Canadian Women of Colour Leadership Network

Black Maternal Health & Reproductive Justice Month: Anti-Racist Sex-Ed
2023-04-19 18:00 - 19:00 UTC | ON
Just like any other area of healthcare, sexual and reproductive health has a long history of oppression and discrimination towards people of color. High quality health interventions must be aware of, and responsive to this history in order to be effective. Good sex ed has the power to be transformative. Comprehensive sexuality education (CSE) should people about power and privilege, and equity in relationships. CSE equips us for the real world. It addresses inequity and injustice. Responsive, honest and inclusive sex ed must also be anti-racist. In this presentation you’ll learn about the history of racism sexual and reproductive health, discuss contemporary concerns, and help imagine a future that is free from medical marginalization.
Watch the recap of the event here

Black Maternal Health & Reproductive Justice Month: A Day In the Life of a Black Doula
2023-04-11 16:00 - 17:00 | ON
We kick off our series of conversations for Black Maternal Health & Reproductive Justice Month with Danielle James(@daniellejames1616) a former Dona and certified doula.
–>>Danielle’s bio<<–
We’ll be discussing everything about what the career path is to becoming a doula, the experiences one goes through as a Black doula, what it is like to witness medical racism, how advocacy and system change in the space is necessary, the need for race based data in Black Maternal health and much more
Watch the recap on IGTV
A tremendous thank you to SEOCHC for their support of this series!

Speaker Series Conversation: Shining a Light on Mental Health
2023-04-04 08:00 - 17:00 | ON
Ericka Ush will be joined by online influential digital creator and founder of @the_lotus_movement , Meenakshi Sharma to chat about mental health and wellbeing in BIPOC communities.
These important conversations help to break down the barriers of stigma, shame and harm.
Let’s come together and join in the dialogue to uplift, empower and create a space of well-being
Don’t miss the conversation starting at 7pm (EST)
About @meenakshi.sharma.co
Meenakshi Sharma is a South Asian mom to two little girls, a Digital Content Creator, Founder of The Lotus Movement (nonprofit mental health organization) and Host/Producer on Rukus Avenue Radio. She speaks openly about motherhood and the challenges around balancing work and life, the importance of community, and mental health. She is an advocate for women empowerment and is seen as a genuine community builder, visionary, and supporter.
Watch the REPLAY HERE

Addressing Systems, Exploring Impacts and Embracing Equity (International Women's Day 2023)
2023-03-08 17:00 - 18:30 | ON
Equity promotes justice, fairness and impartiality within the processes, procedures, and distribution of resources by systems or institutions. To tackle equity, people need to understand the root causes of outcome disparities in society. Equity aims to ensure fair treatment, access, equality of opportunity and advancement for everyone while also attempting to identify and remove the barriers that have prevented some groups from fully participating.
Learn how we can all #EmbraceEquity. It’s not just something we say, write about, or think about, it is something we must EMBRACE. Each one of us can actively support gender equity within our own sphere of influence by challenging gender stereotypes, calling out discrimination, drawing attention to bias, and seeking out inclusion. Collective activism is what drives change and allies are incredibly important for the social, economic, cultural, and political advancement of women.
Join our webinar panel to discuss how individuals, community and organizations can contribute to these efforts. Join us to gain understanding of how we can all work together, become more confident to express ourselves, and allow everyone to be included.
Date: March 8th, 2023
Time: 5pm (EST)
Location: Zoom/Facebook
Participants who register will receive a zoom link

Registration Link https://www.eventbrite.com/e/addressing-systems-exploring-impacts-and-embracing-equity-iwd-tickets-558327922847?keep_tld=1

Microagressions & Mental Health Workshop
2023-03-01 18:00 - 19:30 | ON
Once again this year CWCLN will be participating in Ottawa’s Black Mental Health Week.
Each year the Ottawa Black Mental Health Coalition highlights the programs, services and issues that impact Ottawa’s African, Caribbean and Black community
** swipe to view OBMHC details**
(check out OBMHC website www.obmhc.ca)
This year’s theme is ‘Exploring Stigma and Black Mental Health’
CWCLN’s first event during the week of festivities will be a virtual discussion ‘Microaggression and Mental Health’
The Microaggressions Workshop will focus on the impacts of microaggressions on the mental health of African, Caribbean and Black individuals. This presentation will also touch on the importance of self-care as well as how to address microaggressions in the workplace. Finally, resources will be shared pertaining to therapy and support groups.
Presenters:
Zoé Jammes & Celtie Coats
Zoé & Celtie are both uOttawa Students currently in the Social Work Program
Don’t miss this discussion March 1st at 6pm (EST)
Watch the REPLAY HERE

