The Angels Foundation
Founded by Angela Omoike, The Angels Foundation is a community-based settlement organization dedicated to supporting and empowering refugees and immigrants as they navigate the journey of settling into their new communities. The organization focuses on providing essential services such as language training, education, and employment opportunities, while also ensuring access to culturally appropriate activities and familiar meals to help ease their transition and foster a sense of belonging. Among their activities there are cultural gatherings, a Seasonal Clothing Donation Drive to support newcomers in need of weather-appropriate clothing.
More info on The Angels Foundation Website
Ms. Jocelyne Constant
For over four decades, Jocelyne Constant, a former public servant and now retired settlement professional, has devoted her energy and skills to improving the integration of French-speaking newcomers and immigrant families in the Ottawa region. She has earned much admiration in the Black community for her civic engagement, particularly within Ottawa’s Haitian and francophone communities.
Learn More About Ms. Jocelyne Constant
A steadfast advocate for the Black francophone population, Ms. Constant has dedicated her career to social and political work that has uplifted countless lives and strengthened representation for marginalized voices. This single mother and grandmother served for many years as a full-time foster mother as well as President and Vice President (Francophone) of the Ottawa Foster Parents Association. Jocelyne’s belief in the importance of education has led her using her time as a co-trainer and a facilitator in parental conflict resolution to bring better understanding to the Child Welfare System. As a social and community activist and advocate, Jocelyne has sat on various boards including the Boards of Governors of La Cité collégiale, Rideau Rockcliffe Resource Center and the Multicultural Women Empowerment Network to help promoting diversity and cultural values. Her concerns for the welfare of the community have been reflected by volunteering in various organizations and various assignments at different government and private sectors capacities. She has served as a Champion with Outreach Recruitment Initiative for Ottawa Police Services, Ambassador for the Beyond Bridges Initiative with the RCMP and Advocacy Chair for the Youth Advisory Committee (YAC). Jocelyne has received numerous awards including a nomination for a National Capital Region YMCA Women of Distinction award. She is a recipient of the DreamKEEPERS Citation for Community Leadership (2008), a Resolutions 2023 recognition awardee for a “Champions of the Francophonie for the eradication of racism”, and a recipient of the Flo’s Seniors Community Honouring Award (2025)
Chuks Onwuachi
Chuks Onwuachi is of Nigerian descent and was born in Edmonton, Ontario. He completed a Bachelors’ degree in Economics at Carleton University and he is currently working in the Federal Public Service. Not only does he pride himself on being a good husband, father, brother and son, but he is also focused on being a person who is committed to helping others, building his community and creating strong relationships.
Learn More About Chuks Onwuachi
His interest include playing basketball and soccer, and he also has been in real estate since 2018. Over the last several years, Chuks has been focused on ensuring his work in government is geared towards addressing issues faced by the Black Canadian Community. He previously worked with the Federal Black Employees Caucus, an organization that focused on addressing anti-Black racism within government. He also worked as a policy analyst with the Supporting Black Canadian Communities Initiative at Employment and Social Development Canada, which is an initiative focused on taking targeted measures to build capacity and infrastructure within the Black community. “Trust, Respect, Integrity and Willingness to Collaborate” are very important qualities to him. He always strives to surround himself with people who value taking bold action to improve not only their own lives, but in the lives of others as well.
His community work includes his involvement with the Brotherhood Coalition, a community of Black males dedicated to improving our economic, social, and health outcomes now and into the future. He is also a regular reader at the annual Children’s Stories in the Diaspora, and his organization has organized events to raise funds and collect food items for seniors and families in need.
More info on The Brotherhood Coalition
Meseret Haileyesus
Meseret Haileyesus is a thought leader, serial social entrepreneur, change maker, and multi-award-winning advocate for economic justice. She is the first Canadian to champion national economic harm policy reforms in Parliament, shaping the financial and legal landscape to protect women in Canada. Over two decades, Mesi has led transformative initiatives in global health, maternal and new-born health, financial inclusion, health technology innovation, and sustainability towards United Nations Sustainable Development Goals at national and international level.
Learn More About Meseret Haileyesus
As CEO of the Canadian Center for Women’s Empowerment, she works with the Canadian government, financial institutions, consumer lawyers, and digital innovators to integrate technology into safer financial systems for women. She was an advocate for Bill 41 (Protection from Coerced Debts in Human Trafficking) and in shaping Canada’s financial inclusion frameworks and national policy.
