Growing up, Asha James (BFA ’18) always had a deep interest in the arts, but it wasn’t until she joined musicals in high school that she would discover that the stage was where she felt most at home. As Asha entered the acting industry, she was determined to find stories and cast members that reflected her community. It was this desire that would lead her to land a role in Obsidian Theatre’s FLEX, a project that would shape her career. 

“I did a general audition for Obsidian before FLEX and they asked me what I was interested in, and I said I really want to work with Black people on a Black show,” says Asha. “Being able to book that and work on a Black show with an all-Black cast of amazing human beings was just such a great experience for me.” 

Taking on this role would mark a pivotal moment in Asha’s career as it would lead to winning her first Dora award, Canada’s most prestigious celebration of excellence on Toronto stages. 

“I had a summer gig when I was at York as a waterfront singing ambassador and we were invited to sing outside of the Doras,” says Asha. “So, to go from that to now being inside the Doras and winning an award for FLEX, which meant so much to me, was definitely the height of my career,” says Asha. 

However, it was Asha’s role as a swing for Harry Potter and the Cursed Child at Mirvish Theatre where she truly gained insight into the theatre world.   

“You don’t just go up on stage and do something. There are so many different elements and pieces involved. Getting to experience that has been great,” says Asha. “I know a bit more on what is going on in theatre in terms of politics, management and a sense of everything the theatre includes.” 

Asha credits her time at York for building the foundation and providing the tools to prepare her for a career in the performing arts. 

“York really helped put down a good foundation for me,” says Asha. “It helped me learn how to break down a script, giving me tools for that and tips for the actual acting element.”  

She also recognizes the female instructors she worked with at the School of the Arts, Media, Performance and Design for helping her hone her craft and refine her skills as an actor.  

“I have a deep appreciation for the female instructors that I had, specifically Erika Batdorf [Associate Professor, Theatre],” says Asha. “I did her workshop, which really helped me as an actor, just finding another layer of depth in my performances and being able to tap into different states.” 

Reflecting on her purpose as an actor, Asha explains what she hopes the audience takes away from her work. 

“I want people that see my work to feel connected to my character in some way,” says Asha. “I want to leave them walking away feeling something and feeling like that was real, I could connect with that, or I see someone in that.” 

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“Coming from Zimbabwe, a lot of things were fast-paced and changing for me,” says Dr. Chimbganda. “I wasn’t sure where to start, there weren’t many resources for support, or a community to help me. I did a lot on my own, made lots of mistakes, and there was a lot of social isolation and rejection which took a mental toll.” 

Dr. Chimbganda sought to help open doors for Black youth who were often disadvantaged when it came to pathways that were available to them. In 2019, she founded Future Black Female (FBF), an organization with a focus on Black girls and young women aged 16-22. Future Black Female’s main pillars of support are financial literacy, economic security, mental health, education, and career pathways.  

“There were so many barriers as a Black woman and as an immigrant with an accent, it was hard,” says Dr. Chimbganda. “Hearing similar stories from a lot of people, I decided to start this organization to fill in the gaps that girls and women face.” 

Dr. Chimbganda’s goal is that FBF provides a resource that young girls and women can rely on for support at a time in their lives when they need support the most. 

“Our organization works to lay firm foundations for young people so that 10 years from now their trajectory is more successful and grounded,” says Dr. Chimbganda. “We chose to support girls and young women because your teenage years and early adulthood are such an important time for people because they are approaching big milestones in their education, social lives and careers.” 

FBF programming covers many key topics for young Black females, including gender-based violence, financial literacy, and networking opportunities. 

 “We recruit youth of all genders that get trained to be peer facilitators helping identify gender-based violence and how to access care and support,” says Dr. Chimganda. “The work we do for financial literacy is based in the Niagara region, supporting all youth, covering topics such as budgeting, credit scores, and planning for retirement.” 

An important upcoming campaign for FBF is their Brick-by-Brick Capital Campaign, fundraising for a community space in the Niagara region where youth can learn important skills for their future, gain access to resources, and create pathways for employment and entrepreneurship. 

“Our youth have been talking about an after-school space for themselves,” says Dr. Chimbganda. “I have encountered Black youth with no laptops, internet, and other crucial resources for their schooling. It’s small details like that that many people don’t think about. This campaign helps cover some of those digital equity gaps. Food security is also a key need for Black youth locally, so this space is also very important for addressing this need.” 

