African Canadian Civic Engagement Council

SOMETHING BIG IS COMING FOR BLACK YOUTH IN EDMONTON Introducing the 3U Youth Program A space created for you to connect, grow, speak your truth, and vibe with community and peers. Rooted in: Usalama — Safety Uwezo — Agency Utulivu — Stability Join us every Thursday from 3:00–4:30 PM from July 2 at the Timbuktu Innovation Hub for real conversations, self-discovery, creativity, healing, and empowerment. EXPECT: Exploring identity & self-expression Building real friendships & community Finding purpose, meaning & hope Grow personally and socially Celebrating justice, dignity & Black excellence Whether you want to boost your confidence, gain new skills, or simply find your people, the 3U Program is your space to shine. Sign up now: forms.office.com/r/ZUdEBKAptH?o… Questions? hanan.zakaria@accec.ca #blackyouth #community #YouthEmpowerment #blackexcellence #selfexpression #safespace #yegyouth @NorthpineCanada

Big ideas deserve real support. The ANZA 2.0 Entrepreneurship Ecosystem Program is designed to equip the next generation of innovators, creators, and leaders with the tools they need to succeed. Whether you have a business idea or you're already building something, this program connects you with mentorship, opportunities, and a powerful community. This is more than a program, it’s a pathway to ownership, leadership, and long-term impact. Start building your future today. Click the link below to apply or email kelvin.ozorah@accec.ca accec.ca/anza-ecosystem/ We acknowledge the support of @PrairiesCanEN Prairies Economic Development Canada and partnerships with @EdmontonUnltd Edmonton Unlimited and @AmiiThinks Alberta Machine Intelligence Institute #blackentrepreneurship #AIforBusiness #startupbusiness #blackownedbusiness #businessdevelopment #blackexcellence #entrepreneurship #youthleadership #CommunityImpact

Black entrepreneurs are building, innovating, and leading, and ANZA 2.0 Entrepreneurship Ecosystem is back by popular demand to amplify that impact. ANZA 2.0 Entrepreneurship Ecosystem celebrates the powerful contributions of Black-owned businesses while equipping founders with modern systems, tools, and AI-driven strategies to scale with confidence and sustainability. Whether you’re nurturing an idea or growing a thriving business, we meet you exactly where you are and help you move forward with clarity, community, and purpose. This is about more than success. It’s about lasting prosperity. Click the link below to sign up today or email kelvin.ozorah@accec.ca accec.ca/anza-ecosystem/ We acknowledge the support of @PrairiesCanEN Prairies Economic Development Canada and the partnerships with @EdmontonUnltd Edmonton Unlimited and @AmiiThinks Alberta Machine Intelligence Institute. #blackentrepreneurship #businessgrowth #AIforBusiness #startupbusiness #blackownedbusiness #businessdevelopment

Black entrepreneurs are building, innovating, and leading, and ANZA 2.0 Entrepreneurship Ecosystem is back by popular demand to amplify that impact. ANZA 2.0 Entrepreneurship Ecosystem celebrates the powerful contributions of Black-owned businesses while equipping founders with modern systems, tools, and AI-driven strategies to scale with confidence and sustainability. Whether you’re nurturing an idea or growing a thriving business, we meet you exactly where you are and help you move forward with clarity, community, and purpose. This is about more than success. It’s about lasting prosperity. Click the link below to sign up today or email kelvin.ozorah@accec.ca accec.ca/anza-ecosystem/ We acknowledge the support of @PrairiesCanEN Prairies Economic Development Canada and the partnerships with @EdmontonUnltd Edmonton Unlimited and @AmiiThinks Alberta Machine Intelligence Institute. #blackentrepreneurship #businessgrowth #AIforBusiness #startupbusiness #blackownedbusiness #businessdevelopment

Young, gifted, and giving back. Because they show up, more Black youth are inspired to serve. The impact they’re making today is shaping stronger communities tomorrow. #volunteerappreciation #youthdevelopment #InspiringYouth #MentorshipMatters #FutureLeaders #CommunityImpact

Today, we had the pleasure of welcoming Adil Hassam, Vice President & Head of Community Banking at Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC) @bdc_ca and ketiwe Nyanyiwa, Senior Business Officer at @PrairiesCanEN Prairies Economic Development Canada to the African Canadian Civic Engagement Council. During the visit, we gave Adil and ketiwe a tour of the Timbuktu Innovation Hub and introduced them to the vibrant Alberta Avenue community. These moments matter. BDC has been working with business owners for more than 80 years and they understand their challenges, recognize their need and support small and medium-sized businesses across all industries and every stage of growth with both financing and expert advice. We’re excited to continue building this collaboration to uplift and empower our community.

