Black Resilience in Action: Honouring the Black Women Who Set, Raise, and Embody the Standard
As we commemorate Black History Month, a time dedicated to acknowledging and celebrating the invaluable contributions of the black community throughout history we’re turning our spotlight to the inspiring resilience of seven exceptional Black women who are making waves, and defining what it is to be resilient in their respective industries
From award-winning founders to media mavens, to artists, and business mavericks, these trailblazers have overcome systemic barriers, shattered glass ceilings and forged paths that put them at the forefront of change. Their stories serve as a testament to the spirit of Black resilience.
As we dig into their experience, we’ll uncover how these remarkable Black women have set, raised, and embodied the standard in their respective industries, inspiring us with their resilience and groundbreaking achievements.
Alicia ‘Ace’ West
The Media Maven
Alicia “Ace” West is one of the top Black voices in Canada to follow. By day, she is a music marketer at Warner Music Canada but by night (and on weekends) she owns the media space as one of the most popular podcast and social media personalities from Toronto.
Amidst widespread layoffs and closures in the Canadian Media industry coupled with the lack of representation of Black Voices, Alicia set the standard as a voice for her community.
Along with being recently announced as the co-host of The Flow 98.7 Morning Show, she is also the founder of Just Ace It, a platform promoting positivity within the Black community through events and initiatives focused on Black youth and women.
Emily Mills
The Fierce Founder
Emily is the award-winning founder of How She Hustles. a Toronto-based network that connects diverse women through digital content and special events.
On a quest to amplify voices and redefine what success looks like for Black women Emily founded HerStory in Black a digital photo series featuring 150 inspiring black women.
The acclaimed series was turned into a 1 hour documentary and garnered awards setting the standard on what it means to create impact and lasting legacy through media.
Imani Busby
The Ambitious Artist
Imani Busby is a visionary curator, artist, and entrepreneur, deeply invested in creating equitable opportunities in the arts for Black creatives.
Imani aspires to be an Intellectual Property/Art Lawyer and gallerist, she’s committed to supporting marginalized artists through innovative spaces that spotlight emerging artists. Her work spans public art, pop-ups, and publications aimed at broadening arts access.
Currently, Imani is conducting academic research on how Black artists can succeed within Canada’s creative economy while interning at a law and media firm and building her own curatorial company.
She has received multiple awards and grants, showcasing her work in prominent exhibits such as "Brothers on the Wall," "Just Between Us," "It Takes a Village," "The Gift Shop," just to name a few. Commissioned by the Mississauga Arts Council - Imani’s work has been showcased in local schools, thus further exhibiting her drive to amplify Black artistic voices and foster community engagement.
Amina and Habi Gerba
The Dynamic Duo
Amina Gerba, the first Canadian senator of Cameroonian descent and her daughter Habi Gerba, are a dynamic and resilient mother-daughter duo making waves in Canadian politics and entrepreneurship.
Through their achievements, they are raising the bar on what it means to be excellent while contributing to making Canada more inclusive and equitable.
As a woman of colour, Amina faced systemic barriers in the political and entrepreneurial landscape. Despite the obstacles she leveraged her 25 years of business acumen to bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to Parliament where she advocates for the economic development of black entrepreneurs in Canada and champions trade between Canada and African countries.
Her daughter Habi Gerba, serves as President and Designer at Gazelles, a company specializing in the production of high-end clothing and image management for businesswomen. Her efforts in business and advocacy for women in business have garnered her prestigious awards such as the Lieutenant Governor’s Youth Medal and the Black Designer of Canada Award of Excellence.
Adeela Carter & Amoye Henry
The Mavericks
After recognizing a discrepancy in data related to the economic information on Black female-owned businesses in Canada, Adeela and Amoye founded Pitch Better.
Both women are accomplished professionals Adeela serving as Principal at Carter Strategy Group - a media and marketing firm and Amoye Henry as the principal consultant and Advisor at AH Consulting - a boutique consulting firm.
Leveraging their wealth of knowledge and expertise they saw an opportunity to make a meaningful impact and founded Pitch Better Canada. The firm operates as a market research and capacity-building entity that works to bridge the gap between diverse women-led start-ups.
So far Pitch Better has provided $460k in funding to female black businesses, generated 780 Million impressions, and has garnered 25 corporate and institutional partners.
As we honour their journeys during Black History Month, let them serve as a reminder of the resilience, ingenuity, and excellence of Black women everywhere. Their groundbreaking contributions serve as a testament to the potential within each of us to set new standards, raise the bar, and embody excellence in all that we do.
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