Rosella Fraser
Community Advocate/Service
1. Producer and Chair of the Nova Scotia Mass Choir Annual Tribute concert to Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. also acknowledging the contributions of ANS individuals and groups from 2008 to 2020. The concert shone a light on the untold stories of African Nova Scotians such as Midwives, Silvia Hamilton, Carrie and Calvert Best. I created the annual “”Towards the elimination of Racism concert series held in acknowledgement of the international day to eliminate racism 2008 to 2019.
2. As volunteer Chair of the Parent Teacher Organization of Nelson Whynder Elementary School and working as the Community Recreation Coordinator in North Preston. I created the Summer Brain Power Program to support students in grade 4,5,6 moving from a primarily segregated school in North Preston outside community. The program runs with the sponsorship of the Department of Education, African Canadian Services Branch across Nova Scotia. Presently as the summer Scholars grant program.
3. In 2019, As volunteer Chair of the North Preston Day Care Centre 50th Anniversary Celebration and Renovation committee, I planned the Anniversary Gala Celebration held in May of 2022. The Daycare Centre was the first of its kind in Atlantic Canada employing ANS Moms within the community of North Preston. I was successful in securing over $160,000.00 towards the 50th Anniversary project for renovation, board and staff development, and accessibility. The board has been successful in acquiring additional municipal land in community to expand the daycare program to develop a family resource centre.
1. i was the founder of the Canada Life Black and People Colour Employee Resource Group
2. While maintaining a busy litigation practice, I ran several marathons, competed thrice as a body builder, authored an article titled “You cannot out-exercise a bad diet” in the CABL Newsletter, and earned my certification as a Personal Trainer and Nutrition specialist from the National Academy of Sports Medicine.
3. I always bring my authentic self as a Black leader and meeting my audience exactly where they are providing a safe space for open communication.
4. I was one of the first cohorts to graduate from the Black North Academy C-Suite and Board Preparedness program through the Black North Initiative, and the Board Diversity Network – Ted Rogers School of Management, Executive Board Readiness Program, both initiatives are aimed at addressing the shortage of Black professional talent on Boards of Directors.
In just seven years, I positioned TCBN as a key systems intermediary to create pathways into construction for equity deserving groups. My work has helped to generate thousands of good jobs in construction and hundreds of thousands of dollars in social procurement for local and diverse businesses and social enterprises.
1) Raised $5 Million to build Dr. Rozs Healing Place, Centre for abused Women and Children; 2) I established Womens Lives Matter 2 in the Caribbean, 3) I was appointed to the Task Force on Sexual Abuse of Patients by Health Professionals commissioned by the College of Physicians and Surgeons.
Being A Mother, Grandmother and being involved in many initiatives that make a difference in the life Immigrant people especially the Women and their Families for over 40 years.
Producing W’at Abowt Us Documentary, Providing an training manual for entrepreneurs and raising my sons to be great human beings.
2015 Co-Founding the Nunavut Black History Society (NBHS); 2021 Selected Organizer, Writer & Presenter: History of People of African Descent in Nunavut at the Canadian Heritage first Emancipation Day Celebration event; 2022 Featured in Soft Landing, a Project by the Canadian Museum of Immigration on Immigrant Achievement and Impact on their communities
My top tree major accomplishments sage the opening of Ottawas first Black Owned dance studio dedicated to Afro-Caribbean dance. My second would be the sharing of Afro-Caribbean culture on mainstream stages and théâtres to sold out audiences. And my third would be taking the full leap to full time entrepreneurship demonstrating that all things are possible.
1. Founding my own non-profit organization, Natural Kids Movement
2. Collaborating with the Child & Youth Permanency Council of Canada on a service project for Black children & youth in the child welfare system
3. 100 Accomplished Black Canadian Women
My critically acclaimed recording, Lift Every Voice and Sing! The Roots of Gospel Music. Presenting my acclaimed performance at UNESCO’s request at the symposium in Nigeria re Slavery and Its Impact. Raising, guiding, and protecting my boy-child successfully around a hostile environment through to manly, loving, and responsible adulthood.
My biggest accomplishments are: Being a Mom to an amazing daughter, Alexandra, Being elected as a City Councillor after being in Canada for 9 years and Being elected as the 1st Black President for UBCM in my second term as a City Councillor .
Founding my non-profit VV’S Adult Support Centre Corp., founding my charity Victory Neighbourhood Services Inc. and creating programs for the youth and seniors.
I am most proud of achieving top honours at my Master’s degree completion after a turbulent time of life; of raising 3 humans alongside pursing academic and professional goals; and following the inspiration to pursue creative short story writing and the impact it has had on readers…
Traditionally published author of over 7 children’s books and counting, representing children in the Caribbean/African diaspora via literature and consistent appearances in schools, activist for inclusion in children literature and against racism.
I have broadened and maintained an extensive network of contacts. Working albeit alone but got my proposal accepted by the Montreal Police Department.
Returning to my alma mater as a guest speaking dealing with the issue of Racism in the Healthcare Arena.