She advocated global policy for women economic safety at the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women (CSW68/69), the World Bank, and the International Monetary Fund (IMF). She is a trailblazer in advancing tech-driven models of financial inclusion and has expanded Economic Abuse Awareness Day to the UK, Australia, New Zealand, Jordan, South Africa, and Israel.
Meseret is a leading advocate for linking financial inclusion with climate resilience, with a focus on empowering women through sustainable energy transitions. Her policy recommendations at UN-Habitat, the Urban Economy Forum (UEF5), and the World Planning Congress (WPC59)—one of the world’s largest gatherings of urban policymakers—have ignited global dialogue on integrating economic abuse into climate strategies.
Most recently, she was appointed as a Strategic Advisor to the Harvard Research Group, where she contributes to equity-centered policy development focused on economic justice and clean energy access in Africa.
Repeatedly called to testify before Canadian Federal Parliament and the Ontario Legislative Assembly. She is also the founder of Maternity Today, co-founder of Tenawo Health Ethiopia’s first multiuser health service and tele medicine mobile app and a founding member of the Canadian Institute for Research on Economic Justice and the World Executive Council for Economic and Financial Inclusion (WECEFI). Meseret serves as Board Advisor for the Black Canadians Advocacy, which national initiative that supports the establishment of a permanent legislative policy to ensure Black Canadians have a permanent seat at the table in the Parliament. She also serves on the Board of Directors at the YMCA National Capital Region, End FGM Canada, the Canadian Centre for Accreditation, the Centretown Community Health Centre, Governance Committee Member, City of Ottawa Community Safety and Wellbeing Plan (2022–present), Public Advisory Board Member, Economic Justice, Network for the Advancement of Black Communities.
Meseret’s impact has been widely recognized by leading media outlets, including Forbes, CBC, CTV, Globe and Mail, Yahoo Finance, Global News, Policy Options, Toronto Sun, and the National Post. Additionally, her project was selected as one of Top 100 initiatives contributing to Canada’s post-pandemic economic recovery.
She is a recipient of 17 award including Google Canada 2023, One of 150 Black Women Make Canada Better, 2017, National L’Oréal Paris National Woman’s Worth Award (Top 10) – 2020, Forty Under 40, Top 3 National Entrepreneur Award from the Ontario Ministry of Economic Development at Parliament 2022, Top 25 Women of Influence in Canada, Canadian Women Entrepreneur Award by – Google Canada (2023), Bikila Professional Excellence Award (2024), the Women Changing the World Award, in UK, Women Business of the year (2025) and more . Meseret serves on several boards, advising on governance and strategy, including NTEN, FORA, the National Housing Strategy. She is also a Meaningful Business Ambassador advancing the UN SDGs.
More info on Canadian Center for Women’s Empowerment: https://ccfwe.org
Mona Abow
Mona’s first coaching and consulting company The Boundless Mindset was a catalyst for The Chnge Mker Innovation Hub. Her journey began with dedicating her talents and passion to supporting women of colour to build the business of their dreams.
Learn More About Mona Abow
She recognized the diversity and depth of talent within the black community, but that there wasn’t a space for them to explore their desire to build a business.
And because The Boundless Mindset was a private coaching and consulting company specifically designed for women of colour, she noticed she wasn’t able to serve the broader community of Black entrepreneurs who wanted to start a business.
Mona dreamed of creating an inclusive space where the diverse community of Black entrepreneurs could explore their identities, let go of limiting beliefs and create the business they’ve always wanted.
In order to bring that dream to reality, she knew the foundation of every program and workshop needed to focus on teaching participants to expand into their boundless potential.
The focus on mindset mastery and personal development innately transforms the way participants think, by instilling the beliefs; what we think and imagine becomes our reality and we have the power to create the life and business of our dreams.
With the support of her team, Mona created a safe haven that empowers Black entrepreneurs and equips them with the confidence that they have what it takes to launch and grow a successful business. She expanded into The Chnge Mker Innovation Hub, a place where Black entrepreneurs could find tailored one-to-one support at every stage. A place where barriers to entrepreneurship were eliminate so they can build the business of their dreams
More info on The Chnge Mker Innovation Hub
John Harewood
2025 Black History Ottawa Community Builder Award
For his leadership and community engagement, specifically his volunteer work with the Black Canadian Scholarship Fund and the Barbados Ottawa Association, as well as his contributions to community media including Contrast newspaper, CKCU 93.1FM, and Skyline Cable Vision.
