We started Empower'em because we knew what it cost to navigate rooms that weren't built for us. We decided to build something different.
We're not filling a gap. We're building the infrastructure that should have been here all along. Women of colour-run, federally incorporated under the Canada Not-for-profit Corporations Act, from Ottawa.
Empower'em began in 2013 with a single workshop called "Embracing Your Identity." Fifteen to 20 Muslim immigrant women in Ottawa, in a room together. What happened there was proof that women of colour needed and wanted spaces like this.
Our Way Forward launched as our flagship mentorship program in 2021. Five rounds later, we have community members across 8 provinces speaking 28 languages, and a federally incorporated structure to carry it forward.
"A future where women of colour have what they need to thrive. What they once needed, they're proud to pass forward."
"We mentor, connect, and stand behind women of colour as they grow into their power, personally, professionally, and together."
Every program, event, and resource is designed and delivered by women of colour. That changes what's possible in the room.
Personal, professional, and collective growth aren't separate things. We hold all three together because that's how real life actually works.
Women of colour don't come here because something is broken. They come because they know they can go further with the right people around them.
When we hire facilitators, photographers, caterers, or designers, we prioritize women of colour-owned businesses. Supporting our community means supporting it economically, not just in spirit.
We're a small team and we hold a lot. If we're slower to respond than you'd like, it's not that we don't care. It's that we're real people doing this alongside everything else in our lives. Thank you for your patience with us.
Brings the team together and keeps the organization growing: content, grants, strategic vision, and a bit of everything.
Makes sure programming runs smoothly, from timelines and coordination to the continuous improvement that keeps things getting better round over round.
Creates the materials and communications that shape the participant experience from the first email to the final session.
Shapes our community voice, social presence, and the spaces where members feel most at home.
Coordinates events and resources so every touchpoint feels considered and nothing falls through the cracks.
We believe in showcasing their work, not just thanking them quietly.
Poet and spoken word performer. Shared her work at our 5-year OWF celebration.
Vietnamese-Canadian multimedia producer, photography and event coverage. @heyitstk_
Halal custom baking. Has brought something warm and intentional to every Empower'em gathering. @timeless_bites
Hair and beauty. A WOC-owned business we're proud to support and spotlight. @shilohbutters
Creative and design. Brings craft and care to everything they build. @yourz.ca
Partner organization supporting Ottawa's youth community. A relationship we value and build on.
We're building a directory of WOC-owned businesses. If that's you, reach out and let us know.
All mentorship sessions and peer support spaces are confidential. We don't share what you say in community spaces without your permission.
Our mentors are not clinically trained mental health professionals. If you're navigating something that needs that kind of support, these resources are a starting place.
Our Way Forward is funded by the Ontario Trillium Foundation's Youth Opportunities Fund. The program is completely free for all participants because of this support.
Empower'em is a federally incorporated nonprofit under the Canada Not-for-profit Corporations Act. We're actively working toward national program access and seeking partners who believe in what we're building.
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