With the growth that FBF has made in only a few years, Dr. Chimbganda can feel the positive change she has driven in the community and has received an important piece of feedback that hits close to home. 

“Whenever I encounter other Black women who have become successful in life, they always say ‘I wish there was a Future Black Female when I was a younger,’” says Dr. Chimganda. “That puts into perspective the importance of the work we are doing.” 

To learn more about Future Black Female, visit:  

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Desaraé Dee (BFA ’12) is a Canadian fusion artist, pianist, composer, producer, and educator whose work centres on instrumental and genre-blending music that explores emotion, spirituality, and storytelling. Like many alumni, Desaraé’s career path was not a straightforward one, and she credits �첥��Ƶ as a key influence in becoming the successful, award-winning instrumentalist she is today.

“York felt expansive. It was full of people coming from different backgrounds and perspectives,” says Desaraé. “I was constantly learning, not just in the classroom, but through conversations, performances, and community. It was a time of growth where I was figuring out who I was as both a musician and a person.”

Desaraé was always drawn to the world of music. During her high school years, she spent countless hours in the music room while others gathered to listen to her. It was when she attended Professor Karen Burke’s class at York that she opened the door to the world of gospel music at an academic level, and found a space of belonging.

When reflecting on her journey, Desaraé notes that she was often the only Black girl in ensembles, and music became both her refuge and voice. One of the most important lessons she learned at York was to trust her own voice. Being surrounded by so many different approaches to art taught her that there isn’t just one “right” way to be an artist.

“York encouraged exploration and that helped me understand that my individuality wasn’t something to minimize, it was something to lean into, and to understand music not just as performance, but as culture and communication. Those skills became essential later when I began navigating the industry on my own and building systems outside traditional pathways.”

In 2022, Desaraé created #4ChordWorship, a worship series that blends gospel, jazz and fusion harmonies in a 4-chord progression format. The series went viral on TikTok, Instagram and YouTube, amassing over 4.5 million views worldwide.

“Since 2023, I have been touring with a jazz and hip-hop collective called Super Duty Tough Work. I received the SiriusXM Black Canadian Music Award in 2022 from the SOCAN Foundation, became a GRAMMY Recording Academy voting member in 2024 and in 2025 I became a GRAMMY-considered artist with my 10-year anniversary debut instrumental fusion album, Adventure: The Album, marking a major milestone in my journey.”

Desaraé currently serves as a music director and music accompanist for the University of Toronto Faculty of Music Gospel Choir and is an occasional teacher with the Toronto District School Board. She also acts as a mentor with Women in Music Canada and the Marigold Music Program, as well as a GRAMMY U mentor for the 2025-2026 year, where she cultivates the careers of rising music industry professionals.

Desaraé’s music lives outside mainstream categories, making traditional industry access challenging and compelling her to build her own lane through digital platforms and direct audience engagement.

“The most challenging part has been navigating systems that weren’t designed with artists like me in mind. But those challenges have become one of my greatest strengths”, she explains.

As she continues building her career, Desaraé’s goal is not just personal success but systemic change, creating pathways and infrastructure for future artists.

“Owning the responsibility that comes with being a changemaker is meaningful because it reflects both where I’ve been and where I’m going. Trust your voice, be consistent and don’t rush your process,” says Desaraé. “You don’t have to fit into someone else’s definition of success. Stay curious and create your own opportunities if the door doesn’t open right away.”

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Dr. Dionne Stephens (BA ’96), an esteemed alumna whose journey began long before becoming the only black tenure-track faculty member in the department of Psychology at Florida International University (FIU) in Miami, discusses opportunities, representation and learning in the University’s dynamic, metropolitan and multicultural stage. 

She reflects on her experience as a Black woman pursuing a degree in Individualized Studies and recalls how �첥��Ƶ played a pivotal role in shaping her career trajectory. Her academic journey began as a high school student interning at CHRY radio station, a vibrant student-run media hub located at York's Student Centre. It was during this time that she developed a deep affection for York. Despite receiving offers from other universities, she chose to study at York, a decision she now sees as one of the best choices she’s made. 

“I really fell in love with York then and even though I got offers from other universities, I ended up choosing York,” says Dionne. “York was so diverse in so many ways, not only racially but also diverse in opportunities, beliefs and attitudes. York didn't limit your options; you had the ability to do so many things. Having that much around me opened the opportunity to have several small circles that I could fit into, versus having just one community. I truly believe York set me on the path to where I am now.” 

