EVANGELINE CHIMA

Evangeline Chima is the founder and executive director of Black Mentorship Inc. (BMI) –an organization dedicated to fostering the professional growth and personal expansion of Black professionals through education, mentorship, and skills building. BMI was born from her experiences with systemic racism and bias as a Black professional woman in Canada.

What actions or support would you say are most critical to #inspirechange to realizing representation for black women in leadership?

Representation matters. It allows people to feel seen and validated and encourages those in the minority group, especially, to have a voice. Canada's black population is growing, yet black people continue to be underrepresented in businesses and the corporate workforce. This is especially true for black women, who are the most underrepresented in the Canadian corporate workforce. The higher up the corporate ladder you go, the less representation of Black women there is, and this need to change if we must create an equitable workforce. In the 2016 census, 51.6% of the Black population was comprised of women. This number makes it critical for us to act now. When we don't have black women executives in leadership positions, we invariably say to our future generation that if you are a woman, you can't be a leader. This subtle yet powerful message can shape how our children and teenagers see themselves. So, I say to you, take Courage, be Brave – Speak up. If you enter a room and don't see everyone represented, ask why? That's how we impact the change we want to see and ensure we have black women leaders.

Why is celebrating black history month especially important to you?

Black History Month celebrates the achievements and outstanding contributions of people of African and Caribbean descent worldwide and their determination, successes and leadership. It is a time to educate, inform and correct the narratives about black people – who we are as a community. It is a beautiful time to connect to other black people; it's particularly special to me because it is a time to nod to my fellow black person and say, " sister, brother " I see you!

Tell us about a black woman who inspires you and why?

It is so difficult to name one person who inspires me. However, my mom (Lolo Francisca Anyanwu (Late), is at the top of my list because I honestly attribute all I am to her teachings. Recently my husband noted that no day passes that I don't mention my mom, and I have seen that to be accurate, and you know why? Everything that I know: how to be resilient, a go-getter, bold, be a better mom, wife and human was taught to me by my mom. The other person is Oprah Winfrey. Her authenticity and willingness to share her lived experiences and ability to encourage others to do the same in the hope that their stories can help other people to be better versions of themselves is what I strive to do with my work at Black Mentorship Inc. through mentorship.

EVANGELINE CHIMA - Executive Director Black Mentorship Inc. (BMI) | 2020 Women of Inspiration™ Black Leader Award | blackmentorshipinc.ca