THE PHENOMENAL MELISIZWE BROTHERS TOUR EDMONTON
PROPOSING ALTERNATIVES FOR ALBERTANS
CREATING BETTER OUTCOMES
Tina Thomas
A CONVERSATION
Janis Irwin with the Deputy Premier
Kaycee Madu
FOUNDER/EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
Tee Adeyemo info@lccmediafoundation.ca
BUSINESS DIRECTOR
Tayo Elnathan tayo.elnathan@lccmediafoundation.ca
SENIOR EDITOR
Lorrie Morales
PHOTOGRAPHER
Tope Akindele
EMAIL info@lccmediafoundation.ca
WEBSITE www.ladiescorner.ca
This magazine or parts thereof may not be reproduced in any form, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form by any means - electronic, mechanical, photocopy, recording, or otherwise without prior written permission of the publisher.
Ladies Corner Canada Limited, 228, 5016 4 Avenue T6X 1V3
It has been a fantastic start to 2023. From the euphoria of the New Year to Valentine’s Day, we can begin to enjoy this spring with the many celebrations this month. You will be reading this right about the time women are celebrated worldwide.
We are excited and optimistic like never before about the concept of open doors. Here at the magazine, we need a lot of things such as more visibility for starters and secondly, a marketing manager.
The guru we need as manager will charge on commission only. If you are that person, we hope to hear from you. To solve our visibility problem, you will begin to see more and more of us on your social media channels. Be sure you send us love by liking, sharing and subscribing to our content. On Instagram, we are @Ladiescorner. ca, Twitter @ladiescornerc, and Youtube @ladiescornercanada.
I want to leave you with the door of hope. This is an imaginary, invisible door which is open to everyone. Hope for life, good health and wellness, and the future.
I wish you the courage to open the doors of hope in 2023.
P.S: A shout out to the Edmonton Community for sponsoring the feature of Black immigrant Muslim women in two editions of the Ladies Corner Magazine. To Open Doors
Founder and Editor-in-Chief Ladies Corner Magazine
EPS is hiring the next generation of policing. Visit newEPSrecruits.ca
22. A sit down with Melisizwe Brothers
24. Edmonton City Politics
— Keren Tang
25.
27.
— Janis Irwin
28. Stories of Black Muslim Women in Edmonton
29. The Unbreakable Sisterhood – Black Muslim Women in Edmonton.
Temperatures are colder. Winter doldrums are here. Sunlight hours are shorter. Thankfully, there are solutions for seniors who are facing seasonal melancholy or suffering from SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder). There is also the fact that spring is on its way. Trying these five tips might change your seasonal blues.
The first and foremost tip is communication. It’s easy to sink into the down drums, so to counter those feelings, it’s important to connect with others. Your social calendar is as important as getting up in the morning. Whether it is a phone call to a friend or loved one, a Zoom, Facetime or Skype call on the computer or face-to-face visits, it is important to share life with other humans. I have an elderly friend who lives independently in a senior residence. Once a month, we meet for coffee and share our experiences, laugh together and attempt to solve the world’s problems in the time we spend together. It’s healthy. Playing cards, board games, and sharing meals can also be social outings and get-togethers whether you live in your own home or a senior facility.
Secondly, try expanding your interests and loves. If you enjoy hobbies, then that’s a viable option. Things like knitting, crocheting, cross-stitching or embroidery are creative. Taking up calligraphy or puzzling are also considered healthy activities. Baking can also be a stimulus for creating memories from comfort food as the smells increase dopamine in the brain. Learning new skills, painting
or colouring, and even photography and writing are activities to pursue. At this age, I am investigating taking a few university courses. Did you know that some of them are free for seniors?
Thirdly, in this darker season, the news can be another negative to pull a person down emotionally. Turn the TV off and substitute it for a movie, favorite film, or TV show from the past. Go down memory lane and laugh. Take a break from the news, and if you need to stay up to date, just watch the first ten minutes to get the headlines and then shut the TV off. Speaking of sedentary activities, the next tip is to get moving! There is a temptation to stay inside, curled up and cozy, but mood boosting comes from moving. Even if it’s ten minutes a day or 20-30 minutes three times a week, exercise is beneficial. There are countless studies and statistics to back up those claims. Whether you are dancing, walking, cycling on your stationary bike or rowing on a rowing machine, the blood gets flowing, and energy increases when we move. Depending on your level of fitness will determine what your workout looks like. Lastly, and just as important, is mindfulness or meditation. Many people find relaxing techniques by sitting quietly, doing breathwork, and tuning inward to quiet the mind. Mindfulness can help with chronic pain as well. There are several applications on cell phones, YouTube videos on the computer or iPad to give directions. Listening to soft music, reading or listening to scripture or even playing
soft nature music while looking at photos of nature are also calming. Regardless of which activity you decide to start with, all of these tips are suggestions to get you moving from the winter blues into a more colourful world. Spring is on its way, and that makes us get out and about to enjoy all those things we could not do during the winter months. Unless of course, you are a snowbird!
wow, Spring is almost here, which means as women, we have survived Christmas, Blue Monday, Black History Month, Black Mental Health Week, and soon
International Women’s Day! Phew! The question is: how do we do it?!?!
There are some days or even weeks when I wonder how I manage my self-perceived, peer perceived and actual responsibilities. However, I remember that boundaries are my superpower. Boundaries
are often advertised as how we say “no”, but healthy boundaries are how we say “yes” to ourselves because they create standards on how we are treated and find success. So how, as women, do we say “yes” to ourselves with everything going on in our lives? Thankfully, there are solutions:
Remember, perfection comes in imperfection.
