Laura Mae Lindo (She/Her/Elle) 

Laura Mae Lindo earned both a Masters and PhD in Education, and was the Director, Diversity and Equity at Wilfrid Laurier University before becoming the Member of Provincial Parliament for Kitchener Centre. Laura Mae is an active community organizer, loves to write, and is drawn to music and creative advocacy, focusing her attention on supporting the most vulnerable communities in all that she does. She was the inaugural Chair of the Official Opposition’s Black Caucus in Ontario and holds both the Anti-racism and Equity as well as the Colleges and Universities critic portfolios. And, if you hand her a microphone, she will sing.  

What does Black History Month mean to you?  

Black History Month means a lot to me because I know that incorporating Black history into the narrative of our communities’ histories is something that requires intentional organizing, planning, and action. There is no other way to create the world that we want to see without dedicated attention to stories that have often been silenced in the hopes of one day being forgotten.  

What are you most proud of accomplishing?

Believing in the power and guidance of my ancestors and community mentors who support  and care for me, my family, and my work in community, I am proudest of having sung to my ancestors in the Chamber at Queen’s Park after concluding my speech in support of Bill 75, the Emancipation Month Act which declared August Emancipation Month in Ontario. This Bill passed with the support of ONDP, Green, Liberal, and Conservative party support – a first in Ontario’s history, and sits alongside a few other “firsts” for me. Shortly after my first election in 2018, I was told that I was the first Black person to be elected to Provincial or Federal government in Waterloo region and that it was the first time that Kitchener Center had ever sent a member of the Ontario NDP to Queen’s Park. That’s all super cool… but I did spend a lot of time wondering if, in the words of Beyoncé, they were “ready for this jelly.” 

Describe a scene from your vision of the future for Waterloo Region and what allyship to the 2SLGBTQIA+ community can look like.   

When I found out about these “firsts” I was both humbled and a little worried. If it took until 2018 to send a Black person to Queen’s Park, how much longer do we have to wait to be part of the leadership fabric in other tangible ways? That’s why my hope is that Waterloo Region will not stop at firsts, but will instead fight to ensure the inclusion of Black, Indigenous, racialized, queer and 2Spirit people become future representatives of the communities being served both Provincially and Federally. I imagine a space where allyship to 2SLGBTQIA+ communities as well as those fighting to survive on ODSP and OW becomes part of everyday leadership. That is what I mean when I fight to have more leaders lead from a place of love, care, and compassion.  

What’s on your playlist right now?  

I have introduced my children to Dalbello and lots of vault-worthy Prince (you’re welcome). I also have a playlist that my family made for my Daddy featuring all the songs he loved including theme songs to some of his favorite television programs. I miss him dearly, but I carry his spirit and his heart with me with the music my wee fam-jam rocks out to each and every day. 

Debbie Owusu-Akyeeah (She/Her) 

Debbie Owusu-Akyeeah (“Oh-woo-suu” – “Ah-CHEE-Yah”) is a first-generation Ghanaian-Canadian cisgender queer woman who is dedicated to the liberation of all her communities. She is currently the Executive Director of the Canadian Centre for Gender and Sexual Diversity and based in Ottawa. Debbie has deep roots in program and project management, gender-based analysis, feminist foreign policy and international affairs. She completed her graduate school studies in International Affairs, specializing in International Development Policy at the Norman Paterson School of International Affairs (Carleton University).

She has worked at Global Affairs Canada as a policy analyst responsible for strategic advice on child protection, gender equality and broader sexual and gender-based violence issues, with a particular focus on adolescent girls and the girl child. Prior to CCGSD, she was Campaign and Outreach Officer at Oxfam Canada, responsible for developing public engagement strategies to advance gender justice. She has also been a Board member and Chair of several organizations, including the Platform and Harmony House Women’s Shelter. Debbie is currently Co-Chair of Dignity Network Canada’s Advocacy and Government Relations Working Group and she is also involved in assisting coordination globally around opposition to the anti-LGBTIQ bill in the Ghanaian parliament.

Who are some of your influential authors or books to read?

I am obsessed with bell hooks’ feminist literature. Her love trilogy (All About Love: New Visions, Salvation: Black People and Love, and Communion: The Female Search for Love) has completely changed the way I view love. Her work on love has shifted the way I show up as a Black feminist activist, a community member, and a person.

What are you most proud of accomplishing?

I am proud of the instrumental work I have contributed to influencing 2SLGBTQ+ rights and gender justice.

What’s on your playlist right now?