Sophia Jacob
2025 Black History Ottawa Community Builder Award
For her visionary leadership, advocacy, and commitment to advancing equity, specifically through her involvement in initiatives and programs offered by Canadian Women of Colour Leadership Network, the Ottawa Black Mental Health Coalition and other Black-led, grassroots organizations.
Phyllis Bourne
2025 Black History Ottawa Community Builder award
For her visionary leadership, philanthropy and commitment to empowering the community while bridging cultural divides, specifically through her work with organizations like Harambee Centres Ottawa, the Barbados Ottawa Association, and CAREPARENTS, as well as her contributions to community upliftment through her social enterprise Jesiwa B Fashions and Giftware.
Omofuma Family and Friends Association
2025 Black History Ottawa Community Builder award
For their leadership and community engagement in supporting immigrant children, youth and families by providing culturally appropriate programs that strengthen intergenerational connections, foster personal growth and promote social cohesion.
Anne-Marie Bostic
2024 Black History Ottawa Community Builder award
For her leadership and community engagement; specifically, as a volunteer with various organizations including the Trinidad and Tobago Association of Ottawa, Fete Carib, and Club SOCCA, among others.
Elizabeth December
2024 Black History Ottawa Community Builder award
For her leadership and community engagement; specifically, in her work as a volunteer with the Black Canadian Scholarship Fund, the Guyana Ottawa Cultural Association, and the Anglican Church, among others.
Mylcha Kerr-Faucher
2024 Black History Ottawa Community Builder award
For her leadership and community engagement; specifically, as a volunteer with various organizations, including the National Capital Alliance on Race Relations, Ottawa Police Service, Ottawa Community Immigrant Services Organization, HelpAge Canada, and the Jamaica Ottawa Community Association.
Abdirizak Karod
2024 Black History Ottawa Community Builder award
For his leadership and community engagement; specifically, in his volunteer work with the Children’s Aid Society of Ottawa, the Community Foundation of Ottawa, and Asunnah Muslim Association of Ottawa, among others.
Sheila Pitt
2024 Black History Ottawa Community Builder award
For her leadership and community engagement; specifically, in her work as a volunteer with the Black Canadian Scholarship Fund, the Guyana Ottawa Cultural Association, and the Anglican Church, among others.
Suzette Weekes
2024 Black History Ottawa Community Builder award
For her leadership and community engagement; specifically, in her work as a volunteer with the St. Vincent & Grenadines Association of Ottawa, Black History Ottawa, and DreamKEEPERS, among others.
Félicité Murangira
2023 Black History Ottawa Community Builder award
For her leadership and community engagement, specifically, her role as ACB health promoter and advocate, as well as her engagement and support of new immigrants to Canada, alongside many other community engagement and advocacy initiatives.
Carl Nicholson
2023 Black History Ottawa Community Builder award
For his leadership and community engagement, specifically his role as Executive Director of the Catholic Centre for Immigrants, and Co-Chair of the Community and Police Action Committee as well as as well as his stellar record of effective advocacy alongside various volunteer commitments.
Fitzroy Reid
2023 Black History Ottawa Community Builder award
For his leadership and community engagement, specifically, his role in donating food to seniors’ residences and the Food Cupboard, as well as his longstanding support for the Boys and Girls Club, alongside many other community engagement achievements.
Ewart Walters
2022 Black History Ottawa Community Builder award
For his leadership, community engagement and advocacy, specifically as the founder of The Spectrum, as a defender of visible minority rights and as a member of various organizations including Harambee Canada, the National Council of Jamaican Canadians, and Black Agenda Noir.
Meron Berhe
2022 Black History Ottawa Community Builder award
For her leadership, community engagement and advocacy, specifically as the creator of Black Ottawa Connect, a valuable resource for economic development and networking in Ottawa-Gatineau.
Lyse-Pascale Inamuco
2022 Black History Ottawa Community Builder award
For her leadership, community engagement and advocacy, specifically as a volunteer with Alliance des Burundais du Canada, Canadian Association of Rwandan Youth, Humura Association, and 613 819 Black Hub Noir.
Denise Isaacs
2022 Black History Ottawa Community Builder award
For her many years of volunteerism as a community radio host-producer, as well as her valuable contributions as a leader, organizer, moderator with various community organizations including ACDAS, Black History Ottawa, and the Guyana Ottawa Cultural Association.
Gwen Madiba
2021 Black History Ottawa Community Builder award
For her work with Equal Chance, which fights the impacts of systemic racism through various programs focused on food security (Meals for Hope) and assistance to stranded international students, mental health support (healing circle sessions), and employment (free info sessions).