I have stopped counting the times I lost sleep and became frustrated trying to achieve others’ expectations. Your kid’s unique costume? No one will know if you used glue instead of sewing. What is your volunteer board deadline? They will appreciate the transparency when you ask for help or say this was all I could do.
Zumba once a week? A monthly Afro Dance with the Black Canadian Woman in Action? Free Yoga Classes?
I promise you; the world will not end if you do not try the above! You will actually reduce your anxiety, create new relationships, and get some sleep if you do try at least one!
Odion Welch can be reached at OdionWelch.com
5 2
I love Evive smoothies as it helps with my Iron intake and saves prep time.
Delegate, delegate, delegate!:
This looks different for everyone, but what can you or who can you delegate to give you a few extra moments a week/day?
Note: Sleep
1 3 4
Ok, this can sound crazy when the to-do list is never-ending, but that pause will help you attack the list more efficiently. Even 15 minutes will help!!!
eputy Premier Kaycee Madu is excited about the opportunity to work on behalf of Albertans. As we enter 2023, he continues to demonstrate the government’s responsibility to the people of Alberta. “We have challenges to face with cost of living, inflation, and people having difficulty paying their bills.” The goal is to ensure that government rolls out programs and policies to make life affordable for Albertans. Addressing the needs that have been identified to the government is a priority under the leadership of Premier Danielle Smith. The government has rolled out a $2.8-billion-dollar inflation reduction plan that Albertans have well received to help with the cost of living and make life affordable.
Even though some people may not qualify for the $600 that is meant for those hit hardest by inflation, most Albertans will benefit from the lower cost of electricity and the elimination of the 13 cents gas tax. Honourable Madu shares that if you are a driver or a farmer, going to work, or even taking your children to sporting activities, there is something there for you.
with Deputy Premier Kaycee MaduIf you heat your home with natural gas, the government has capped the cost of natural gas to $6.50/GJ.
As well, every gas station in this province is meant to implement the 13-cent gas tax removal, which is factored into the price of the fuel. Even though prices fluctuate from station to station, businesses must follow the mandate. The government treasury is assuming that tax on behalf of Albertans. Albertans are the owners of their resources and provincial wealth and have one of the strongest economies in this country. Honourable Madu states, “we are blessed to have a balanced budget.” And because of that, the government is able to subsidize it for Albertans.
Regardless of cynicism, the provincial government is confronting the challenges of today. For many Albertans, the cost of living has become unbearable. The government has heard that there are rising living costs across the board. Some cynics suggest the government is providing these incentives because of elections coming in four months. Madu reiterates that the “government has stepped forward to help.”
The government has also recently acted in response to rising insurance premiums. The new policy states that there will now be no increases in insurance premiums for the next year. Insurance companies agree with this recent change, and there will be payment plan on outstanding premiums. The government has a role in ensuring Albertans are not being charged unfairly in terms of premiums. The Minister of Finance and the President of the Treasury Board, and in some cases the Minister of Service Alberts, have responsibilities to investigate unfair consumer insurance practices. The government has stressed the need for insurers to consider insured good driving records, history of accidents and infractions to lower insurance premiums and ensure they are affordable for Albertans.
The province governs on behalf of Albertans, and even though homelessness affects people at the municipal level the most, municipal governance falls under the responsibility of the mayor and council. There is a wide range of factors that impact homelessness. When the present government came into office in October
2022, “we made a historic investment of $197 million to help tackle homelessness, drug addictions and disorder and safety issues in Edmonton,” Honourable Madu shares. All levels of government wish to solve this problem, but the root causes still need to be addressed to make progress. Just building houses will not solve the problems of poverty, addiction, and drugs. The present government is looking at a continuum of care. By building addiction centres where people can access facilities for mental health support and assisting the homeless across the province, the government is providing support across the system. The current ministers continue working on this incentive, and monies have been earmarked for this project. There is a committee comprised of city councillors, Ministers of Public Safety, Mental Health and Addictions, Housing, Community and Social Services, Edmonton Police Services, and the business community of the downtown core who are meeting to devise a plan to address and resolve this problem effectively.
The media’s work in our communities is essential, according to Honourable Madu. Whatever support the government can provide is available through grants, the Minister of Culture, or the Communication department working with ethnic media ensuring they have
the resources they need through policies and programs. Because ethnic media is competing with Mainstream Media in terms of finances and exposure, the government will make sure that the support is there.
February is Black History Month.
Honourable Madu believes that the Black community is resilient. “My hope is that the Black community binds together … to make progress.”
Honourable Madu is evidence of that by being the first Black person to serve as Deputy Premier in Canadian history. There are many reasons to celebrate the contributions made by Blacks. “We have all kinds of celebrations,” Honourable Madu reminds us. Still, Black History Month gives Blacks an opportunity to highlight some of their contributions to this province as well as the difficulties many Blacks face. By knocking down some of the obstacles and barriers, it helps all cultures and ethnicities.
Being in Honourable Madu’s position requires responsibility and accountability. He is proud to represent Albertans and even though he is from the Black community, he works for the good of all Albertans in our province. He is grateful for the privilege to be the first Black Deputy Premier and looks forward to what more the Black community can accomplish.
As the former Minister of Justice and Solicitor General of Alberta, and Labour and Immigration, Honourable Madu has raised the problem of the immigrant English as a second language requirement. It is also problematic that the test expires every year. He hopes this requirement can be abandoned when it is not necessarily required at the provincial and federal government levels. Newcomers have a high chance of success when there are strong family connections in Alberta. That’s why the Minister of Trades, Immigration and Multiculturalism implement a change to the Alberta Advantage Immigration Pro-
gram that will help new applicants become more successful with their applications.