Lots of Meshell Ndegeocello! My favourite song from her is, “Long Song #3”

Social media or contact information:
Twitter
LinkedIn

Osmel B. Guerra Maynes (He|Him) 

Osmel B. Guerra Maynes is a proud Afro-Latino cisgender queer man who has called Canada home for more than 10 years. Born in the Dominican Republic and raised in Antigua and Barbuda, Osmel immigrated to Canada as an international student in 2003 to pursue a political science degree at Carleton University.

Osmel is a social justice activist with a focus on enhancing the inclusion of marginalized voices. Osmel became the first Executive Director of Capital Pride/ Fierté dans la Capitale  which organizes the pride festival in the National Capital Region (Ottawa & Gatineau) and has played a critical role in the development and success of the organization, In 2021 Osmel joined the team at HQ Toronto which is a centre of excellence in sexual, mental, and social health for CIS guys into guys, trans and nonbinary folks as their Director of Organizational Development, Community & Culture.

Osmel has worked with 2SLGBTQ+ community-based organizations in Ontario, British Columbia and the Yukon, Osmel focused his work on advancing effective grassroots and province-wide social programming, enhancing the inclusion of marginalized voices, pushing for sound public policy, and overseeing effective strategic planning in the non-profit and charitable sectors.

Osmel is tirelessly looking for new ways to engage with his community, and always ensures that he provides a voice to all marginalized people, especially QTBIPOC folks. Osmel strongly believes in the power of inclusion to affect lasting social change.

What led you to your current (career, art, activism)?
I would never think that this island boy born in the Dominican Republic and raised in Antigua & Barbuda with a strong religious upbringing would one day be living in Canada and representing the voices of the LGBTQ community…a community that I have in the past neglected, disrespected and was ashamed of for many years due to my own internalized homophobia and insecurities while living in a homophobic nation. 

I had the privilege to come out to my family a few years ago. I was scared but with a trembling voice and courageous heart I told the most important people in my life my truth.

It is hard at times for Black people and persons of colour to live our truth. We tend to focus on making our families proud or wonder what folks within our various faith communities would think of us. I wanted to ensure that I was contributing to breaking down those barriers and build a world where folks like me can live in their truth and that is why I advocate for the QTBIPOC community and will continue to till my last breath. 

What are you most proud of accomplishing?

When I decided to live my truth many years ago and came out as gay to my family and friends which was the best decision of my life. As I stated before many people of colour who identify as LGBTQ are unfortunately not afforded this privilege because they continue to live in fear of living their truth due to violence or family values in which they think they must uphold…. I hope that one day folks who are going through the struggles that I have so many years ago will be able to walk their own truth. Let today be only the first step in ending hate and discrimination to folks who just want to live in their truth, and to love who they want to love. 

What’s on your playlist right now?

Switching between the Renaissance album by Beyonce and Sam Smith’s Gloria

Social media or contact information.

Instagram: Osmel.maynes

Fitsum Areguy (he/him) is a scholar-activist based in Kitchener, Ontario. His work engages racialized communities with an eye to addressing the structural roots of social and health disparities on the Haldimand Tract (Waterloo Region). Fitsum has worked as a youth worker, independent facilitator, recreation therapist, and writer/journalist. He currently volunteers in a leadership role with the ACB Network of WR, ACCKWA, and MT Space.

Fitsum is the co-founder and project director of Textile, a literary publication and mentorship program that showcases emerging marginalized artists and writers in Kitchener-Waterloo. Fitsum currently works as a Senior Knowledge Broker with Greo, a public health research organization focused on problem gambling and addiction. Fitsum holds an Hons. BA in Recreation & Leisure Studies and is an MA Candidate of Community Psychology at Wilfrid Laurier University. In his free time, Fitsum enjoys dance music, board games, and potlucks.

What led you to your current (career, art, activism)?
Key people and role models taught me at a very early age that engaging and supporting community in various ways – whether it be through my career, writing, activism, or volunteering – is like a circle or spiral movement that brings me back to my “still point” within. It is a social practice that is life-giving because it is political, liberatory, and relational. This is what drew me to youth advocacy, disability justice, and activism/organizing.

Who are some of your influential authors or books to read?

This is not an exhaustive list, but some authors who come to mind are Hanif Abdurraqib, Tiffany Lethabo King, James Baldwin, Fred Moten, Hilton Als, Jamel Brinkley, Octavia E. Butler.

Describe a scene from your vision of the future for Waterloo Region.
Picture this: It’s 2024. Our leaders have found the political willpower to defund the Waterloo Regional Police Services. We have non-police, crisis response teams embedded in communities they’re a part of. People are learning to value restorative justice over punitive and carceral responses across sectors. More direct service workers are hired and paid better. Investments have been made in housing, public education, public health, and social employment services. Crime has gone down because people are getting the resources and supports they need. Indigenous peoples are given land back. Finally, we’re building a region together that works better for more of us. 