Her time at York also highlighted the importance of choosing York's Individualized Studies program, where she combined her interests in health, history, Black studies, and African studies, as she explored the impact of HIV in Black communities at that time. This interdisciplinary approach paved the way for her to develop a career focused on Black women’s sexual health, eventually leading to her PhD, where she explored the intersection of hip-hop culture and sexual health for Black women. Her research continues to reflect this foundation, as she now incorporates multiple perspectives from psychology, women’s studies, and Latin American Caribbean studies in her work; particularly her most recent book, Psychology of Black Womanhood. 

“The book was written to empower and give language and amplify the voices of Black women as researchers but hoping to educate and give information to everybody,” says Dionne. “The experiences of Blackness discussed in the book are not just about how I see myself, but how other people see each other and part of a larger history and context. This was discussed as we wrote the book: How do we think about this, should it be global or should it not be global? " 

In her current role as a faculty member at a large university, she finds herself as the only Black tenure-track faculty member in her department, a reality that highlights the significance of representation in academia. She emphasizes that as a Black woman, her position holds a great deal of responsibility. 

“Representation matters. What's important and fulfilling, is that I get to position the next generation of students,” says Dionne. “I'm at that point of my career where I can really focus on mentoring the next generation. I make sure to open the door for opportunities for students, particularly the ones who didn't think that was an option.”  

Reflecting on her own path from York to her current position, she advises current students to remain open to possibilities and not to limit themselves by set expectations. 

“Embrace both the good and the bad experiences in your journey, because a lot of the negative moments, end up being educational,” says Dionne. “You just have to go for the ride. You can plan things out, but sometimes when you let go is when you have the most fun and you go the unthinkable, strangest ways. Make sure you leave the door open for opportunities.” 

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It was life’s twists and turns that led Ngozi Iroanyah (MA ’17) to pursue research dedicated to improving the health status of Black communities . And it’s her passion for creating positive change for Black people living with dementia that has fuelled years of study on the topic.

“I’m always hoping that we can destigmatize conversations around dementia, and I’m always hoping that we can push for more social understanding,” says Ngozi, who is currently completing her PhD in Health Equity and Policy Studies at York. “it’s a horrible disease, and there’s a lot of social exclusion as a result of the disease. My hope is that within the Black community, we can talk about it more.”

Ngozi began her educational journey at Ottawa U on a path to medical school. But after her mother passed away unexpectedly, she shifted into political science, looking at the politics of health and health policy. After earning her degree at the University of Toronto, she spent a year doing a volunteer health placement in Tanzania, where she simultaneously began her Masters at York, examining international policy and how it impacted HIV transmission rates in the country.

Following her masters, she set out to do a PhD in federal and provincial policy in Indigenous health, but life intervened once again. Her father, who had been diagnosed with dementia in 2008, began to have worsening symptoms, creating more strain on the family. Her father’s worsening condition compelled Ngozi to shift her PhD focus to dementia, both for him and for herself.

Her PhD focuses on dementia policy and its impact on the experiences of Black older adults with dementia in Toronto, looking at the ways in which Blackness or Black identity combined with other factors – like gender, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, and ethnic background – play a role in the dementia journey.

“Dementia does not discriminate, at all,” says Ngozi. “However, the way dementia is experienced can be  discriminatory. For example, studies in the US and the UK have shown that dementia affects Black populations more. Black populations (have a higher rate) of dementia, develop dementia at a younger age and get diagnosed later in life. This does not appear do stem from biological or genetic factors but rather the distribution of the social determinants of health.

She hopes that her research will be used to inform how policy makers, community programmers and developers can support the different identities within the Black population experiencing dementia.

York’s reputation as a progressive university that stood for the rights of people is what drew Ngozi to the university. During her years here, she’s been involved with both the Centre for Refugee Studies and the Harriet Tubman Institute.

“Those centres taught me about folks who were really sit at the margins, and what our systems and institutions in society do with folks at the margins,” she says.

Ultimately, Ngozi hopes her work will help those people, and people like her father, who is now in the final stages of his battle with dementia.

“When I’m done, I probably will continue teaching. It’s always nice to get the next generation thinking about these things to be better stewards of our society. I will continue to do research; I love research, it’s my heart. And I think I’ll be stronger in advocacy and do more advocacy work,” she says. “I hope my work can help bring the conversations to the table more, I hope it can spur program and policy makers to be more attentive, and (for) our programs and services to be more inclusive.”

