14 Jun In community & collaboration: CWCLN at the Ottawa Hospital

On June 12th, Canadian Women of Colour Leadership Network (CWCLN) had the opportunity to present the work of the oeganization to the Black Employees Resource Group at The Ottawa Hospital.

CWCLN shared the organizations commitment to advancing leadership, wellness, and economic equity for Black and racialized women and non-binary individuals. The introduction to Violet’s Voice, CWCLN’s social enterprise that focuses on workforce development and community-rooted engagement was also discussed.

Highlights during the presentation were of our active peer support groups, our peer facilitator training program (including train-the-trainer opportunities), and our newly launched Peer Support Collective and Community of Practice—a growing network supporting Black peer leaders to hold culturally grounded, healing-centered wellness spaces.

Also touched on was CWCLN’s work in Black maternal health and reproductive justice, an ongoing priority rooted in advocacy, community education, and systems change.

There was a noted and meaningful moment in the room as it was explored how future collaboration could take shape—with programming like Creative Expression an arts-based mental and wellness program and monthly BIWOC drop-in offering valuable opportunities for employee well-being. Events like these could bring accessible and restorative wellness experiences directly to staff at The Ottawa Hospital.

CWCLN was thankful to the organizers and everyone who joined us. The Ottawa Hosptial Black Employee Resorce group & CWCLN look forward to exploring future opportunities for collaboration, wellness, and support.

Let’s keep building together!