Speaker Series Conversation: Commanding Influence
2023-02-23 12:00 - 13:30 | ON
We are back with another fabulous Speaker Series Conversation!
Host Ericka Ush and guest Sandy Esprit will be live right here on IG at 12pm
Ericka and Sandy will discuss the importance of representation in the media and online influencer space.
Don’t miss out on this conversation happening February 23rd, 2023 12pm
About Sandy Esprit:
Sandy is a Canadian lifestyle digital content creator born in Montreal, Quebec. Her parents were both born in Haiti. She moved around in her youth, living in both Canada and the United States. Her experiences during her formative years inspired her to create a digital space where she could speak on her experiences in order to encourage others to show up as the best version of themselves.
Within the last few years Sandy has successfully built a social media platform where she advocates for representation in all spaces.
She attended the University of Ottawa and graduated with a Bachelor’s of Science with a Major in Biochemistry and a minor in music. She now resides in Ottawa with her husband and three daughters.
Watch the REPLAY HERE

Revolutionaries & Resistance Movements: Black History Month Event
2023-02-16 18:00 - 19:00 | Online event
Black History is a time to celebrate the achievements of civil rights movements, innovative trailblazers, and beauty in our diverse cultural expressions. The history of Black Canadians is an particularly diverse one – from the story of Black Canadians in Africville, to the wave of African & Caribbean migrants that arrived in Canada over the course of the 60s and 80s, and now at present day – the history of revolution and resistance is a recurring theme that is prevalent amongst Black communities. This Black History Month not only are we taking a moment to explore our past, but we are also taking the time to celebrate the work of contemporary Black scholars, activists, and leaders from our local communities.
Dilaye Desta will be moderating this discussion & will go through a series of questions that highlight our panelists & views and the passion behind their work. We will hear about the historical context of resistance movements in Canada and how their work ties into community activism and revolution in contemporary society. We will discuss what barriers are faced whether it be within our communities or due to the lack of support given to our communities and initiatives. Then the conversation will transition into highlighting the work of current local Anti-Black racism initiatives and ways we can support the community and these initiatives.
There will be a brief Question and Answer period at the end and an opportunity to share educational resources for those who want to learn more, get involved, and challenge everyone to do their part to ensure the change we all want to see.

Register using the link below

Coping with Income Loss: Persevering Through Economic Uncertainty Workshop Series
2023-02-03 17:00 - 18:00 | ON
Sometimes, the unexpected happens. Situations change and become precarious. And in the current climate, there are lots of reasons for that sudden loss of income, no matter if you have been laid off, had your work hours reduced, took a pay cut, retired, went on family medical leave or became a single parent household, the results are the same: income loss. With so many things looking uncertain, there are things you can do to deal with a sudden loss of income. How you respond to the income changes financially, emotionally and socially, can make a difference for you and your families long-term financial security. Beyond saving up for an emergency fund, you’ll need to make a few key moves while you stay afloat.

Join us on February 3 at 5 PM with our CWCLN Directors! Davene Sterling-Wisdom and Ericka Ush will be joining forces to discuss concrete tools and tips to help you through difficult times like job/income loss.

These workshops will be available to watch for replay on our Facebook.

Movement & Meditation Monday's: Move & Groove with Reequal
2023-01-30 13:00 - 14:00 | ON

Speaker Series Conversation: Journey from a Scientist to an Author
2023-01-28 12:00 - 13:00 | Online event
Our Speaker Series conversations are back! Ericka Ush, the host of these epic conversations kicks off 2023 with an amazing guest author, Kumudini Nicholas.

Preparing for a Recession: Persevering Through Economic Uncertainty Workshop Series
2023-01-27 17:00 - 18:00 | ON
During periods of recession, companies make fewer sales and economic growth stalls or becomes nonexistent. To cut rising costs, organizations may be forced to lay off large portions of their staff, resulting in widespread unemployment. At the same time, hiring slows down, making it difficult for the newly unemployed to find another job. Preparing for a recession is essential to your financial security. Knowing how it affects the economy and your finances and taking key steps will help you during an economic downturn. While you can’t control the timing of a recovery, you can be proactive when it comes to looking after your financial well-being.

Join us on January 27 at 5 PM at CWCLN Director Davene Sterling-Wisdom and guest speaker Carmelle Pelissier discuss and share tips and tools that could help your finances during a recession.