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From the age of 15, York alumna Fatou Jammeh (iBA ’15) was certain she wanted to become a diplomat. She fulfilled this dream working in various roles at the UN World Food Programme in Italy, Kenya and most recently, the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Today, Fatou is breaking barriers in the non-profit sector as a Black fundraiser and consultant to various organizations. While she had no clear trajectory to the world of fundraising, choosing to pursue International Studies at Glendon proved to be a pivotal step in her journey.

“I really wanted to improve my French language skills and since Glendon is a bilingual campus, surrounded by Francophones, you get access to people who speak French,” says Fatou. “Bilingualism helped me a lot in terms of positioning myself for most of my roles.”

After graduating from Glendon, Fatou secured an internship as a resource mobilization officer at the Women’s Legal Aid Center in Tanzania with the International Youth Internship Program. This role introduced her to the world of fundraising and led her to her next role as a fundraising assistant at the Equality Fund, formerly known as the MATCH International Women’s Fund.

“I always wanted to give back somehow and that specifically included women’s rights,” says Fatou. “That’s why my first two roles were in women’s organizations because I was so certain that was my trajectory, to give back.”

But it would be her time at these organizations that would uncover the reality of working in fundraising as a Black woman. She shares these experiences in the book Collecting Courage, a collection of testimonies that highlight the experiences of Black fundraisers in North America.  

In the book, Fatou discusses the challenges of navigating a non-profit system that lacks individuals who look like her and the implications of working in these spaces as a Black woman.

“I realized that in the stories of fundraising, you don’t see many Black people or as many racialized people in the system,” says Fatou. “I was in a fellowship with the Association of Fundraising Professionals and there was a fundraiser who wanted to narrate our stories, so we wrote about our experiences as Black fundraisers and how we saw things.”

Currently, Fatou is expanding her impact in fundraising through her consultancy firm, Fjammeh Consulting. Her mission is to empower non-profit organizations by enhancing their capacity to drive locally led development initiatives. She plans to achieve this by advising and building capacities within fundraising so that organizations can be sustainable in the challenging funding landscape. 

“There’s a lot of gaps in terms of knowledge for fundraising essentially,” says Fatou. “I want to build that up and plan towards helping the whole community.”

Fatou advises students who wish to follow a similar path in international development to have an open mindset and keep their options open regarding which roles they pursue.

“What you think you want to do might not be what you want to do,” says Fatou. “I didn't have in mind that I was going to be a fundraiser, but I had a mindset that I can do it.”

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Can you take us back to the beginning of your journey at York and share how your experiences shaped your career path?

I started at York in 2003 as an accounting student. Coming out of high school, I had an idea of what I wanted to do in the future, but I wasn’t fully certain at the same time. I had always done well in accounting during high school, so taking it in university seemed like a logical step. �첥��Ƶ was also very close to home for me, since I lived only a few minutes away. I remember being very excited to begin my journey as a postsecondary student and learning and growing over the four years I would spend at York.

As a Senior Director at CIBC, what are the most valuable lessons you've learned in the financial sector that you believe are essential to succeed in this competitive industry?

First and foremost, technical skills serve as the foundation across all industries. Employers are assuming you have the proper technical skills when you arrive on the job, so it is important to come equipped with those foundational skills. For example, if you are in accounting, understanding profit and loss, balance sheets, and income statements, are all applicable technical skills for accounting jobs. There are also important supporting skill sets. Being able to communicate effectively is essential. Whether it be writing or delivering presentations, being able to deliver your message clearly is extremely important. The ability to work within a team is also valuable, since you will be working with other people for different projects. Lastly, being able to manage projects from start to finish is critical.

Let's talk about Beam Inc. What inspired you to co-found this non-profit?

Beam Inc. found its roots during my student days at York with my friends at the Nigerian Students Club Association. As students of Nigerian descent, my friends and I would always talk about the issues back home. One key issue we discussed was education and the lack of resources that students in Nigeria had available to them. We were thinking about what we could address this issue and we decided to take action. When we went back to Nigeria to visit family, we would bring school supplies and donate them to students in neighbourhoods that needed them.