We celebrate the volunteers who help shape the future by investing in our cause. Keep showing up!  Your time, support, and encouragement inspire us. The impact you make goes far beyond today; it helps build confidence, resilience, and brighter paths forward. Thank you for showing up, and for leading with care, you brighten our days and your influence on Black youth in our community is deeply appreciated. #volunteerappreciation #youthdevelopment #InspiringYouth #MentorshipMatters #FutureLeaders #CommunityImpact

We celebrate the volunteers who help shape the future by investing in our cause. Keep showing up! Your time, support, and encouragement inspire us. The impact you make goes far beyond today; it helps build confidence, resilience, and brighter paths forward. Thank you for showing up, and for leading with care, you brighten our days and your influence on Black youth in our community is deeply appreciated. #volunteerappreciation #youthdevelopment #InspiringYouth #MentorshipMatters #FutureLeaders #CommunityImpact

Last week, we had the pleasure of hosting Katherine O'Neill, President and CEO; YMCA Northern Alberta and Christine McCourt-Reid, Executive Advisor, CEO Transition; YWCA Edmonton at the Timbuktu Innovation Hub on Alberta Avenue. The meeting created a space to dream together, share ideas, align core values, and explore collaborative approaches to strengthening community services for deeper, more sustainable impact. It also provided an opportunity to reinforce partnerships aimed at improving accessibility to essential services and safety nets, ensuring that no one is left behind. These nonprofit leaders continue to break down barriers to accessing wraparound supports for those who need them most, advancing a shared vision of empowering communities as a pathway to meaningful, lasting change. Congratulations to Christine McCourt-Reid on her remarkable achievements at the YWCA. She strengthened the foundation for continuous community development, and we wish her continued success in all her future endeavours. @YMCAEdm @YWCAEdmonton

Black youth deserve more than survival, they deserve the opportunity to thrive. Our Youth Development programs are designed to support, empower, and uplift African descent youth navigating complex challenges, including trauma, systemic barriers, and limited access to opportunity. Through culturally grounded, community-driven support, we’re building pathways to resilience, leadership, and economic empowerment. This is more than programming, it’s about investing in futures, restoring dignity, and creating lasting change. #blackyouth #youthempowerment #CommunityImpact #EquityInAction #SocialImpact

Thank you for the role you play in making our community strong and vibrant. May your homes be filled with happiness and your hearts with gratitude this Easter and always. Warm wishes to you and your loved ones. We are closed on April 3, 2026, we will open on April 7, 2026. Happy Easter!

Meet Natasha Daniel, a Senior Program Manager at MCG Careers and Founder of MELS Consulting, with over 15 years of leadership across Alberta’s nonprofit and human-services sectors. She oversees complex, multimillion-dollar programs and leads enterprise-wide accreditation and performance systems that strengthen accountability and measurable impact. As Chair of the Board for Skillcity Institute, she provides strategic governance oversight while advancing equity-driven policy and organizational capacity. We are proud to have Natasha as part of the inaugural cohort of our Boardroom Bound Chartered Director (C.Dir.) Program - A collaboration between African Canadian Civic Engagement Council (ACCEC) and The Directors College at the DeGroote School of Business, McMaster University @McMasterU . Started in 2025, this exceptional group marked the launch of a transformative training initiative aimed to ensure Black Canadian representation in decision-making processes, policy direction, fiscal oversight, ethics, and compliance within governance structures, board and leadership roles particularly within institutional, nonprofit, and private-sector environments. Click the link below to join the next cohort. Applications close on May 30, 2026. accec.bamboohr.com/careers/50 @WAGE_FEGC @CdnHeritage #ProfessionalDevelopment #BlackExcellence #BlackLeadership #CorporateGovernance #careerdevelopment #boardroom

We are excited to introduce the inaugural cohort of our Boardroom Bound Chartered Director (C.Dir.) Program - A collaboration between African Canadian Civic Engagement Council (ACCEC) and The Directors College at the DeGroote School of Business, McMaster University @McMasterU. Started in 2025, this exceptional group marked the launch of a transformative training initiative aimed to ensure Black Canadian representation in decision-making processes, policy direction, fiscal oversight, ethics, and compliance within governance structures, board and leadership roles particularly within institutional, nonprofit, and private-sector environments. Meet Nshuti Byamungu - a social entrepreneur and executive leader advancing culturally responsive disability support systems as Founder and CEO of Lumiere Disability Services. He also provides strategic oversight in youth development and civic partnerships as Vice-President of the Banyamulenge Community Centre. With municipal leadership experience and strong cross-cultural competency, he brings systems of thinking and a commitment to accountable, community-centered governance. Click the link below to join the next cohort. Applications close on May 30, 2026. accec.bamboohr.com/careers/50 @WAGE_FEGC Women and Gender Equality Canada @CdnHeritage Canadian Heritage #ProfessionalDevelopment #blackexcellence #BlackLeadership #CorporateGovernance #careerdevelopment #boardroom

We are excited to introduce the inaugural cohort of our Boardroom Bound Chartered Director (C.Dir.) Program - A collaboration between African Canadian Civic Engagement Council (ACCEC) and The Directors College at the DeGroote School of Business, McMaster University @McMasterU . Started in 2025, this exceptional group marked the launch of a transformative training initiative aimed to ensure Black Canadian representation in decision-making processes, policy direction, fiscal oversight, ethics, and compliance within governance structures, board and leadership roles particularly within institutional, nonprofit, and private-sector environments. Meet kaydeen Wright - Kaydeen is an education and operations leader with experience across the education and health technology sectors. She serves on the Edmonton Public School Board Equity Advisory Committee and as a Director with Let’s Talk About It Edmonton Association, contributing to strategic oversight and community-informed governance. With advanced training in education and policy studies, she brings expertise in policy analysis, regulatory awareness, and equity-centered leadership to board environments. Click the link below to join the next cohort. Applications close on May 30, 2026. accec.bamboohr.com/careers/50 @WAGE_FEGC Women and Gender Equality Canada @CdnHeritage Canadian Heritage #ProfessionalDevelopment #blackexcellence #BlackLeadership #CorporateGovernance #careerdevelopment #boardroom