These workshops will be available to watch for replay on our Facebook.

Movement & Meditation Monday's: Finding the Calm in the Chaos with Jas Bhandal
2023-01-23 13:00 - 14:00 | ON

Keeping Up with Inflation: Persevering Through Economic Uncertainty Workshop Series
2023-01-20 17:00 - 18:00 | ON
Inflation can create economic uncertainty even with people who are in a good financial position, worry about the future. Ips and downs are a normal part of the economic cycle but we are living in unpredictable times. If you’re having money problems right now – or are facing significant financial uncertainty over the few coming months – it’s important to understand that you are not alone. Whether you’ve had to shut down your business, been made redundant from your job or have been placed on leave, dealing with such a sudden reduction in income is incredibly stressful.

Join us on January 20 at 5 PM at CWCLN Director Davene Sterling-Wisdom takes us through the things to do now to protect your money during high inflation.

These workshops will be available to watch for replay on our Facebook.

Movement & Meditation Monday's: Meaningful Movement & Affirmation with Kahmaria
2023-01-16 08:30 - 09:30 | ON

Movement & Meditation Mondays: Move & Groove with Reequal
2023-01-09 13:00 - 14:00 | ON

Burnout & Holistic Health Workshop Series
2022-11-03 13:00 - 2022-12-01 14:30 | ON
We are excited to invite you to our Burnout & Holistic Health Fall Workshop Series! Emma Lui, our Holistic Health Director, will be hosting this series with amazing speakers about burnout every Thursday at 1pm ET starting November 3, 2022.
In the face of a global pandemic, mental health crises, racial trauma and white supremacy, gender-based violence, climate anxiety and more, many of us are experiencing burnout. What are ways we can recover from burnout, reconnect to health and foster hope in these times?
Join the Canadian Women of Colour Leadership Network in a 4-part series to explore different facets of burnout. The workshops will feature speakers that explore factors that contribute to burnout and discuss tangible ways to support our health. Speakers will share how food, herbs and nutrition as well as how (re)connection – to our bodies, to land and nature, to culture and to our ancestors – can be powerful ways to find nourishment and balance.
When: Thursdays, November 3, 17, 24 & December 1 at 1pm ET
Where: @canadianwomenofcolour on IG Live
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

Annual Thank You & Recognition Event
2022-09-22 18:00 - 20:00 | Online event
Please join us this September in celebrating 4 years since CWCLN has been founded. The event will hold key speakers from partner organizations and a fundraiser launch.
To further register for the event please click HERE. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.

Preventing Toxicity in Relationships
2022-09-21 17:00 - 18:00 | ON
This month our Speaker Series host, Ericka Ush is joined by Life Coach and Co-founder of ConsciousLead, Dale Allen.
Dale has a Master’s Degree in Human Kinetics with specializations in Gerontology and Adapted Kinesiology from Lakehead University. She is a certified: Executive Coach, Process Facilitator and is certified in the Bar-On Method of Emotional Intelligence Testing; Yoga Instructor and Fitness and Health Coach.
Dale loves nourishing food, reggae music and sweet ocean vibes and there’s honestly nothing that brings her more joy than a spontaneous dance party, so don’t even try to fight it!
Ericka and Dale will be talking about how to prevent toxic relationships and ways to inspire the leader in all of us.
Watch the replay HERE

Representation in the Media and Why it Matters
2022-08-24 13:00 - 14:30 | ON
Ericka Ush is back this month with another amazing guest to the CWCLN platform.
Join us tomorrow at 1pm when Ericka chats with @iamsabinedaniel! Sabine Daniel is a national bilingual Tv host and the host of her own talk show @suivez_moi_tv. Sabine is also a producer, researcher and a brand ambassador @ww_canada
Ericka will be talking with Sabine about her journey in media, how representation matters in media and how important it is to share and shine a light on our stories and acknowledge the journey of WOC and Femmes.
Watch the replay HERE

Winning Strategies To Elevate Your Job Search
2022-08-03 18:00 - 19:30 | ON
Job hunting can be a tedious task, and without a job search strategy it can be easy to lose focus.How do you continue to be a focused job seeker when you feel like it is all going wrong? Create a job hunting strategy! You can make the job search a bit easier on yourself if you use proactive strategies for finding a new job. Join this FREE workshop session to learn some key tactics to help you succeed.