At York, we started on campus, by raising funds, gathering materials and taking them back home. We believed that if we gave school supplies to kids in the most impoverished neighbourhoods, it would remove one of the barriers to good education, which is having the necessary supplies.

Fundraising began during our first year and we were able to raise $3,000. We continued to do this every year afterwards, for eight years. As we grew, we were able to raise $10,000 – $20,000 by increasing our network and sources of raising funds.

Beam Inc. has made a significant impact on the lives of over 3,000 children. Can you share a particular story or moment that stands out to you?

One moment that stands out was during a visit to a school in Lagos, Nigeria. During the visit, while we were talking to a few of the local children, all of them spontaneously started to pray for us. This moment was incredibly heart-warming and was a testament to the impact our simple act of providing school supplies had on the children. They would tell us, “You are the guys from Canada. Thanks for thinking about us and making a difference in the community.”

It was that feeling of gratitude expressed by the children and the local community that showed the significance of our efforts. We realized that this our actions were not just about the supplies we distributed, but much more than that.

Beam Inc. has now wrapped up its operations. Can you share more about the decision to transition and how the commitment to the well-being and education of the children persisted?

At the time of concluding Beam Inc., members of our team were moving to different places and we had less time to devote to Beam. In the eight years of operating, we started to learn that we should supply all these resources locally. We wanted to equip the locals to continue what we started there on their own.

We helped the locals in the community by helping set up their own businesses and giving them the supplies. We also started with re-building schools, and we would hire locals in the area ensuring that this was a school built for the people, by the people. These decisions were made to ensure that the impact of our work doesn’t end with our operation but is lasting and the well-being of the locals keeps improving.

What advice would you give to current York students and recent graduates about leveraging their education to make a positive impact in their communities?

When you graduate, there can be anxiety about landing the right job; everyone wants to start on the right foot. I graduated 17 years ago, and my first job after graduation was not my first choice. It is important to think of yourself as a person who is constantly learning and growing. Once you graduate, the learning opportunities that you identify yourself and the types of people who you associate with will make the biggest difference in who you will be in five years' time. It is very helpful to find a group of people that you're growing with where you can encourage each other.

Another piece of advice I have to offer is volunteering. While you are giving to others, you are also building skill sets that you may not normally build in your day-to-day job.

Lastly, when you are deciding on a job, and you have the privilege of having multiple options, always prioritize the place where you are going to learn the most, even if it's going to be the hardest job, or pay a little less. The first four to five years after graduating are extremely important and it would benefit you in the long run if you were able to prioritize learning in those years.

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York alumna Ohemaa Boateng (BA ’17) has lived in the Jane and Finch community since she was a child. But it wasn’t until she started her role as a youth intern at Black Creek Community Farm that she would learn about food sovereignty and the challenges faced by marginalized people in her community.

As a youth intern, Ohemaa used her background in early childhood education to help steward the Farm School program, where she coordinated family and children activities and led the weekly farmers’ markets in front of Jane and Finch Mall and at Driftwood Community Centre. Currently, the program has evolved to educate various age groups on food preservation, food waste, growing native species and environmental stewardship.

“I think it's really beneficial for schools to teach and expand that section around food and growing and for kids to be more connected to their natural environment,” says Ohemaa. “I always think about what my experience was growing up in the community, and I didn't have access to these resources.”

Since her start at the farm, Ohemaa has advocated for fair access to fresh locally grown and affordable food and raised awareness to the food injustices experienced in the community by racialized residents. Today, Ohemaa is the executive director of Black Creek Community Farm where she leads the planning and oversees the operations of the farm.

“Being a Black woman and a single mom in the community, when it comes to food sovereignty or food justice, we are one of the most impacted groups,” says Ohemaa. “To be able to have a seat at the table to decide how to give back to my community with the food we grow and where we grow it, is really great, because we normally don’t have that control.”

But Ohemaa’s dedication to community work is not just limited to food sovereignty. As a single mother herself, she recognized the barrier to community involvement due to the lack of childcare available to parents. With support from Black Creek Community Farm, Ohemaa provided parents who wanted to get involved in their community with mobile childcare services through her initiative Baby Steps.

“I think it’s a privilege to be able to do something you love and see the impact that you have directly in your neighbourhood,” says Ohemaa. “There’s a lot of learning, when you’re directly involved with the people you impact.”

Ohemaa credits the development of her community engagement initiatives to the Criminology program she took at �첥��Ƶ.