On his re-election bid in Edmonton-Southwest, Honourable Madu has faith that South-west constituents will vote him back into office. He has been a competent representative and an effective, committed cabinet minister on their behalf. First, schools have been and are being built where there is a need, and secondly, infrastructure such as roads are being addressed. The widening of Anthony Henday and the $120 million dollars in provincial capital funding for the widening of Terwillegar Drive all the way to Windermere Boulevard are going on as we speak. These are indicative of the work being accomplished for the southwest. Minister Madu also secured $699,000 in grant funding for the building of the Cameron Heights Community Centre. The Deputy Premier has plans for three more schools in the community and the building of another community and library centre for the greater Windermere community.
In his spare time, Honourable Madu enjoys reading a variety of books, mostly on history and strategic military studies, and spending time with his family, especially his children. The Deputy Premier concludes by saying that he is optimistic about the future of our province and that its best days are still ahead.
LCCMedia was delighted to get some extended time with Honourable Madu recently. This conversation is the transcript of a media chat you can find on our Youtube channel.
Preheat oven to 325-350 Makes 24 Cupcakes or 2”x9” cakes
Flour 325 Grams - (325 grams = 1 3/8 cups)
Sugar 411 G - (411 grams = 1 3/4 cups)
Cocoa 85 G - (85 grams = 3/8 cups)
Baking Powder 8 G - (8 grams = 2 Tsp)
Salt 14 G - (14 grams = 1 Tbsp)
Place Dry ingredients in a mixer and dry mix for two minutes.
Add your wet ingredients.
Eggs 2
Whole Milk 1 Cup Oil 1/2 C
Vanilla 1/2 Tbsp
Boiling water 1 C
Mix ingredients until incorporated as this is a very wet batter.
Be sure to scrape your bowl!
Prep your pans with cupcake liners or line your cake pans with parchment paper. Spray with pam spray.
Bake until the toothpick comes out clean in the middle of your cake.
Cupcakes 16-20 min Cakes 35-40 min
Serve and enjoy.
Recipe from https://ninetyfour.ca/ 94 Take the Cake Bakery Inc from Okotoks, AB
We will establish an anti-racism office and a commissioner to help identify and address racial inequalities.
We will pass legislation focused on anti-racism and race-based data collection.
We met Tina Thomas for the first time at an event in 2022. We spent some time during the photo shoot, and we got to know the Executive Director of the Edmonton Community Foundation. She is a warm and kind person who has a lot of insight and wisdom into the nature of things.
The interview you are about to read will inspire and motivate you to keep pushing toward your dreams, whatever they may be. We wanted to preserve the authenticity of her words, so we kept them as she sent them to us.
Tell us a little bit about yourself and your educational background.
I am a second-generation Canadian. My parents immigrated to Canada in the 1960s, and I was born in Peace River, Alberta, where my dad was a corrections officer, and my mom was a nurse in the hospital. We then spent a short time in Calgary after my dad got a promotion and finally settled in Edmonton, where I lived from the time I was five to 21 years old.
I grew up in Mill Woods and was there when the neighbourhood and community were developing. Growing up there was an excellent experience for me. It was such a mix of cultures and people even back then. My friends were multi-generational “Canadian” but also Trinidadian, Korean, Polish, Ukrainian, Croatian, Chilean, Filipino and other nationalities. I am generally comfortable with people from all backgrounds because that’s always been normal.
After high school, I went to the University of Alberta and studied business with a focus on International Business and Marketing. I went to England in my third year to study International Business and joined the coop program when I returned. I am sure the only reason I got a job when I graduated – despite only having a general Commerce degree – was because of these experiences.
After graduating from the University of Alberta, I got a job in Ottawa working with Canadian telecom giant Nortel. It was a fantastic experience for me, working for a large multinational at their international headquarters. Their philosophy was to support employee learning and development by encourag-
ing people to try new things and move throughout the organization, so I took that philosophy to heart, changing jobs, departments, and divisions every two to three years. Over my 13 years there, I had the chance to work in most areas of marketing and business, from managing the production of an international magazine to working on events for Fortune 50 CEOs, to leading an analytics team and influencing marketing analysts on our market position, to developing the business case and marketing strategy for several industry segments such as hospitality and healthcare.
During my time there, I also completed my Executive MBA from Queen’s University as well as my Certified Management Accountant designation.
After living in Ottawa for 11 years, I had my first child and decided to move home to Edmonton. I continued to work for Nortel remotely for three more years before deciding it was time to leave in 2009. Shortly after leaving Nortel, I started at the Edmonton Public Library as the Director of Marketing, Communications and Fund Development. When I started, EPL’s approach to marketing was siloed. The department played two roles – order taking for print needs from branches and leading initiatives that weren’t aligned with the business goals of the organization. Looking back, I can’t believe how much I tackled in under a year – I restructured the group, hired staff with marketing expertise, implemented a marketing consultant model and started the process of updating the library’s mission and values to inform a complete rebranding that launched less than a year later! After seven years as
the director, I took a new role as the Executive Director of Strategy and Innovation, adding research and assessment, technology services, digital services and library services to my portfolio. After a couple of years, I took on the role of Executive Director of Customer Experience, dropping technology but picking up all the library branches. During this time, I also completed my Masters of Library Science at the University of Alabama – adding academic knowledge to my years of experience in public libraries. I really had the opportunity to participate in all areas of library service in the city.
At EPL, the opportunities to innovate, experiment and grow services that Edmontonians needed and wanted were abundant. I was able to lead fabulous pure marketing initiatives, develop EPL’s smart, clever and cheeky brand voice, celebrate EPL’s 100th birthday through a year of activities across the city, lead community consultation for the downtown library, create the Forward Thinking Speaker Series, redesign services for adults, grow fundraising culminating in $18 million raised for the downtown library revitalization, lead the service design for the revitalized Stanley A. Milner Library, create and implement a virtual open house, design and build a teaching kitchen, launch an NFT book and so much more.
