A. LaFerne Clarke
Community Advocate/Service
My three adult children lead happy productive lives. Based on my faith in Jehovah God as my provider, protector and friend my hope is always bright, focused and clear. I have carried out my family motto “To whom much is given much is asked” to be best of my ability.
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)
Studying as a full-time student for 7 years as a wife and mom and starting a non-profit organization.
Adejisola has achieved three significant milestones that she is particularly proud of: completing her EMBA at the age of 49 despite challenging circumstances, authoring her debut book, “Authenticity: How my why me moments shaped my life,” and honoring her father’s memory through her impactful TEDx talk.
Research Chair – Canada Research Chair in Transnational Labour Law in recognition of my scholarly work that has sought to change the way that we understand labour law and its relationship to emancipation; Task Force Chair and Author, Employment Equity Act Review Task Force Report; lead expert in the International Labour Organization’s standard setting on Decent Work for Domestic Workers Convention (No. 189) and Recommendation (No. 201)
Creating The ForUsGirls Foundation YGL Scholarship fund and awarding 7 young Black girls from my hometown with scholarships, creating my own tech company, and supporting over 1000 students in Jamaica with textbooks.
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!
My top three accomplishments: instrumental in acquiring $25 million from the Ontario Government to develop a Black Health and Social Services hub in Peel; awarded the 2023 Naseem Somani Memorial Leadership Excellence Award from Brampton Board of Trade; being the first recipient of the Nation Publishing Company’s anniversary scholarship in 1984.
I founded the network Black Wimmin Artists, a national collective of over 250 Black women and gender non-conforming artists and arts workers.
Working as an artist and being able to be a role model and example to emerging artists that it is possible to work creatively and that the ideas we produce are important and help us understand the world differently.
Curating Three-Thirty, a multi-site public art exhibition that presented artwork on the facade of Pearson Collegiate, University of Toronto Scarborough campus and the exterior of the Malvern Public Library. It was the first time a multi-site outdoor exhibition was mounted in the community of Malvern.
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
In the recent years: I have mentored Black youth interested in politics by sponsoring high school students to shadow my work as a municipal councilor. I created the Femme d’influence Award to honor impactful immigrant women leaders. I also launched a municipal council simulation through AFIO to engage underrepresented groups, especially Black, immigrant and women participants, to inspire the next generation.
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.
Implemented a revamped, impactful community investment program at Standard Life.
Negotiated over $2 million to fund expansion of programs and double the Alzheimer Society of Montreal’s clientele.
Contributed to the development and adoption of the Anti-Black Racism Action Plan to dismantle systemic racism in the Anglican Diocese of Montreal.
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. Establishing two charities dedicated to supporting and developing the welfare of girls and women by providing avenues for further education and fostering self-sufficiency.
2. Establishing the Archbishop Desmond Tutu Bursary in Divinity Studies with the University of Toronto. This prestigious award is a tribute to Archbishop Tutu (Hon. LLD 2000) and his profound impact on spiritual and human rights leadership in Canada and globally.
The bursary aims to empower promising young humanitarians at the University.
3. Leading a delegation and creating a program supporting forensic testing for sexual abuse victims. The program addresses and combats violence against women, providing essential support and resources to survivors. Collaborators include the Centre for Research in Women’s Health, Sunnybrook Hospital, and Women’s College Health Centre.
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 addition to my role as a dedicated mother of two African Nova Scotian boys, my proudest professional achievements include earning my master’s degree during the pandemic, spearheading legacy programs for young black youth across grassroots organizations, and being appointed to the Expert Advisory Team for the Online Safety Bill by the Federal Government of Canada. These accomplishments highlight my commitment to academic excellence, community empowerment, and contributing to impactful legislation.
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.
My top accomplishments are 1) Being a role model 2) Having confidence to have difficult conversations and bringing people together 3) Having the courage to start my own business and keep trying new things.
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.
Establishing The REST Centres, addressing youth homelessness and using my lived experience to advocate for marginalized youth.
Becoming a published author, sharing my experiences and knowledge.
Overcoming infertility and being blessed with my dream babies, twin boy and girl.
Her top three accomplishments include:
**Taking the reigns of her career and starting her career coaching business.
**Being recognized by Conestoga College as an Alumni of Distinction.
**Writing a Canadian best seller that has had a profound impact the lives and career journey of thousands of new immigrants.
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.
Family: I have two sons Andrew and Matt Wellington. Two granddaughter Telisse and Taija and one grandson Braylan. They are caring kind and respectful. funder and President of Windsor Women Supporting Women. Helping young Black girls in need and support.
Helping Women and Families, and meals for Refugees.