“A lot of the conversations coming out of Criminology were reflective of my community. I was able to see first-hand all the barriers and challenges that were captured in my learning,” says Ohemaa. “Learning the statistics and theories allowed me to identify these barriers in my neighbourhood and recognize where to focus my knowledge and expertise.”

Using this knowledge, Ohemaa developed her Turn the Page program, helping mothers who were incarcerated or living in transitional homes write their first children’s book.

“I found that the literacy rate among young parents in this demographic was low,” says Ohemaa. “This program is a way to bring attention to this demographic and support them with a writing mentor and illustrator to flush out their ideas.”

For Ohemaa, the most fulfilling part of her role is the ability to work and play in her neigbourhood. As a long-time resident of the Jane and Finch community, Ohemaa and her neighbours have established their own gardens where they plant, share seeds, and exchange the food they’re growing.

Ohemaa is also aiming to increase community representation on the farm’s steering committee by creating a space for young people to gain experience serving on a board.

“This is an opportunity to build youth leadership and have more young people engaged and be part of the decision,” says Ohemaa. “Make tables that they otherwise may not have access to.”

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Kamika McLean (BA ’02) has studied and worked in the United Kingdom and the Caribbean in various legal capacities. Currently, Kamika sits on the executive team of KSS HoldCo. Inc, a private equity company, as General Counsel. She is also a certified Notary Public & Commissioner.

What are some of your memories of studying at York? 

When I started at York it was the first time I’d ever been to Canada, so a lot was “new” to me. I recall large lecture theatres and the feeling of being a little fish in a large pond, as I was also very young at the time.  But it was an exciting time. The atmosphere at York was very welcoming and, as new as it all was for me, I remember feeling at home. It had a community feel: very warm and friendly. For an undergrad experience, coming from Jamaica to Canada, I think I made the right decision by going to York. 

And the first time I tried Tim Horton’s was at �첥��Ƶ! 

What drew you to in-house law and what does being “in-house” mean? 

I think it found me. When I started practising, I was in general practice and did a bit of everything because I wanted to learn. I really didn’t know what area of law I wanted to specialize in. I did a bit of corporate, wills and estate, lots of real estate, some litigation…and I learned as much as I could. When this position was advertised it asked for someone with a multi-faceted experience in law willing to work across multiple industries. I thought that sounded like me! Once I got in, I knew I’d found my fit.  

Being in-house means that I’m able to do a lot of business and operational tasks and that I’m very much involved in the running of the businesses – and not just from a legal standpoint. I really feel like I’ve found where I want to be, and I’ve learned an incredible amount in last two years that I’m so grateful for. 

As a mentor in York’s Advancing Black Students Program – why was it important for you to be a part of this program?  

Because I’ve benefited from mentorship. I’ve benefitted from very kind people who’ve extended not just their time but even a shoulder sometimes to cry on or an ear to bounce an idea off. I don’t think I’d be where I am now, and be the person I am, without the support of the mentors that I’ve had throughout the years that really pushed me. When I stepped into the role of General Counsel, I started looking around [networking sites] for other Black female General Counsels to serve as mentors. What I found instead was that they were mostly white and mostly male. I searched some more, and I found only a handful of others [like me]. It became clear to me that in our community, our representation and visibility in the space is limited. It became very important for me that young Black women are able to see and know someone doing what I do; for them to know that they can do it too. That this too, is accessible to you.  

I’m paired with three women who want to pursue a career in law, and I feel so grateful that they’re my mentees. It’s a privilege to get on a call with them. It’s a very reciprocal relationship. I’m very thankful the Advancing Black Students Program for asking me to be a mentor. I hope to stay in touch with my girls forever.  

In addition to your above roles, you also serve as a board and committee member on the Council of the College of Homeopaths of Ontario and are a director-at-large for the Black Female Lawyers Network– how do you find balance and make time for all your various roles? 

I think when you get to a certain level professionally, there’s an expectation for you to be accessible all the time – to function 24 hours around the clock. That’s not possible without something giving. I consciously made the decision starting in 2022, that one of the things I was going to work on is balance. Not everything needs to be done immediately. I try much harder now to keep my evenings for myself. To accomplish this, it is important to prioritize and make task lists. Being mindful. It sounds cliché but it really makes a difference – keeping your mind focused, centred, and calm. Your experiences and work output will be so much better because you’re not in that continuous state of hurry.  