Throughout my career, I have worked with and for exceptional female leaders. I was very fortunate to work with and for strong, smart female leaders at EPL – Pilar Martinez, Joanne Griener and Linda Cook – who were deeply committed to my growth and development. From the beginning, each trusted my expertise and ideas
and empowered me to partner with them to help implement the changes that would transform the perception and use of Edmonton’s Public Library and turn it into one of the most innovative libraries in North America.
How did you feel back in August 2022 when it was announced that you were now the CEO of ECF?
Nervous and excited. It’s only been just under five months, so I am still equally nervous and excited! I was with EPL for 13 years and hadn’t really thought about
leaving. But I knew the opportunity was tremendous – to lead an organization that does so much good work in the community and is viewed positively as both a collaborator and supporter. After 13 years, I also had deep and intimate knowledge of EPL, our services and the needs, so it’s hard to go to a position where you are starting over in many ways. But talking with former CEO Martin Garber Conrad early in the process, read-
ing the job profile, and having excellent conversations with the Board as part of the recruitment, made me believe that my skills and experiences could help Edmonton Community Foundation with its next chapter.
Who were your heroes? Who are your heroes?
of the past in Edmonton’s workplace? While I have certainly experienced overt and subtle racism personally and professionally, my own experience is that being a woman is often the more challenging thing to overcome. For example, I have experienced the gender pay gap both in direct comparison to men doing the same job as myself as well as working in a feminized sector.
ed at a lower rate.
Tell us about your personal work ethic.
Similarly, my dad left a very good government job in India to start over in Canada, first working stocking shelves at Woodward’s and then working his way up from a correctional officer to the first person of colour to be the Director of an Alberta Correctional Institution and the founding Director of the Solicitor General Court and Prisoner Security Division. On top of being hardworking and dedicated, they also modelled generosity and community-mindedness in every way. They helped build the first Indian Orthodox Church here in Canada. They also donated to important local and national charities. My mom was a regular volunteer at my school; my dad was a lifelong volunteer for numerous organizations. They were thrifty when spending on things for themselves or us, but generous with people in need. They prioritized travel over possessions. With parents like this, who else could be my heroes?
As an Asian woman, would you agree that hard work trumps sexism or that sexism is a thing
When I worked in telecommunications – a sector with a large proportion of people of color but very few women – my salary was the lowest in my department - Twice! Only because a female leader knew and advocated for me was my salary raised the first time (a $30K increase in one period), and only after I found out and left a job to take another did it change the second time. Salary has never been my primary motivator, and I believe some studies show women complain less about their salary and negotiate less. That was true for me. But salary is undoubtedly a demotivator when you are performing at the top and find out your pay is not on par with people performing much worse. I think this happens to women more than men.
Similarly, if I look at the responsibilities, reach and impact of organizations like the public library and then at the pay provided for that work, it is much lower than similar public or non-profit organizations, let alone the private sector. Like teaching, nursing, and other more feminized professions, I think the root of this is believing that work primarily done by women is “less” and can be compensat-
There are a couple of things I firmly believe. First, motivation must come from within. I am entirely self-motivated. I am a reflection of my work and, as such, will do what I need to do to make sure it represents me. I have never needed a supervisor to challenge or pull me along. Similarly, I see my job as a leader is to create opportunities for people, take barriers away, be open to ideas, give feedback and support people where they need it. It’s not to motivate them. I want to reduce the things that will demotivate, but motivation must come from within.
Second, I believe in the value of conscious disagreement. My views were formed while doing my MBA at Queens. Individuals were given a personality test at the start of the program and teams were created to maximize diversity. The best results come when people with different perspectives work on something together and challenge each other to think differently. This also maximized the potential for conflict. The teams that could best navigate disagreement and differences had the strongest results. More recently, as part of the Roy Groups Leadership Discipline, I was struck by the learning that it’s better to be helpful than nice. That is, people don’t want a cheerleader; they want a coach. They want honest feedback to help them get better. I don’t want anyone to blindly agree with me and I don’t want to do that for others. Our job as a team working together is to review each others’ ideas and work and challenge each other to make it better. It’s not about finding flaws but creat-
“I am the product of immigrants. My mother came in her late 20s, leaving her family, culture and language behind to start a new life all on her own. She saw early on that education would give her opportunities, and she became a nurse because she knew she wanted to be independent.”
'I think sexism, like racism, will take generations to overcome.”
ing a better outcome.
Finally, I have always been open to opportunities. I have never had a five-year, let alone a one-year plan. Instead, I have been open to opportunities and examined them as they have come along. This allowed me to change positions, departments, and technologies while at Nortel so that when I finally left, I had a very broad base
and take strong steps forward. My perspective on “how” is likely different from some common voices being heard today.
“For example, I am very conscious of practices and language that position women or people of colour in deficit. While it may be well-intended, the outcome is the same as overt racism or sexism – it implies that women or people of colour are “less than” and, without help, will not succeed. Instead of thinking of what we do for women, new immigrants or people of colour in isolation, I want to think about how to rethink/shape systems and processes so that we reduce” barriers for everyone.”
I don’t think we are there yet. I think the world is better because of women and many issues will be resolved and opportunities realized with more women in leadership and positions of influence. This is because the best work comes when diverse views and experiences are represented. But I do think women are still at the bottom of every issue.
of skills. That base helped me secure a job in the public sector. I would have never dreamt of working in the public library but being open to that allowed me to expand my experiences, enter a new industry and eventually move into an executive leadership role. I was comfortable at EPL and could have happily stayed there, but being open to change allowed me to move into a CEO role with another vital city institution.
ECF is apolitical - is there a future for you in politics?
Not a chance.
