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three sask. women on canada's 2022 top 100 black women to watch list
the annual award celebrates black women who have made a positive impact. this year, three women from saskatchewan were honoured.
oct 22 2022
4 minute read
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canada’s top 100 black women to watch in 2022 award celebrates and honours inspirational leaders across the country.
presented by canada international black women excellence, the annual award recognizes black women who have a positive impact on the lives of others through their leadership roles.
this year, three saskatchewan women have been honoured for inspiring people through their business and community work.
oyin ajibola
oyin ajibola is the managing editor of immigrant muse magazine, empowering immigrants to canada.
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through her own experiences as an immigrant to saskatoon, oyin ajibola noticed a lack of resources for immigrants settling in canada. she created the immigrant muse magazine, where she works as the managing editor, to fill this niche.
the magazine has since branched out to include an app that connects immigrants with needed resources and like-minded people. for ajibola, the top 100 award confirms that her work is helping people.
“it shows that there are many people who my work with immigrant muse touches and impacts,” she said.
since the magazine started last year, she has already seen positive changes in how programs and services for immigrants are provided, she said.
“(service providers) are beginning to consult with immigrants themselves, in order to develop the programs, the policies and the services that immigrants need.”
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involving immigrants in decision making allows them to feel more connected to society and more satisfied with their lives in canada, she said.
“having that diverse and inclusive conversation within the community helps to develop a community that we all can benefit from and nobody feels excluded.”
ajibola connects with like-minded people on collaborative projects, including organizing a conference where immigrants can connect with stakeholders and share their experiences. immigrant connect will be run online on nov. 10.
as immigrant muse continues to grow and ajibola continues to advocate for and empower immigrants to thrive in canada, she hopes to make more connections.
“i am open to more partnership, more collaboration and i can’t wait to see what the next level will be for immigrant muse.”
betty mutwiri
betty mutwiri is the founder of bm leadership coaching & consulting inc., where she encourages leaders to grow and thrive.
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betty mutwiri is the founder of bm leadership coaching and consulting inc. , where she coaches and empowers leaders across canada through one-on-one programs, helping them find the confidence and strength to grow.
“as a coach, my job is not to tell them what to do, but to hold the space for them to truly discover themselves … it’s leading with curiosity, leading with questions instead of leading with answers,” she said.
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to mutwiri, the top 100 award reflects the leadership she has shown both professionally and through volunteer work over the last 20 years.
“it is deeply humbling, but also very gratifying … to receive the feedback that the recipients of our work appreciate it,” she said.
“i don’t do what i do to get awards. i do what i do because i love it. and i like to make a difference in other people’s lives.”
she is also grateful to all the people who helped her get where she is and has planned a gratitude celebration to show her appreciation for their support.
“there’s an ubutu saying that says, ‘i am because you are.’ and i truly see this acknowledgment … i cannot truly own this by myself,” she said.
mutwiri also co-ordinated the black women leaders saskatchewan group, which is currently working on a book that shares personal stories about the unique experiences of black women in leadership in canada. it will launch in february, during black history month.
“it’s about adding to that body of knowledge about the lived experience, so that we can increase that cross-cultural understanding.”
bernice richard
bernice richard is the chief operating officer of custom agricultural intelligence inc. and a children’s author.
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bernice richard is the chief operating officer of custom agricultural intelligence inc. , which aids farmers with crop growth. she is a hands-on leader who is actively involved in projects that directly benefit the communities of sedley, regina and weyburn.
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“it’s important for me to ensure that my business is instrumental in helping any community projects that surround where we are located,” she said.
the organization supports several organizations in these communities, including donating to the recent sedley school space.
“it was so amazing to see what they created from our part within that community,” she said.
when richard offers guidance and suggestions, she said she takes what she has learned growing up as a middle child.
“i have learned to be very diplomatic in my life, and have a knack of trying to find a peaceful way to solve every problem that we face.”
drawing from her experiences as a mother of two young children, richard has also published six children’s books, featuring diverse characters.
“i have two sons, who i felt had the need to be seen when they go into a book show in the library. i wanted to make an impact in increasing the visibility of seeing a book with their face on it … it’s a combination of trying to ensure that the community around benefits from my charity work and the community around me sees my skin colour, sees my kids.”
she said she hopes people will learn from her experiences that anything is possible.
“i honestly don’t think i’m doing anything special. i’m just doing my best.”
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