Resa Solomon-St.Lewis
2021 Black History Ottawa Community Builder award
For her work in support of organizations providing meals for Black seniors and frontline workers, as well as her work with the Doctors Without Borders campaign against the Ebola crisis in Africa and various community associations
Brenda Williams
2021 Black History Ottawa Community Builder award
For creating and running the NewLife Project Inc., which inspires, educates and empowers women locally, offers training and mentorship to local youth, and supports vulnerable women and children in West Africa, as well as her work making and distributing free masks during the pandemic.
Marie Oubline Philippe-Remy
2021 Black History Ottawa Community Builder award
For establishing the Fabiola’s Addiction and Mental Health Awareness & Support Foundation, a non-profit organization offering information sessions and counselling for community members struggling with mental illness.
ACAO
2021 Black History Ottawa Community Builder award
For working to provide food and other essential supplies to vulnerable and Black seniors in need as well as newcomers during the pandemic lockdown, and for organizing and supporting various initiatives aimed at educating and empowering the ACB community.
Flo Seniors
2021 Black History Ottawa Community Builder award
For providing virtual fitness and social programs, Christmas hampers and gift bags for isolated seniors in need as well as finding PSWs and other support for vulnerable seniors.
Floyd Hutchinson
2020 Black History Ottawa Community Builder award
To publicly his community leadership, specifically his role as pastoral care volunteer with the Ottawa Hospital; volunteer with the Karen refugees; and fund-raising campaigns volunteer with the United Way
Margaret Tucker
2020 Black History Ottawa Community Builder award
To publicly recognize her community leadership, specifically, her role as founding trustee of the National Institute of Jamaican-Canadians; founding member of the National Council of Jamaicans and Supportive Organisations in Canada; board member of Quality Living Housing Cooperative and the Rich Little Endowment Fund, as well as President of the Barrhaven Lions Club
Richard Sharpe
2020 Black History Ottawa Community Builder award
To publicly his community leadership, specifically his role on organizations such as the: National Council of Visible Minorities; Public Works and Government Services Canada Visible Minority Network; 613/819 Black Hub; Federal Black Employee Caucus; Dream Legacy Foundation; and along with your other community engagement activities related to education, policing and human rights
Global Community Alliance
2019 Black History Ottawa Community Builder award
To publicly recognize their leadership and community engagement; specifically their role in establishing the annual Black History Month gala, with proceeds going to various charitable causes and organisations, such as the Haiti earthquake relief, Ottawa School Breakfast program and Black History Ottawa
Catherine Kizito
2019 Black History Ottawa Community Builder award
to publicly recognize her leadership and community engagement, specifically her role as founder of the African culture dance group “Ngoma of Africa”, her leadership role with the Girl Guides of Canada (Parkwood Hills District), her volunteer contributions to various community organizations including the Ugandan Association of Ottawa, the Agnes Zabail Boys and Girls Club as well as the Canada Africa Community Health Alliance (CACHA)
Dahabo Ahmed Omer
2019 Black History Ottawa Community Builder award
To publicly recognize her leadership and community engagement; specifically her leadership role with the Justice for Abdirahman Coalition, membership of the Steering Committee of the Federation of Black Canadians, and her pivotal role in the Mayor’s Task Force on the Somali community
Yvette Yende-Ashiri
2019 Black History Ottawa Community Builder award
To publicly recognize her leadership
and community engagement; specifically her advocacy on the rights of women and girls, creation of the Junior Chamber International, her leadership role as Founding President of the Fédération Femmes Enfants Avenir Monde as well as her exceptional contribution to the promotion of Francophones and their integration into the Ottawa community
Suzan Lavertu
2018 Black History Ottawa Community Builder award
Every Child is Sacred category
To publicly recognize her leadership and community engagement, specifically: in her role as Artistic Director leading Cultural Arts Studio of Afro-Caribbean Dance; fostering youth leadership qualities through the Afro-Caribbean Cotillion; fund-raising to support humanitarian efforts in countries such as Sierra Leone and Dominica.
Merrick Palmer
2018 Black History Ottawa Community Builder award
to publicly recognize his volunteer leadership and community engagement, specifically his role as Technical Director, Gloucester Cumberland Basketball Association; President of the Sickle Cell Action Network; fund-raising for various causes; and leadership in Youth Career Days and Black History Month events.