In terms of supporting diversity, would you say community foundations like ECF are doing just fine?
Is anyone doing just fine? Of course, every organization can do more – some more than others –and I am confident ECF will continue to be a leader in our approach
Similarly, I want to see ECF and organizations like ours continue to support organizations and issues led by and for groups that have traditionally had fewer opportunities, like women and people of colour. At the same time, I also want to diversify our donor base so that the people championing and supporting the many important causes in our city, better reflect the community we live in and serve.
What books are you reading right now?
I just finished Atomic Habits by James Clear and Dear Edward by Ann Napolitano. I just started The Girl You Left Behind by Jojo Moyes and The Girl Who Drank the Moon by Kelly Barnhill.
The female BIPOC voice is still yet to peak in this city, does this keep you up at night? It doesn’t keep me up at night, but as a mother of two beautiful brown girls and aunt to many more, I do continually think about how I am contributing to changing this.
I read an article where Ava DuVernay spoke about how she was able to give many people – women and people of color for example – important roles working in film when she had the chance to direct Selma. She was able to do that because her circle of knowledge and acquaintances was very different from people who typically direct films. I think sometimes the limitations and barriers people face are not purposefully racism or sexism or anything else, but instead a reflection of how our own personal perspectives and knowledge influence the decisions we make. I think that’s one of the main reasons why women, and women of color in leadership positions, is an important step in building true diversity. We will come, and we will bring other people to the table who are equally, or more, qualified.
“Shattering the glass ceilings” is a popular term, what “glass ceilings” would your tenure be known for?
Every group I have led has tended to eventually have more women and more women of color represented. At one point the communications team at EPL was Indian, Filipino, Ecuadorian, Portuguese/ Indian and Vietnamese women. This isn’t a purposeful strategy –
anyone who I have worked for or with, knows I have very high standards and expect a lot from my teams. I hired them because they were the strongest people for the jobs. I think women and people of color are more likely to apply for jobs when they see someone like me in a leadership role. I also think I have taken an active role in encouraging and supporting women and women of color around me – because I believe in them and because so many people have similarly supported me.
I remember there was an opening for a manager role at EPL and a woman of color, who was one of the senior staff, did not apply. I reached out to her and asked her why. Her answer was that she thought she needed more time to develop all the skills needed for the role. I told her that while there were certainly things she would learn, she was ready for the job. I also asked her if she thought any man with her background and experience would hold themselves back based on the limitations she saw? She thought about it, applied, and successfully won the competition; not because she was a woman or a woman of color, but because she was the most qualified person, and she just needed the encouragement to go for it. Am I going to go out of my way to encourage, support and challenge women to take risks, try things and have more confidence themselves? Absolutely.
Like most women, I always have that voice inside my head telling me someone is better, or I am going to fail. Thankfully I have had colleagues, leaders and supporters who helped dampen that voice and pushed me to move forward. I hope I can continue to do that for others.
I exercise regularly, walk, bike, hangout with friends, watch TV, read – many of the things that most people do.
The Prime Minister of New Zealand resigned - can women have it all?
I think everyone can “have it all” but you likely can’t have it all at the same time. Years ago, I read a great article with a similar title – Why Women Can’t Have it All – by Anne Marie Slaughter who worked in the Obama White House as a director in policy planning. At the time my daughters were young and I was working long hours at EPL. I resonated with much of what it said, which was basically that working women feel guilty about struggling to manage a job and being present for their children, while moms who stay at home feel guilty about not using their education and skills to their fullest capacity.
While I felt (and still feel) guilty about the things I missed out on, I also understood the importance
and need for female role models of working women using our education and experiences. I can’t complain about women having fewer opportunities, help change the problems women face, or model the examples I want my daughters, nieces and nephews to see, if I am not participating myself.
Is your job everything?
No. Of course not! I love working because it is a great intellectual outlet. I am creative, analytical, curious, and hardworking. Work allows me to do something with that energy. But I am sure I would find ways to expend that energy even if it wasn’t at work. (Whenever I say this, my friends and family roll their eyes.) I was just as passionate about the value of metro fiber optic networks as I was about book programs for babies, as I now am about the value of endowments to help transform the non-profit sector. I will be passionate about whatever I do, or perhaps I wouldn’t do something if I couldn’t be passionate about it!
Do you still like dark chocolate? Forever.
While the article made me depressed, it did help me see that so many of us fight with the same struggles and no matter what decision we make, we feel like we made the wrong choice. In my situation, my husband had a lot more flexibility to spend time with my kids when they were young.
The Health and Fitness Industry is booming. The Fitness industry has evolved significantly in the last couple of years. There is a major emphasis on at-home and virtual workouts. So, if you are a fitness professional, there are plenty of opportunities for you to start your business. In this article, I will share some fitness businesses you can start today.
A personal trainer helps clients reach their personal fitness goals. The interesting thing is that you can start a personal training business in-person or online and you can charge a one-time fee for sessions or have a subscription package. Also, as a personal trainer, you can offer various workout options or focus on a specific area like strength training.
Health coaches work individually with clients, focusing on fitness and other areas like healthy eating. As a health coach, you can interact with people virtually or in person and charge a one-time or ongoing subscription fee. You can also provide multiple levels of services.
Fitness Studio
Fitness studios may offer some
equipment and instructions, but they are usually known for providing group classes. If you are interested in this business, you will need a dedicated space, but it is usually smaller and includes less heavy equipment than full gyms.
Health Club Business
A Health Club allows members to use their gym equipment and facilities in exchange for a monthly fee. This requires a dedicated space and specialized equipment. But you can earn a steady monthly income if you can get enough members.
Dance can be a fun way to get more movement. So, you can start a studio to offer classes for people of all ages or focus on a specific niche, from ballroom dancing to gymnastics.
