Abigail Hamilton
Community Advocate/Service
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)
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!
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.