What’s on your playlist right now? 

Mustafa, Robert Glasper, Azealia Banks, Blood Orange, and Theo Parrish.

Social media or contact information
Connect with me at fitsum-areguy.com or on Twitter @fitsumareguy.

Blessing Akpan (She/Her) is a certified Scrum Master and Human Resources Professional with over a decade experience from Nigeria and now Canada. Blessing holds an M.Sc degree in Finance and Economics from the University of East Anglia, UK, postgraduate certificate in Human Resources Management from Conestoga College and professional certificates in Diversity, Equity and Inclusion from University of South Florida. 

Blessing has served in both private and public sectors mainly as a management consultant and learning facilitator. She is currently the Community Impact Director with Waterloo Region Community Foundation. Within her role, she supports the foundation’s mission of creating sustainable, equitable and thriving communities by granting, impact investing and convening conversations. 

Blessing is very community oriented, and passionate about helping people; she volunteers with several organizations including service on the Boards of Rising Oaks Early Learning Ontario and Nigerians in the Region of Waterloo (NIROW). 

What led you to your current (career, art, activism)?
I’ve always been passionate about humanity, our development and sustainable wealth creation that delivers value and is equitably distributed. Over time, I’ve gravitated towards roles in these areas that fulfill my personal and professional mandate. As life and learning evolves, I’ve tried to keep up to date all with the singular focus of contributing value by supporting people around me. If they thrive, so do I; and vice versa.

What does Black History Month mean to you?

Black History Month is a call to remember my identity and walk in it. Not the one inputted by colonial masters or propagated by erroneous media publications fueling harmful perceptions; but the truth of my history, descended from a race of people noted for industry, enlightenment, royalty, community and growth. With this identity, I am called to stand on the shoulders of these giants to do better. Stand tall and proud, representing these excellent values in my work, relationships, and life.

What are you most proud of accomplishing?
LIVING! Dusting myself off everyday and living in my truth and my values. Learning where I’ve failed and striving ever forward!

Why do you think it’s important to be an ally to the 2SLGBTQIA+ community?

Being passionate about humanity for me is all encompassing with no labels. We are all disadvantaged in one form of the other, and at the same time have some privilege in one way or the other. As a member of a discriminated group myself I know how appreciative I am knowing that there is someone else who genuinely cares, is speaking up for me, and standing in the gap for me. Isn’t this what is at the heart of community? Contributing our individual strengths for a communal whole? For if it rains on one roof it rains on us all!

What’s on your playlist right now? 

Lift Me Up by Rihanna. (Nigerian Artiste Tems is one of the Song Writers!)

Social media or contact information

Linkedin

Colleen James (She/Her)

Colleen James was elected to Regional Council in October 2022, representing City of Kitchener residents.

Colleen’s professional career includes more than 15 years of experience in municipal government at both the city and regional levels. As the founder of Divonify Incorporated, Colleen is a leading consultant on equity and inclusion. Locally, nationally, and internationally, Colleen partners with a wide range of public, private, and not-for-profit organizations and businesses that are committed to change.

Colleen’s values are central to her work as a leader. These values determine her approach to making decisions as a Councillor on behalf of the community. These values include building trusted relationships; having equity-informed community discussions; listening and collaborating; empowering and amplifying; taking meaningful action, and being accountable.

Colleen graduated from the University of Toronto with an Honours B.A in history, political science, and Caribbean studies. She holds a master’s degree in leadership, higher, and adult education from U of T’s Ontario Institute for Studies in Education (OISE).

In 2020, the Canada International Black Women Event, named Colleen one of the Top 100 Black Women to Watch. In 2021, she was named one of the Top 25 Diversity Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Persons of the Year by the Canadian Multicultural Group.

Colleen is a graduate of Leadership Waterloo Region and serves on several local boards and committees, including the Kitchener Public Library (2020-2022), KW Oktoberfest (2020-present) and the selection committee for Leadership Waterloo Region (2019-present). She is also involved in many collaborative community projects, including the Caribbean Canadian Association of Waterloo Region, where she established the James STEM scholarship.

Born and raised in Kitchener, Colleen’s family immigrated to Waterloo Region more than 50 years ago. She currently lives in Kitchener with her partner Daren and daughter Maleigha.

What led you to your current (career, art, activism)?

A clear recognition that there are perspectives and narratives that were not part of important decision-making tables. I want to change that. It’s critical that all voices are heard when determining the future of our community.

Who are some of your influential authors or books to read?

Ralph Ellison’s The Invisible Man. I read it in high school for an English project. It stuck with me because it highlighted the Black experience in society. It was the first time I was able to validate some of what I was experiencing. Being in spaces and not being seen or heard. It also addressed racism and societal impacts.