On August 3rd facilitators Jessica and Eunice will be sharing winning strategies and successful tools to help you find your dream job!ACB Wellness Resource Centre is proud to once again collaborate with Canadian Women of Colour Leadership Network (CWCLN) as a part of a continued series which provides opportunities for professional development and career advancement.
This virtual workshop will take place on August 3rd from 6pm-7:30pm on the zoom platform and will be streamed to the ACB Wellness Resource Facebook Page
*Please note that this session is opened to ALL ACB community members regardless of gender identity*

About Guest Speakers:
Jessica Ojiaku Jessica Ojiaku is a graduate of the University of Toronto’s Master of Health Informatics (MHI) program. Her past exposures to data privacy principles and ongoing interest in the subject influenced her decision to join EY’s Cybersecurity practice, as a Consultant on the Privacy & Data Trust team.
Eunice Worifah Eunice Worifah is a graduate of McGill University’s Master of Management in Analytics (MMA) program and currently works as an Associate in PwC’s One Analytics practice. Her passion for data strategy and advanced analytics has motivated her to encourage others to pursue careers in tech and STEM, and she provides support through mentorship and career coaching.
Register via Eventbrite:*Attendees that have registered through Eventbrite will receive a Zoom link closer to the date of the event**Conversation will be in English only and closed captioning option will also be available**Please note that Zoom bombing will NOT be tolerated during the workshop, and any profanity of this sort will immediately resolve in removal

Words on Wellness with Ericka Ush
2022-07-27 13:00 - 14:30 | ON
Each month Ericka will be chatting with awesome Women and Femmes entrepreneurs from around the country to talk about business, wealth creation, health, development, investing, turning hobbies into your business, growth and more…
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Ericka and Jas Bhandal a professor at the school of business and the owner of Yoga with Jas will be discussing yoga as it pertains to the BIPOC community.

Gateway to Growth
2022-06-30 17:00 - 18:00 | ON
Our new monthly Speaker Series starts this Thursday! Join our guest host Ericka Ush each month as she invites amazing women and femme entrepreneurs to talk about everything business, growth, strategy, economic development investments, side hustles, scaling and more…
—-
On Thursday June 30th Ericka and guest Dwaine Peele (dmpeele) founder of Canadian Small Business Women will be discussing Gateways to Growth. a conversation on the challenges and lessons learned for being successful in business and how entrepreneurship can be a gateway to freedom and growth.
Watch the replay HERE

Creative Expressions: The Next Steps - 6 Week Workshop
2022-06-04 16:00 - 2022-07-16 17:00 | ON
A culturally conscious intimate healing space for racialized women and femmes

Description of the Workshop:
This workshop takes its inspiration from our ancestors’ heritage in creative ways to be inspired and to inspire others. Helping others in their healing process and gaining strength in our own self-exploration and growth by going back to our roots while using creative expression such as a Jam Board and Moving through the moods. In doing so, we are destigmatizing mental health and investing in healing our Racialized and Black communities.

Facilitators:
Jacklyn St Laurent, Wellness Director, Registered Psychotherapist
Kahmaria Pingue, Registered Psychotherapist
Emma Lui, Holistic Health Director & Holistic Health Practitioner

Program Dates:
Dates: June, 4th, 11th, 18th, 25th & July, 9th and 16th
Time: 4pm to 5:30pm
Where: In-person at the ACB Wellness Resource Centre, 1021 Cyrville Rd Unit #9

Apply to Join Creative Expressions

Participants must be located in the Ottawa area and are able to commit to all six workshop dates. Spaces are limited.
A waitlist will be held for cancellations and offered on a first-response basis.

Stand Out With Your Interview
2022-05-18 18:00 - 19:30 | ON
Standing out during an interview increases your chances of getting a job offer

Standing out during an interview means you’re leaving an unforgettable impression that can lead to your hiring.

In a competitive job market, many candidates who share similar qualifications are vying for the same opportunity. But you can gain an edge by doing something to distinguish yourself from other applicants and make a positive impression during a job interview, whether it’s in person or online.

On May 18th The ACB Wellness Resource Centre will have returning facilitators

Jessica Ojiaku and Eunice Worifah share tips, tools and key points on how you can stand out in your interview.

This collaboration with Canadian Women of Colour Leadership Network is a continuation of the work to develop socioeconomic opportunities within the ACB community and provide career and professional development.