Petronila Michael
2018 Black History Ottawa Community Builder award
Adult category
To publicly recognize her extensive volunteer work, specifically her leadership of the annual Tonight-For-Tanzania fund-raiser; extensive volunteer work with OCISO, CUSO International and Carleton University; and for being a strong role model for Black women and girls in Canada’s national capital region and beyond.
Ketcia Peters
2018 Black History Ottawa Community Builder award
To publicly recognize her volunteer leadership and community engagement; specifically her role as Co-Chair of the Community & Police Action Committee; Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of North-Sud Roots and Culture Canada; and Secretary of Black History Ottawa, as well as her other community leadership initiatives.
Prof. Nduka Otiono
2018 Black History Ottawa Community Builder Award
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Abdirahaman Coalition
2017 Black History Ottawa Community Builder award
For their efforts to obtain greater transparency and accountability, challenge racial inequity, and bring positive change, in order to secure justice for Mr. Abdirahman Abdi.
Crystal-Lee Savage
2017 Black History Ottawa Every Child is Sacred Award
COMMUNITY LEADERSHIP
Black History Ottawa is pleased to present Crystal-Lee Savage with the
Inaugural Every Child is Sacred Award
Daniel R. Stringer
2017 Black History Ottawa President’s Community Builder Award
Black History Ottawa is pleased to present Daniel R. Stringer with the
2017 Black History Ottawa President’s Community Builder Award
Elcho Stewart
2016 Black History Ottawa Community Builder award
2016 Black History Ottawa Community Builder Award (Community Leadership)for her leadership in promoting women’s entrepreneurship in Ottawa through initiatives by the Network of Black Business and Professional Women
Sharmaarke Abdullahi
2016 Black History Ottawa Community Builder Award
Black History Ottawa is pleased to present Sharmaarke Abdullahi with the
2016 Black History Ottawa Community Builder Award (Community Leadership) for his many years of advocacy on behalf of immigrant youth and volunteer work in support of the Somali community.
Fay Jarrett
2015 Black History Ottawa Community Builder award
2015 Black History Ottawa Community Builder Award for her contributions to Ottawa’s arts and media scene through many years of community volunteer work on behalf of the long-running show Caribbean Calendar (Rogers TV), the popular musical ensemble Ni Wewe Tu, Christ Chapel Bible Church, and various community initiatives.
CANADIAN SOMALI MOTHERS'ASSOCIATION
2014 Black History Ottawa Community Builder award
2014 Black History Ottawa Community Builder Award (Community Leadership) In recognition of this organization’s tireless efforts in support of Somali children, youth and their parents in the education and criminal justice systems.
LENNOX PUCKERIN
2014 Black History Ottawa Community Builder award
In recognition of his many years of community volunteer work on behalf of Jaku Konbit, Jamaican Ottawa Community Association, fundraising for sickle cell anemia and through his not-for-profit organisation, Youth of Today.
Lunette Jewne Johnson
2014 Black History Ottawa Community Builder award
2016 Black History Ottawa Community Builder Award (Community Leadership)for her leadership in promoting women’s entrepreneurship in Ottawa through initiatives by the Network of Black Business and Professional Women
Dr. JOSEPHINE ETOWA
2013 Black History Ottawa Community Builder Award
For her tireless efforts in promoting women’s rights, reducing health and social inequities, and advocating against racism, at municipal, provincial, national and international levels.
NEEMA MUGALA LUKUMBUZYA
2013 Black History Ottawa Community Builder award
For her exemplary contribution in promoting African music and culture, philanthropy and fund-raising for various charitable causes.
THE BLACK LAW STUDENTS ASSOCIATION, UNIVERSITY OF OTTAWA
2013 Black History Ottawa Community Builder award
For representing the new generation of young black people, in a dignified and
professional way, as champions of all groups within our citizenry, that some set out to make vulnerable through racial bullying.
ABEBE ENGDASAW
2012 Black History Ottawa Community Builder award
For his outstanding leadership and volunteer work with Ottawa’s vulnerable populations, and his tireless efforts in fund-raising, through the Christian Children’s Fund of Canada, to fight child poverty in seven developing countries.
LENNOX PUCKERIN
2012 Black History Ottawa Community Builder award
For her extensive volunteer community outreach efforts and advocacy, in promoting religious
and racial harmony, gender equality, youth engagement and multiculturalism.
DESMOND DORAN
2012 Black History Ottawa Community Builder award
For creating, nurturing and sustaining the school’s Black History club, enlarging its membership and successfully reaching out to other racial group sand individuals in their school..