Carol Comissiong
2022 Honourees
One is parenting. I learned so many lessons while bringing up my son in Canada. Being a very young new parent, this proved very challenging as I navigate the type of systemic discrimination we experienced as immigrants in the 70’s and beyond. Those lessons however, strengthened my resolve and I am proud to say it served me very well as I mentor and counsel my two grand daughters and the many members of my teams throughout the years. Another, is my success in the corporate world where I achieved many successes and awards. At times, I was the only black and female in many situations. For eg I was one of five women and the only black in my 1990 Executive MBA program. Developing a strong sense of self actualization is another accomplishment that I am very proud of since it gave me a toolkit to be used in my day to day life.
My top three major accomplishments are, in this order (i) completing my degrees, (ii) attaining the position of Vice-President in a multi-billion dollar company before age 40, (iii) launching my business and sticking with it through the first decade of its existence., (iii)
1) Raising three Black ‘Renaissance’ young men to be successful leaders. 2) Coming to Canada with a young family and starting over from high school to complete a Master of Social Work degree. 3) Co-founding and co-managing an organization that uses Black Caribbean culture to nurture Canadian youth in a unique, iconic contribution to the landscape of the Canadian community for the past 17 plus years.
In 2021 I was selected by the City of Toronto to serve on the Confronting Anti-Black Racism Advisory Committee. In 2020, I graduated from OISE/UT with my Ph.D. in educational leadership and in 2016 I was selected by the City of Toronto to become a member of the Toronto Seniors’ Forum.
Mother to my daughter and seeing her growing into an amazing young adult
The re-launch of Sway Magazine – an inspirational and aspirational magazine devoted to the black community in Toronto.
Raising to an executive level as a black worman in Toronto
Community involvement in the Caribbean community, including Barbados Canada Association, Tropicana Community Services, The Grant Morris Foundation
Having my children at 17 and 21 was not in the plan, but sometimes the greatest things come when they’re unexpected. Going back to school as a mature student was daunting but also gave me an edge where I could apply my life and professional experience to my education. My involvement in infant and early childhood mental health awareness matters as it takes into consideration the parental/caregiver role, and ones community and culture.
Starting My Speaking Career as A Teenage Mother, Mentoring over 300 young women, Mentoring My Fellow Survivors To Become Revolutionary Speakers.
Raising kind, loving, caring children who have grown up to be emotionally and socially responsible adults who are compassionate, generous, and thoughtful.
Completing my final graduate degree at the age of 55; a Ph.D. in Organizational Psychology with a specialization in Leadership.
Winning a global pharmaceutical professionals award and being flown to Singapore to receive the award and represent Canada.
1. Raising 2 brilliant children who are grounded in their knowledge of self
2. Architecting the Youth in Policing Initiative, an award-winning youth employment program within law enforcement and providing job opportunities and mentorship to thousands of youth
3. Fierce advocacy within the Peel District School Board leading to a Ministry Review and subsequent Directives to address systemic anti-Black racism.