Join our session May 18th, 2022 from 6pm -7:30pm on the zoom platform and streaming live to the ACB Wellness Resource Centre Facebook page

*Please note that this session is opened to ALL ACB community members regardless of gender identity*

About CWCLN and their Economic Development Pillar

Canadian Women of Colour Leadership Network (CWCLN) is a non-profit, grassroots organisation that was established in 2018 in Canada’s National Capital Region, Ottawa. CWCLN is Founded on the pillars of Women in Leadership, Wellness, Economic Development and Community Partnerships, the CWCLN operates through the lens of an intersectional feminist and post colonialist framework in our objectives. Our aim is to see racialized women, Two-Spirit, trans and non-binary femmes reflected in upper-level leadership and management positions in the workplace by providing the necessary skills, tools, and connections to mitigate systemic barriers.

At the CWCLN, we believe that achieving and maintaining economic stability is a key factor for racialized women, Two-Spirit, trans and non-binary femmes to live happy and fulfilling lives. We support the socioeconomic development of racialized women and femmes by providing free and accessible educational programs on covering topics such as financial literacy, wealth creation and building generational wealth for them to take control of their economic success. We also offer resources and resources catered towards entrepreneurship and financial management for small business owners and entrepreneurs who are looking to learn and grow their businesses and careers.

About Guest Speakers:

Jessica Ojiaku

Jessica Ojiaku is a graduate of the University of Toronto’s Master of Health Informatics (MHI) program. Her past exposures to data privacy principles and ongoing interest in the subject influenced her decision to join EY’s Cybersecurity practice, as a Consultant on the Privacy & Data Trust team.

Eunice Worifah

Eunice Worifah is a graduate of McGill University’s Master of Management in Analytics (MMA) program and currently works as an Associate in PwC’s One Analytics practice. Her passion for data strategy and advanced analytics has motivated her to encourage others to pursue careers in tech and STEM, and she provides support through mentorship and career coaching.

*Zoom link will be provided closer to the date of the event*

*Conversation will be in English only and closed captioning option will also be available*

*Please note that Zoom bombing will NOT be tolerated during the workshop, and any profanity of this sort will immediately resolve in removal

Uplifting Black Youth: Using Compassion and Empathy to Empower our Youth
2022-05-06 11:00 - 12:30 | ON
Join the Ottawa Black Mental Health Coalition and partners for an online panel discussion. We’ll explore the impact of systemic racism on youth and families and where empathy is needed in order for individuals, families, communities and society to thrive.
This event will be moderated and include a Q/A session for the public.
Zoom links will be provided by email 2 days prior to the event.

Peer Support: Giving Voices to Neighbourhoods
2022-03-04 11:00 - 12:30 | ON
ACB people experiencing anti-Black racism are dealing with social stressors that have a significant negative impact on one’s physical and mental health. Many ACB Canadians continue to face social and health inequities that result in negative social determinants of health such as unemployment, poverty, lack of access to education and criminalization – factors that create or worsen mental health outcomes. And our existing mental health services fails to provide culturally adaptive services to Black peoples.
Building connections within our communities and neighbourhoods is vital – knowing there is someone with shared lived experience that could help in reducing the stigma around mental illness within the ACB community. Peer support is an innovative and essential approach to community mental health and wellness.
Join our conversation where we will be discussing:
– the values of peer support
– demystifying mental health myths in the ACB community
– placed-based community development and its role within mental health & well-being
This discussion will be taking place during Ottawa Black Mental Health Coalition’s Black Mental Health Week #BMHWOttawa
We would like to thank Britannia Woods Community House, Community Development Framework Ottawa, ACB Mental Health Peer Support , Ottawa Neighbourhoods Social Capital Forums and Somerset West Community Health Centre for collaborating with us for this event!
*This conversation will be in English only
*Closed caption will be available
REGISTER HERE

Decolonizing Therapy: Holistic Healing, Self Care & Mindfulness
2022-03-03 18:00 - 19:30 | ON

Revolutionary Black Women & Their Lessons
2022-02-22 18:00 - 19:30 | ON
This Black History Month, join us as we will discuss the stories of various Black Canadian women leaders throughout history and the contributions they’ve made to Black culture and social justice movements.
Zoom link will be sent to registered participants closer to the event
This online event will be in English only
Closed Caption will be available for this event
REGSITER HERE

Sexual Health Workshops: Developing a Sex Positive Attitude
2022-02-09 18:00 - 20:00 | ON
Date: February 9th, 2022
Time: 6pm
Topic: Developing a Sex Positive Attitude
Where: Zoom/Facebook

Money & the Future
2022-01-28 18:00 - 19:00 | ON
January 28th, 2022
Topic: Money & The Future
Time: 6pm
Where: Instagram Live @canadianwomenofcolour