As a blogger, you can offer tips and online workouts that others can do on their own time. This can be done remotely, so you don’t need your own facility or have lots of upfront costs. However, you will need your own website. In addition, you may need to have social media accounts and this may help you
Yoga Studio
Yoga studios offer classes specifically for this niche audience. You may focus most on actual movement and/or the meditative and spiritual elements. This same concept can also be applied to other specific niches like pilates, barre, or cycling.
Fitness influencers may post workouts and tips on social media, working with relevant brands to provide the sponsored content. If you like sharing health and fitness tips, this is definitely one of the top fitness businesses you can start today. As a fitness influencer, you can create content on platforms like YouTube, and this offers the opportunity to earn ad-sharing income.
Pop-up training events may include outdoor boot camps at a local park or special training sessions at local gyms. You can charge a small admission for each event instead of getting your own dedicated space.
As a Workplace Wellness instructor, you can partner with companies to offer workout classes and instruction. You may interact via live streaming or visit teams in person. Many of these entrepreneurs also dive into other areas of well-being like offering meal kits or meditation demonstrations.
Article supplied by Oluwatosin Emmanuel, FounderAfricaExtended.ca
LCCMedia was delighted to spend some time with Mark James. Mark is the dad and manager of the boy band - the Melisizwe Brothers. We had been looking for them for a while and we were glad when the opportunity finally came.
Marc, Seth and Zacary James - are Canadian brothers with musical talent and a worldwide fan base. When they began their group in 2016, – the Melisizwe (pronounced Mel – Li – Seize – Way) were in their early teens. These “leaders of the future” have kept their love of music by releasing a song a month.
Their father, Mark, shares that there was no plan seven years ago. He and his wife had full-time jobs and “kids were just kids going to school.” When
their music took off, that was by surprise. They committed as parents to have the boys pursue their music and have seen progress.
“Normal is relative to your lifestyle,” according to dad. The boys started homeschooling about six years ago because of extensive travel and filming which is done during the school year. The boys have become independent learners and maintained above-average marks.
“Music takes a lot of discipline,” Mark states. The boys have been mentally pushed in terms of learning instruments, reading music and remembering lines and are bright, competent students who are eager to learn. Marc will be attending Berkeley
Scoring a record contract in the music industry with “Republic Records” has not changed the fact that the family still lives in Edmonton, something the parents chose intentionally. Mark and his wife were born in the Caribbean and as immigrants, feel being grounded is important so their boys will have a long career in music and could impact their peers. The boys try to get into the community as much as they can. One of the group’s strengths is that they are brothers. Even though Zach has the option of going “solo,” they agree staying together will give them more success. It also gives hope to fans when they see the three
School of Music.“
brothers singing together.
The core value system of the boys includes community and taking control of their lives and futures. “Being a great human being and making an impact on the world,” is what is instilled in their sons. “It’s not just about music.” The Gold Mind Program was created with its center around collecting instruments and giving them to people to start on their musical journey, which is how the boys began.
They also do camps in St. Vincent and Canada. “The goal is gifting.”
February is Black History Month, and the brothers are continuing to do concerts. In June, they will be doing their own show at the Winspear Centre in
Edmonton, Alberta. After moving to the city in 2015, this is an honour to be performing there. The Black History school tour is for Edmonton Public Schools and they are excited to be able to visit several schools.
With over 33 million views on YouTube, the boys remain humble and work very hard on their mu-
sic. The plan is for Seth and Zach to finish high school. They have a wonderful relationship with their record label and their parents, who continue to equip their children to pursue their dreams and become models for other young men in the community.
The Melisizwe Brothers will be at the Winspear Centre June 23rd, 2023 Get your tickets: www. winspearcentreevents. com
Being a great human being and making an impact on the world
Women are powerful agents of change, caretakers, and leaders in our communities, and Keren Tang is one of those women. Keren is a public health advocate, community organizer, city builder and mom. She merges her background in public health advocacy, community development and organization, human-centered design and social determinants of health. A Top 40 Under 40, Keren has also served on the boards of the Edmonton Community Foundation, the North Saskatchewan River Valley Conservation Society, ASSIST Community Services Centre and the Edmonton Multicultural Coalition. This past year, with accomplishments in passing the budget and prioritizing climate action and housing, Keren is most proud of the Community-based Budgeting project in the Karhiio community. Looking ahead to 2023, Keren believes it is important to celebrate women because their perspectives, thoughts and experiences enrich the political landscape by making legislation, policies, programs, and services address many needs. Because Edmonton has such a diverse council, she is honoured to be part of it as one of the first visible minority women to be elected to the City Council in Edmonton’s history. She also believes that the council is on the right path to bring the community together to improve equity, end poverty, eliminate racism and make clear progress toward Truth and Reconciliation. Women play an integral role in creating momentum for this necessary change. While anti-racism and gender equality work is progressing, taking a holistic approach across policies will be slow to implement all recommendations. When Keren campaigned for her po-
from 2022 with our Karhiio team, continuing to build connections with residents and businesses in the ward, and achieving more goals from the platform that I ran on.
sition, she made commitments to her community. She provided updates at www.kerentang.ca/platform. Milestones she is incredibly proud of from her work on Council include funding climate action in the 20232026 plan, passing the Hate Symbols Ban and securing funding for local amenities like Ivor Dent Park. In the Karhiio community, Keren’s office has stimulated conversations about the Edmonton Research Park as part of the City of Edmonton’s Economic Development Strategy, highlighting how suburban communities can be instruments of 15-minute neighbourhoods and connecting with the local business community. Keren is also proud of the Community-based Budgeting work that Councillor Knack’s team and the Karhiio team partnered with, which facilitated a process that invited residents in those wards to bring ideas to improve those communities.
