Black History Month 2025

Marie-Solange’s journey from immigrant to community leader is a testament to determination, transformation, and the power of giving back. With a PhD in Biochemistry and as a Fulbright fellow, Marie-Solange initially faced the challenge of securing a job in Canada due to the common barrier of not having Canadian experience. Rather than giving up, she pivoted, volunteering, and later discovered the Labour Market Bridging Program at CIWA. This led her to become the Coordinator of the Retail Training Program, where she spent over nine years empowering immigrant women in retail and hospitality. She now holds the position of Coordinator of the Hospitality Training Program.

Her contributions extend far beyond her professional role. Marie-Solange has volunteered with seniors’ groups, assisted in English classes, and mentored clients in the former Office Administration Program. She represented CIWA on a 30-minute French CBC television and radio broadcast, where she addressed challenges faced by women in Calgary, particularly regarding childcare costs. She also represented CIWA at an Immigrant Refugees and Citizenship Canada meeting, advocating for better services for Francophone immigrants.

Marie-Solange’s community engagement spans over many areas. In 2013, Marie-Solange supported flood victims by cleaning and sanitizing homes and providing food to vulnerable individuals. She actively participates in fundraising efforts like United Way and Rogers Birdies for Kids, fostering connections with stakeholders and community partners. A significant highlight of her community involvement was co-organizing the Good Neighbor Community Market in 2021, a free store that provided clothing, shoes, and food to those in need. Her efforts included organizing donation drives, securing external donors, coordinating logistics, and managing volunteer schedules, culminating in a successful Grand Opening.

Marie-Solange has also been involved in research, participating in the University of Calgary’s study on “Immigrant Women’s Experiences in Long-term Care During COVID-19,” which highlighted the unique challenges immigrant women faced during the pandemic. In 2023, she received a recognition award from le Portail de l’Immigrant Association (PIA) for her dedication in collaborating with la Coalition des femmes de l’Alberta.

As a leader, Marie-Solange draws inspiration from figures like Cordelia Clarke Julien, whose transformative leadership within the Ontario Public Service resonates with her own change-driven mentality. Marie-Solange describes herself as a “change agent” who doesn’t just think outside the box but rather “blows up the box” in her efforts to create a lasting impact. She also stresses the importance of instilling confidence and a sense of worthiness in young Black Canadians, encouraging them to embrace their uniqueness and never dim their light. Marie-Solange’s story exemplifies how determination, empowerment, and community involvement can transform challenges into opportunities, inspiring future generations of Black Canadians to overcome adversity and lead change.

What stands out most in Marie-Solange’s journey is how she has turned personal challenges into a lifelong commitment to empowering others, highlighting the significant contributions of Black Canadians to Canada’s identity and fostering an inclusive future.

In honour of Black History Month, we celebrate the remarkable leadership of Victoria, who exemplifies the power of service, compassion, and community. As the Civic Engagement Program Coordinator at CIWA, Victoria is an influential leader committed to fostering positive change. Through her role, she helps empower individuals by facilitating engagement and advocating for the needs of underrepresented communities. Her work is a reflection of her dedication to building a better, more inclusive society, where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.

Beyond her professional accomplishments, Victoria’s commitment to serving others extends into every aspect of her life. Her volunteer efforts showcase a deep belief in the value of supporting those in need, both within her immediate community and on a broader scale. As a former milk donor for NorthernStar Milk Bank, she played a crucial role in supporting fragile infants, giving them the gift of life through the nourishment of breast milk. This act of kindness speaks to her unwavering belief in the importance of nurturing and protecting the most vulnerable.

Victoria’s volunteerism does not stop there. She is a dedicated member of her church’s prayer department, where she helps lift up the community through prayer. By praying for the peace of the community and addressing individual prayer requests, Victoria fosters a sense of hope and healing. Her selflessness in offering this spiritual support reflects the nurturing, compassionate spirit that drives her leadership.

In addition to her work in the prayer department, Victoria also leads the Faith Family Fellowship at King of Glory Chapel. This subgroup provides an environment where church members can deepen their connections, share their faith, and support one another. Under Victoria’s leadership, the Faith Family Fellowship has become a strong pillar of the church, offering a space for members to grow spiritually and emotionally. Her leadership fosters a sense of belonging and encourages faith-sharing, creating a close-knit, supportive community.

Victoria’s actions reflect the profound impact that one person can have on others. She embodies the essence of community leadership, showing that true leadership is not just about holding a position, but about creating spaces where others can grow, feel supported, and thrive. Her dedication to service, both professionally and personally, is a testament to the values of compassion, empowerment, and community. During Black History Month, we honor Victoria for her leadership and for the positive influence she has on the lives of many.