I am currently reading DEI Deconstructed by Lily Zheng. I am reading this as it provides insights into the ways organizations can address DEI. It is a pragmatic approach to organizational change.

What does Black History Month mean to you?

To me Black History Month means Black joy. It’s a time to celebrate accomplishments and recognize the perspectives and narratives that compliment the spaces that we’re in; the contributions of Black people in society. It’s also a time for me to reflect on the parts of our history that have been erased. It’s a reminder that Black history and heritage should be – and must be – celebrated all year around.

What are you most proud of accomplishing?

It’s hard for me to pick just one… my daughter; my education; owning and operating a business; being a Regional Councillor – to name a few. Nothing has come easy for me. There have been many times when I was told no. But, I didn’t let that stop me!

Describe a scene from your vision of the future for Waterloo Region.

A community where everyone feels like they are seen, heard, and valued for who they are and what they bring to the spaces they choose to be in. I want Waterloo Region to be a place where everyone thrives.

What’s on your playlist right now?

90’s RnB Music!

Social media or contact information:

Instagram

Twitter

Ajirioghene Evi-Cobbinah (She/Her)
BA, BSW, MSW

Ajirioghene Evi (pronounced Ah-Jiri-Or-Ganeh) (she/her) is the Executive Director at Kind Minds Family Wellness and the Community Engagement Specialist at the Ontario Association of Children’s Aid Societies. Ajirioghene holds a Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree in Social Development Studies and a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) degree from the University of Waterloo. She also has a Master of Social Work (MSW) degree from Western University.

Her Child Welfare background started with direct child protection work with survivors and perpetrators of domestic and intimate partner violence. However, it was not long before she started working with Black and racialized service recipients due to the culturally inclusive lens and approaches to her work, especially with Newcomers to Canada, via a proactive and preventative engagement in the community.

Ajirioghene volunteers in an inaugural role as Executive Director of a Black-led Not-For-Profit
organization, Kind Minds Family Wellness (KMFW), nominated as a 2022 Agency of Excellent by the United Way Waterloo Region Communities. As the Executive Director, she oversees the administration, programs, and strategic plans of KMFW.

In 2022, Ajirioghene was selected as a recipient of Canada’s Top 100 Black Women to Watch from the Canada International Black Women Excellence. An award for her outstanding achievement and a great testimony of the impact she, her work, and her accomplishments have on the people who witness this around her. In 2021, Ajirioghene was recognized and nominated for the Master of Social Work Field Instructor Award by Wilfrid Laurier University. This award was for her invaluable mentorship of Master of Social Work students and contribution to field education.

What led you to your current (career, art, activism)?

As a Black-identified social worker passionate about working with individuals, families, groups, or communities that are culturally diverse and not necessarily the celebrated norm, I depend on this dynamic force mixed with action to ensure that I am sitting in spaces to speak to gaps, identify needs and work with systems to bring about the change in a timely and effective method. I achieve this via the cross-cultural leadership skills that allow me to assume several roles in the community, from working and supporting grassroots work and initiatives for deserving equity groups to engaging and educating private and corporate entities on how to dismantle systemic racism and promote equitable outcomes for their clients and service recipients.

Who are some of your influential authors or books to read?
They include:
-Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie
-Wole Shoyinka
-Maya Angelou
-Chinua Achebe

What are you most proud of accomplishing?
Recently, it would be founding a Black-led and Black-serving establishment during the pandemic to address the immediate and long-term needs of Black-identified communities in the Waterloo Region and being recognized as one of Canada’s 100 Black Women to Watch of 2022.

Why do you think it’s important to be an ally to the 2SLGBTQIA+ community?
As a cross-cultural leader (acting as a bridge in the conversations needed to increase awareness and acceptance of 2SLGBTQ+ issues) of African descent who had to start my learning journey as an international social work student many years ago, I have appreciated that being an ally and co-conspirator to the 2SLGBTQ+ community means being susceptible and openly acknowledging that I do not have all the answers and that I do not have the experiences of members of the 2SLGBTQ+ community. This means having empathy rather than sympathy, which goes a long way toward improving behaviours and creating a supportive community. Learning about the 2SLGBTQ+ community is essential to unpack all the historical baggage(s) associated with sexual orientation and gender identity!
 
Everyone should use their voices and opinions to support members of the 2SLGBTQ+ community who are targeted by oppression. As a Black professional, understanding the plight of Black-identifying members of the 2SLGBTQ+ communities is also where I use my positionality and access to ensure that I speak to solidarity, collectivity, intersectionality, and identity, as well as resistance to discrimination and violence.

Social media or contact information:
LinkedIn