Keren’s priorities continue to be community, economy and climate. She feels it is “critically important that we
have vibrant and inclusive neighbourhoods and a strong, diverse local economy while we continue to look for local solutions to climate change.”
Keren balances her roles as mother, wife and councilor effectively by having family meetings. Everyone in the household sets priorities. Planning well in advance with her spouse ensures that there are resources and support in place that she can lean on when she needs to. Because her Karhiio team values self-care and community care, she also balances her various responsibilities through scheduling, reminders and check-ins. Keren has overcome many challenges by forming connections and surrounding herself with great people. Her favourite quote at the moment exemplifies this: If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together. When she is alone, she plans on reading People of the Book by Geraldine Brooks, but her positive mental health is spending time with her family in the mountains. Overall, Keren will be effective in her role as an agent of change in her community.
I am looking forward to building on the momentum and lessons learned
Above all, I look forward to spending more time with my family.
MLA Janis Irwinis a popular Alberta NDP politician. She is the MLA for Edmonton-Highlands-Norwood and the Women and LGBTQ2S+ Issues Critic. As busy as she is, we are deeply grateful to her for making the time to chat with us. The sun was out, and the temperature was just right as we chatted over Zoom. But it was probably freezing as she was walking in a park whilst taking our questions!
MLA Janis Irwin is looking forward to the fact that 2023 is an election year. As an NDP opposition member and given the honour of being “the best Alberta MLA,” Irwin states that she is surrounded by a supportive team who want to change things in 2023.
Irwin believes the NDP has been an effective, credible opposition. Alleviating the crisis in healthcare is key.
Irwin is passionate about many issues, and education is one. As a former teacher in rural Alberta and someone who worked in curriculum with Alberta Education, she saw the importance of building
an inclusive, student-centred, modern curriculum. One of the initiatives the NDP has committed to address is the gaps in the curriculum. Irwin states, “that newcomer student, that Black student, that Indigenous student need to see themselves reflected in curriculum.” The focus would be rewriting the curriculum and going back to the drafts that the NDP created in 2018.
Recruiting more Black and Indigenous teachers is certainly something that Irwin knows is important. Because Irwin has been in many schools in her role as MLA, she understands that not all students see themselves in the teaching profession. The Black Teachers Association is raising awareness,
but getting post-secondary schools on board is also essential. As for LGBTQ2S+ communities, all students need to feel represented and supported.
Irwin has had conversations with labour unions regarding gender equality, which has not been achieved in Alberta. The NDP ensured that there was a stand-alone Status of Women Ministry responsible for policies and legislation to advance gender equality.
Irwin represents Edmonton-Highlands-Norwood which has many inner-city neighbourhoods with people “struggling with poverty, people who don’t have housing… people that are struggling with food security, and the list goes on.” Many of those people are struggling with mental health and addictions. These are the
It’s easy to be critical and say what’s wrong with the government, but you also have to propose alternatives.
things impacting the people that she represents in her communities. If the NDP forms the government, Irwin hopes these issues will be a priority to address.
The NDP has done well with the economy in the past. With a resource-based economy in Alberta, revenues are heavily impacted by the price of oil. Irwin states that huge progress was made with the NDP, with child poverty cut in half. If the government invests in programs now, there will be huge benefits for the future.
Getting outdoors for fresh air and sun is what works for Irwin’s mental health. She immerses herself in news stories and legislation and feels guilty about not reading for pleasure.
The path for the NDP to winning the next election is not clear, but the party is working on a clear platform. She has been busy knocking on doors all over the province. The key issues are around healthcare, education and jobs in the economy and affordability as well. It is about connecting with Albertans, engaging
voters at the doorsteps, on the phones, at community events, hearing from and listening to them and asking them what they want to see for a better Alberta.
The poll that matters is the one on election day in May.
Sharif Haji
Janis Irwin
Rachel Notley Rakhi Pancholi
Damilola is the founder of Brown Skin Naturals, which makes natural, safe products for hair and a few products for the skin. Black hair is beautiful, but the shampoo and oils are beneficial for all types of hair – from kinky and relaxed hair to Caucasian hair.
Damilola’s experience with her mother’s alopecia allowed her to discover the necessary oils to cure her mother’s condition through research and training. During the pandemic, Damilola had time to take courses, gain knowledge and collect resources to find the right combination of ingredients and create a natural, effective formula, not only for personal care but for her business as well.
Damilola focused on safety and natural ingredients when making the products she gave to her mother. “We saw a drastic change, and she was able to start growing her hair back.” They took photos of each stage of the process to document the success.
The active ingredient for curing Damilola’s mother’s alopecia was onion oil. For those clients who are averse to the smell, they use the onion oil as a base and then wash it off.
Damilola offers simple steps for hair care to women. First, determine what kind of hair you have. Is it kinky or relaxed? Knowing what type of products to use is also essential. Low-porosity hair does not absorb products very quickly, so visiting a salon or steaming your hair at home is good hair maintenance for keeping hair soft and preventing breakage. The spray bottle is essential for keeping hair moist. Light hair oils
such as peppermint, Tea Tree, or natural oils on your scalp or hair are beneficial. Protective hairstyles such as braids for this time of the year is also a good idea, but ensure the tension on the braids is not too tight for the scalp.
The LCO method (liquid, cream and oil mixture) and the LOC (liquid, oil and cream), are techniques that help maintain hair. The liquid is the water which could be from the spray bottle. The oil is the hair oil, and the cream is your butter or conditioner. Using the kind of products that suit your hair porosity is like finding a pair of shoes. Anywhere the climate is humid, dry or cold, one needs to keep the hair moisturized weekly. Other protection for the hair would be wearing satin bonnets or using silk pillowcases at night. Discovering tools, techniques and products that enhance hair care, are ideas Damilola has explored.