As a Black, female, corporate attorney, and a mother, how do these parts of who you are contribute to your success? 

Wearing all four of those hats have developed a strong sense of empathy within me. I am able to see things from different perspectives and in a unique way that people might have never considered. It allows me to be able to hear other people’s story and give them the relevant level of validation and understanding whereas other people in the room might completely dismiss it.  

And I have a certain ability to detect when someone’s trying to pull a fast one on me. I know it immediately and no – it won’t work.

What does Black History Month mean to you?

To me, Black History Month is a time to acknowledge and celebrate the achievements of Black people in all aspects of society. It’s a beautiful time for people to come together.

The post Alumni Spotlight: Kamika McLean (BA ’02) appeared first on Division of Advancement - Alumni and Friends.

What drew you to �첥��Ƶ?

A few reasons. It was close to home and at the time I lived in Markham and only had to take one bus to get to campus. I also wanted to be around like-minded people and I found York to be a social environment. It was in the early '90s and at the time I wanted to pursue Political Science and Sociology was interested in York's program. That's why I first attended York.

I returned to York to get my teacher’s degree because I’d had a great experience [the first time] – it was like a second home to me. I was involved with the Caribbean Students Alliance and putting on plays, so there was a lot of political activity with regards to the Black community and memories I have with people that I attended with that were essential to me becoming the person that I am today.

Your company, LEGACY Enterprises, uses art as a vehicle to educate society about the accomplishments of historic people. Why is art your chosen medium? 

When I was younger, I wanted to be a comic book artist so that’s how I got into art.  I was more interested in drawing Superman and Batman than I was in drawing Malcom X because my artwork was limited by what I was reading. As I grew up, and especially when I started going to York where the experience was very politically inclined, I started reading and learning about The Autobiography of Malcolm X, bell hooks and the intersection between gender and race, Angela Davis and thinking about incarceration, and the Black Power movement…consequently, as I kept learning and reading, what I read influenced what I drew. I became more interested in drawing people that were real and inspiring me and drawing them in a way that would be inspiring to other people. 

The Legacy poster is seen by thousands of people annually – what was your original goal for the poster when you created it in 1995 and has that goal changed today, 28 years later? 

The original goal remains the same as it is right now – to educate people about the contributions of African people. What has changed is that the focal point is African-Canadian history whereas when I first started I was thinking about African people around the world. Being an African-Canadian brought up in this school system, you always heard about what [Black] Americans had accomplished; you heard very few things about what the [Black] Canadian contributions were to society and this nation. So, the focus has become more refined.  

You are a highly sought-after speaker and workshop leader giving speeches across the country and delivering powerful workshops on Black history. Why is it important for you to educate people on the importance of Black history? 

It’s important because there are a lot of things people misconstrue and think that they are knowledgeable about when unfortunately…there’s a lot of work that needs to be done. It’s also important to educate Black youth about the contributions of what Black people have done so that they can be inspired and know they’re capable of doing so much more given that there’s a precedence for accomplishing great things. I view the posters I create as one of those great things that they should take inspiration from. Very few times do African people have ultimate control over their own image and I take pride in the fact this poster will continue no matter what.  

Congratulations on your recent appointment to the Order of Canada! What does that type of recognition mean to you? 

Thank you. Getting this type of recognition is very important because although I feel validated in regards to the work that I do, for the wider community that is unaware of my accomplishments or doesn’t recognize that this is a vital contribution to Canadian society, I feel that getting the Order of Canada demonstrates to them that at the highest level of government in Canada – this is seen along the lines of Bobby Orr’s contribution of being a role model and so many others who have achieved great things.  

Do you have any upcoming projects that you would like to share? 

Yes! I have a project titled Afrotastic being released this month. It’s an online educational app that focuses on the history of African-Canadians by province and next year it will broaden to include the African experience world-wide. Given the digital age that we’re in and online learning, I’m really excited and think that it will be a game-changer when it comes to learning about the African-Canadian experience. 

Do you have any advice for students or anyone trying to make a difference in the community? 

If you truly want to make a difference in the community, you have to look at it as a long-term goal. You’re contributing to that change occurring, but that change doesn’t necessarily have to occur on your watch. You’re a spoke in the wheel – not the whole wheel. You mighty not be able to feel the impacts of what you’ve done for 28 years, but if you really want to make a difference in the Black community and in the world, it’s a long-term endeavour. It doesn’t happen overnight. 

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