Celebrating Black female excellence
The co-authors of 100 Accomplished Black Canadian Women at the 2018 gala. From left: Dauna Jones-Simmonds, the Hon. Jean Augustine and Denise O’Neil Green.
The 2018 honourees of 100 Accomplished Black Canadian Women have been announced and Ryerson boasts a group of students, faculty, staff and alumnae who have made the list. The second edition of 100 Accomplished Black Canadian Women was launched on September 15 and was co-authored by Denise O’Neil Green, vice-president, equity and community inclusion. The book highlights and acknowledges the social, educational, political and professional achievements of Black Canadian women.
“As a writing team, we authored this book because we realized that often the accomplishments of Black Canadian women aren’t collected in one, easily accessible resource,” said Green. “Our hope is that future generations will be able to use the lessons shared in this book to inspire greatness in their own lives.”
View the entire list of 2018 honourees (external link) . Below are Ryerson’s accomplished Black Canadian women and their messages to the next generation of Black women, as published in the book.
Emily Agard: Director of SciXchange. “Seek help and persevere through the difficult times, and act with integrity and empathy.”
Princess Alexander: Entrepreneurship Program Advisory Council member at the Ted Rogers School of Management. “Consider entrepreneurship early in your career as it is indispensable for family well-being, societal and economic growth. When this path presents challenges, don’t give up – just persist.”
Annette Bailey: Professor and associate director of the collaborative nursing program in the Daphne Cockwell School of Nursing. “Accept a mindset of significance. I remind them that they stand in the shoes of great Blacks who have paved the way for them to occupy spaces and high places in this world. They are born to not simply exist, but to be excellent.”
Carole Chauncey: Professor Emerita, Ted Rogers School of Information Technology Management. “Place a high value on yourself; Get a solid education which prepares you for further education; Accept guidance from your parents or guardians; get a mentor(s) in the industry you want to work in; pursue your career early in life.”
Donette Chin-Loy Chang: Journalism ’78 alumna. “Work hard. Work smart. Seize the moment. Honour your elders and ancestors. Give of yourself, then of your resources. Take nothing for granted. Enjoy life – it is not long. Not everything can be measured in dollars and cents.”
Georgia Graham: PhD candidate in policy studies. “Pre-live the future – but do not limit your view to what is in front of you. Instead, look for the endless possibilities ahead of you. Remember, what is today does not have to be tomorrow. What tomorrow brings can always be changed; it is never too late.”
Dr. Linda Maxwell: surgeon, distinguished visiting professor, and founder and executive director of the Biomedical Zone. “Figure out what contribution you want to make to society and who you want to help and let that guide your every decision.”
Emily Mills: Journalism ’05 alumna. “Believe that your life has purpose, you have a voice and you can use both for good.”
Denise O’Neil Green: Ryerson’s first vice-president, equity and community inclusion. “When it comes to work, get it done!”