When dealing with children’s hair, the same porosity test used with adults can be used with children and “the steamer works wonders” to help moisturize and soften. Protective styles such as cornrows and products like Detanglers are also effective. On wash days, the hair can be broken down into more manageable pieces using a wide-toothed comb. Using the LOC or LCO method every two to three weeks is fine, and a scalp
massager can also be beneficial. Damilola also has a few “don’ts,” such as the use of rubber bands and tight extensions.
Damilola’s products are organic and available in stores in Edmonton and Calgary. As proprietor of Brown Skin Store, Damilola has hair and skin products available. Visit her website at www.brownskinstore.com for more information.
Damilola AdedejiWhy did you start your business?
I started my business so I could support my fellow black queens and stop people from using any chemicals and use 100% natural chemical free creams on their faces.
How is business?
My business right now is very good although I just moved from my shop because it wasn’t a very good place to continue. Maybe one day I will open a bigger store where I can sell all my products.
What challenges do you face trading on 118 Ave?
My business was not going so well on 118th because of how everyone sells similar stuff and it isn’t safe there.
How do you market your shop?
All through social media and my friends share with their family and other friends and people from different cultures all come to my shop, so it’s good.
As an immigrant Black woman, what are you most proud of?
I am so proud that I want to be a great role model for all my Muslim women and all my immigrant mothers who have hardship with starting their business. I hope they continue to strive to do their best.
What are the challenges of trading?
LCCMEDIA was the recipient of a four story feature sponsored by the Edmonton Community Foundation. We wanted to share the unique stories of our Black Muslim sisters
Ayan Diamond has her shop located at 8648 118 Avenue. She sells accessories, bags and other treasures. LCC MEDIA caught up with her.
Tell us a little about yourself.
My name is Ayan Diamond. I’m a professional business woman. I love to talk about my business on my social media platform and influence others about my business.
It’s not the safest place but honestly it’s good for business in the summer but the area is not safe especially when I sell good quality products so I don’t think my store was safe but other than that, it’s nice in the summer.
Find out more about Ayan Instagram - Diamond Beauty Facebook - Ayan Diamond
Sponsored feature by the Edmonton Community Foundation
SSiciida, Sumaya and Sagal, three Black Muslim women, are members of a larger group of women who came together to create spaces for Muslim sisters to connect. The Unbreakable Sisterhood started this past summer in 2022. Because community is something emphasized in their faith, they have been working on creating programming that advances Islamic education, promotes physical wellness, and provides opportunities for sports, as well as socializing and recreation. Participants who come to the various events range in age from teenagers to mothers of teens from many diverse cultures. Unbreakable Sisterhood is based throughout the city of Edmonton. Programs run from Sheikh Ali Sufi Islamic Centre and Omar Bin Khattab mosque on the south side to basketball gym on the north side. The kindness of the community members allows for these opportunities. They are trying to gain momentum by creating programs and reaching out to the community, and “testing out different things right now.”
What led to the creation of this group was the girls’ community involvement and a revival of that spirit inspired by a Toronto group visit. Realizing a need, they took it upon themselves to give back to the community. The group has used word of mouth and Instagram as their public platform. They also have a marketing team and a newsletter to share information with the community. There are Mommy groups, book clubs, both online and in person, and a WhatsApp chat with about 200 Edmonton girls in it.
Even though the organization is open to all women, programming is done with MUSLIM women in mind. There are certain institutions in Edmonton where women have felt hostility or unwelcome with the space. A recent CBC article demonstrates that these sentiments against Islamic men and women run true. Since its inception, the Sisterhood has tried to create welcoming spaces for all types of Muslims. Women from all ethnic communities come out to events.
Sagal Aw-Jama, one of the organizers and mother, aims to bring her children to safe spaces. Many different ethnic communities practice Islam. The group comprises educators, nurses, therapists, and a wide variety of professionals. “Our society today is focused on appearance and beauty,” so getting to know someone with a hijab is getting past that appearance and covering. It is about treating people with respect and the values “our faith teaches us.” Siciida wears her hijab with pride and knows it is an identifier to help her treat others with kindness. Sumaya says her hijab is a “public declaration of her faith.”
Our society today is focused on appearance and beauty, so getting to know someone with a hijab is getting past that appearance and covering. It is about treating people with respect and the values our faith teaches us
Sagal is part of the “Mommy and Me,” which was started because there are many spaces that do not accommodate mothers and small children. Volunteers come to take care of the children while mothers are in sessions. Each month a different topic related to women’s health is covered.
Siciida is finishing up her hours to be a licensed mental health worker. Developing a community of young Muslim university girls interested in mental health and psychology is forthcoming. Mental health is considered for all events and programming for social, physical, mental, and emotional health.
Sagal, Siciida and Sumaya, members of the unbreakable sisterhood, “are very appreciative of the local community, and Edmonton has taken strides to support our initiatives” by providing space, assisting others, and supporting the events. Unbreakable Sisterhood would not be what it was without all the support. These young women are sisters of faith who are making a difference in their communities and the world.
Instagram: Unbreakable Sisterhood
Left to right: Fartun, Siciida, Ebla, Sagal, Sumaya.
Funding from Edmonton Community Foundation supports t he Edmonton Artists’ Trust Fund and provides t he means for our city’s creative community to grow its cultural roots. As gifts expressing respect and recognition, Andrea Bellegarde-Courchene’s star blankets wrap the recipient in the rich past and bold promise of the Indigenous culture.
Donations to ECF inspire hope, create opportunity and enhance the Edmonton lifestyle. We work with our donors to give, grow and transform. ecfoundation.org helps Edmonton shine.
