📅 Date: 2 avril 2026
🕘 Heure: 9h30 – 15h30
🕙 Début du programme: 10h00
📍 Lieu: Ottawa Birth and Wellness Centre
2260, chemin Walkley (édifice Canon)
Ottawa, ON K1G 6A8
🎟 ÉVÉNEMENT COMMUNAUTAIRE GRATUIT
Inscription requise. Capacité limitée. Une inscription préalable est nécessaire pour assister. Lien d’inscription.

Routes of System Navigation: a conversation on the importance of culturally-specific system navigation
2026-04-21 12:00 - 13:30 UTC | Online event
Join the Canadian Women of Colour Leadership Network (CWCLN) on April 21st, 2026 at 12noon EST for a one-hour webinar will explore the importance and need for culturally-specific system navigation.
The COVID-19 pandemic has truly changed the landscape of programs and program delivery, with more accessible options. However, many of these accessible options have changed, with little to no notice to community members who rely and seek supports. With this changing service delivery landscape, there is a greater need for culturally-specific and safe(r) system navigation needed to connect Black women, femmes and gender-diverse community members to services, such as addiction and harm reduction supports, food banks, mental health, social supports and many others.
Event details:

Date: April 21st, 2026
Time: 12:00PM-1:00PM (EST)

What we’ll explore together:

What is System Navigation?
Some examples from HIV sector
Types of System Navigation
System Navigation at CWCLN
Experience navigating care from one province to another

Meet our speaker: Asli Mahdi (she/her)
We are honoured to be joined by Asli Mahdi, who is CWCLN’s new System Navigation & Community Support Lead. Asli has experience as a community health worker, poet and culture worker, with 5 years experience in the HIV sector, supporting Black and racialized women and gender-diverse community members, doing community, education and prevention work. She completed her MA in Geography, BA in Anthropology and obtained a diploma in Social Service Work. She is an advocate of arts-focused wellness and healing.
Registration link.
