Black History Month, inspired by the 2024 theme “Black Excellence — A Heritage to Celebrate; a Future to Build.”
This special event was brought to the ecosystem by Invest Ottawa, Wesley Clover, the Canadian Black Chamber of Commerce, Kanata North Business Association, and RÄNDĀ VO͞O Business Events, in partnership with Ottawa Tourism, OCOBIA, and the Ottawa Board of Trade.
RÄNDĀ VO͞O Business Network proudly supported Black History Month by sponsoring “Building our Future: Celebrating Black Innovators, Founders and Leaders.”
The gathering honoured the remarkable contributions of current and aspiring Black innovators, entrepreneurs, and businesses who are shaping the economy and enriching communities.
Related Moment
Community Impact
RÄNDĀ VO͞O supports Black Innovators, Founders and Business Leaders | Ottawa
A community gathering celebrating Black innovators, founders, and business leaders.
Discussion topics
Panel Discussion: Innovators at the Forefront: Pioneering Paths in Technology with Black Founders and Business Leaders.
Panel Discussion: Empowering Main Street through Black Innovation, Leadership and Creativity.
This in-person event provided inspiration, actionable insight, and an experience with speakers and dynamic panel discussions that:
Celebrated the talent, thought leadership, and achievements of Black innovators, entrepreneurs, and businesses.
Highlighted resources available for Black-owned and led businesses across the region.
Promoted Black-owned companies and businesses that are fuelling the development of the economy and improving quality of life.
"A Black History Month gathering celebrating Black innovators, entrepreneurs, and leaders shaping the economy and community."
Special guests in attendance
Solange Tuyishime Keita — international speaker, CEO and Founder of Elevate International, UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador, and Event MC.
Sue Odle — Operational Change Expert; Growth, Profitability, and M&A Specialist; Founder and CEO.
Diane Watson — R&D Manager, Cloud & Network Services at Nokia; past WCT-NCR Chair; community champion and advocate.
Dominira Saul — Founder and Principal at DFFRNT.ca.
Emma Todd — Chairwoman and CEO of MMH Technology Group; Top 100 Black Women to Watch; Top 50 Caribbean Women in Tech.
Shav Hasfal-McIntosh — DE&I Director, Wealthsimple.
Mona Abow — Founder and CEO, Ottawa’s Chnge Mker Innovation Hub.
Kevin Bourne — Founder of SHIFTER; screenwriter and producer; multicultural content and communications strategist; Golden Globe Awards voter; TEDx speaker.
Blessing Okundaye — Founder and CEO of Afrodeez Food and Education.
Nikki Clarke — Founder of the award-winning Nikki Clarke Show; global speaker; 100 Accomplished Black Canadian Women 2022.
Stacey Martin — CEO, fashion designer, and Founder of Stacey Martin Lifestyle Inc.
Eric McRae — Founder of MBO CoWorking Space.
Aquilas K. Dapaah, B.A., LLB-JD — small business founder, lawyer, economic empowerment advocate, and coach.
A call to come together
To all business professionals: let’s come together to celebrate diversity, innovation, and excellence. This event is a testament to the power of unity and collaboration in driving positive change.
Together, let’s amplify the voices of those who inspire us with their vision, leadership, and unwavering commitment to building a brighter future for all.
Elevating your success, together | wheregreatmindsgather.ca.