We are excited to introduce the inaugural cohort of our Boardroom Bound Chartered Director (C.Dir.) Program - A collaboration between African Canadian Civic Engagement Council (ACCEC) and The Directors College at the DeGroote School of Business, McMaster University @McMasterU. Started in 2025, this exceptional group marked the launch of a transformative training initiative aimed to ensure Black Canadian representation in decision-making processes, policy direction, fiscal oversight, ethics, and compliance within governance structures, board and leadership roles particularly within institutional, nonprofit, and private-sector environments. Meet Dr. Zahro Hassan is an educator, researcher, and governance leader advancing equity at the intersection of public service and academia. Serving as a Police Commissioner and university lecturer, she provides strategic oversight, drives ethical decision-making, and champions community-centered accountability. Through her work, Zahro is shaping more inclusive, responsive, and equitable systems of governance. Click the link below to join the next cohort. Applications close on May 30, 2026. accec.bamboohr.com/careers/50 @WAGE_FEGC Women and Gender Equality @Patrimoinecdn Canadian Heritage #ProfessionalDevelopment #blackexcellence #BlackLeadership #CorporateGovernance #careerdevelopment #boardroom

We are excited to introduce the inaugural cohort of our Boardroom Bound Chartered Director (C.Dir.) Program  - A collaboration between African Canadian Civic Engagement Council (ACCEC) and The Directors College at the DeGroote School of Business, McMaster University @McMasterU. Started in 2025, this exceptional group marked the launch of a transformative training initiative aimed to ensure Black Canadian representation in decision-making processes, policy direction, fiscal oversight, ethics, and compliance within governance structures, board and leadership roles particularly within institutional, nonprofit, and private-sector environments. Meet Dorothy Agbetiafa, Founder and Principal Consultant of Wisdom Knot Consulting, supporting organizations across Canada in evaluation strategy, change management, and stakeholder engagement, and governance-aligned performance systems. She also serves as a Senior Consultant in Alberta’s acute-care system, advancing patient, family, and caregiver integration into quality improvement and provincial healthcare planning. Through board service and equity leadership initiatives, she strengthens accountability frameworks, risk oversight, and inclusive governance practices. Click the link below to join the next cohort. Applications close on May 30, 2026. accec.bamboohr.com/careers/50 @WAGE_FEGC Women and Gender Equality @Patrimoinecdn Canadian Heritage #ProfessionalDevelopment #blackexcellence #BlackLeadership #CorporateGovernance #careerdevelopment #boardroom

Applications for the next cohort of ACCEC's Boardroom Bound Chartered Director (C.Dir.) Program - A collaboration between African Canadian Civic Engagement Council (ACCEC) and The Directors College at the DeGroote School of Business, McMaster University @McMasterU is now open. Black professionals remain underrepresented in governance and board leadership spaces despite significant leadership experience and professional expertise. This prestigious program is a national initiative designed for the advancement African descent professionals into leadership and decision-making roles within governance structures particularly within institutional, nonprofit, and private-sector environments. The Boardroom Bound project offers remote education modules, through education, mentorship, community outreach, partnership development, policy advocacy and board placements. Ideal participants have executive work experience and hold a university degree. Click the link below to apply accec.bamboohr.com/careers/49 @WAGE_FEGC Women and Gender Equality Canada @Patrimoinecdn Canadian Heritage #ProfessionalDevelopment #blackexcellence #BlackLeadership #CorporateGovernance #careerdevelopment

Eid Mubarak! May this celebration bring peace, happiness, and countless blessings to you and your loved ones. May your heart be filled with gratitude, your home with joy, and your life with endless success. Celebrating love, faith, and togetherness today and always. #eidmubarak #EidUlFit

Applications for the next cohort of ACCEC's Boardroom Bound Chartered Director (C.Dir.) Program -  A collaboration between African Canadian Civic Engagement Council (ACCEC) and The Directors College at the DeGroote School of Business, McMaster University @McMasterU is now open. Black professionals remain underrepresented in governance and board leadership spaces despite significant leadership experience and professional expertise. This prestigious program is a national initiative designed for the advancement African descent professionals into leadership and decision-making roles within governance structures particularly within institutional, nonprofit, and private-sector environments. The Boardroom Bound project addresses systemic barriers through education, mentorship, community outreach, partnership development, policy advocacy and board placements. Ideal participants have executive work experience and hold a university degree. Click the link below to apply lnkd.in/gRB4ypJR @WAGE_FEGC @CdnHeritage #professionaldevelopment #blackexcellence #corporategovernance #CareerDevelopment