Abigail Hamilton

Community Advocate/Service

Abigail Hamilton
Title: Ms.
Achievements & Accomplishments:

I have been instrumental in the fight against anti-Black racism within the peel district school board the result of which is being currently implemented in all Ontario schools by way of the ministry’s directives. 2) My role as a student advocate. 3) ResQ Youth International Incorporated as founder.3)

Phone Number: 905.451.0953 / 416.278.7222
Andrée Vernon
Title: Mrs.
Achievements & Accomplishments:

1) Being a leader at the intersection of Education and Social Justice. 2) Being granted the favour of having such a title as Mother. 3) I AM a breast cancer Thriver!

Phone Number: 647-217-1010
Asha Lapps
Title: Ms.
Achievements & Accomplishments:

1. Completing my degree while working full time and putting myself through university, doing my dream job as a flight attendant, starting the Black Queens of Durham Region

Brenda Okorogba
Title: Ms.
Achievements & Accomplishments:

I have provided college success and vocational Psychology coaching to diverse students across the world who have successfully secured $80.4M in scholarships, bursaries, differential tuition fee waivers and graduate assistantships and currently has a published directory AMEKETUNI with $446B worth of financial aid for diverse students, college professors, researchers and community members. Individuals who have benefitted from her services have recorded academic and career success rates by 98%, launched profitable businesses and transitioned into new careers in the past 5 years. Receiving the Manitoba150 Honours Award (once-in-a-lifetime) and also being recognized globally as a seasoned Learning Experience and Service Designer.

Carmen James-Henry
Title: Mrs.
Achievements & Accomplishments:

Parenting with my husband of 39 years, a daughter who now contributes to her community. Mentoring young black women, who are all now successful and well-adjusted adults carving out spaces for themselves in this rapidly-changing world. My contribution as a healthcare professional to the health and well-being of others.

Cathy Ferreira
Title: Mrs.
Achievements & Accomplishments:

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.

Phone Number: 9059787903
Charis Newton-Thompson
Title: Dr.
Achievements & Accomplishments:

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.

Phone Number: 416-294-3518
Clarissa Arthur
Title: Mrs.
Achievements & Accomplishments:

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 one’s community and culture.

Coco LaRain Veira
Title: Ms.
Achievements & Accomplishments:

Starting My Speaking Career as A Teenage Mother, Mentoring over 300 young women, Mentoring My Fellow Survivors To Become Revolutionary Speakers.

Phone Number: 647-970-3622
Danielle Dowdy
Title: Mrs.
Achievements & Accomplishments:

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.