Women of Rubies
Category

Inspiration

Category
ABCD AFrica
In Inspiration By

ABCD Africa 100 Most Impactful Voices List (4th Edition) Released to Mark 2026 International Women’s Day

ABCD Africa is proud to announce the release of the 4th edition of the 100 Most Impactful Voices List, released to mark 2026 International Women’s Day. This list recognises female changemakers, leaders, and community builders of African descent who leverage their voices and digital content as tools for impact.

We release this edition at a significant moment. The conversations shaping our world, around equality, technology, governance, and the future of the African continent, are being had right now, and the women on this list are at the centre of them. Africa is home to bold, visionary women who are not only shaping narratives but building the platforms, policies, and technologies that will define what comes next.

In this year’s edition, we celebrate 100 extraordinary women of African descent who use their influence to educate, advocate and inspire. Through their work across digital platforms, and through leadership, governance, policy, and published works, they are breaking barriers, amplifying marginalised voices, and leading movements that redefine the future.

“It is an honour to unveil the 4th edition of the ABCD Africa 100 Most Impactful Voices List and amplify the contribution of these remarkable women. In a world where the spaces for women’s voices are being contested, this list is a reminder of what is possible when African women are given their flowers. We hope it inspires more women to use their voices, create impactful content, and shape conversations that contribute to a more equitable and inclusive society,” says Joke Pearl Oyebamiji, Founder of ABCD Africa.

The selection process was rigorous and thorough, with nominations received from digital experts and the general public. Finalists were evaluated based on their creativity, impact, authenticity, and engagement.

Visit voices.abcdafrica.co to view the full list

 

by
Keep Reading
Media Pitch Challenge Finalist
In Inspiration By

Meet the Finalists of the Women of Rubies Media Pitch Challenge 2026

The Women of Rubies Media Pitch Challenge 2026 brought together visionary women founders ready to elevate their brands through clarity, confidence, and strategic storytelling.

While Dr. Omo Ogbamola emerged after thoughtful deliberation, every finalist moved her brand forward. Each pitch reflected courage, innovation, and the power of intentional visibility.

Here are the remarkable women who took the stage.

Dr. Omo Ogbamola
Dr. Omo Ogbamola | Founder & CEO, Tripplemos Food Processing Company

Dr. Omo Ogbamola |Founder & CEO, Tripplemos Food Processing Company

Dr. Omo Ogbamola is a Nigerian-born Canadian entrepreneur building a nationally distributed food manufacturing brand producing authentic African spices locally in Canada. Tripplemos Food products are available on Amazon Canada, Walmart Canada Marketplace, and over 20 retail stores, with expansion underway. Her pitch reflected strong operational structure, manufacturing growth potential, and a clear media positioning strategy.

Victori a Ekwenuke
Victoria Ekwenuke, Founder, FASS

Victoria Ekwenuke |Founder & CEO, FASS (For A Short Stay)

Victoria is a hospitality-tech entrepreneur reimagining airport lodging through luxury micro-suites for modern travellers. With over 15 years of global brand management experience at companies including Colgate-Palmolive, Unilever, eBay, and Meta, she brings corporate precision and inclusive innovation into the travel space. Her pitch demonstrated scale, strategy, and strong market positioning. Learn more about her work here

Ejiro Osakede
Life & Transformational Coach | Host, Stretch Street Podcast

Ejiro Osakede |Life & Transformational Coach | Host, Stretch Street Podcast

Widely known as The Energetic EJ, Ejiro is a certified transformational coach dedicated to helping women rediscover abandoned dreams and step into renewed purpose. Her pitch centered on clarity of voice, measurable impact, and long-term community transformation through coaching and media. Learn more about her work here

Julieth Agbo

Julieth Agbo |Founder, A-Aston Technologies & Data for Her

A digital and data inclusion advocate, Julieth equips women and young people with practical digital literacy skills for the future of work. Through her remote business support company and data initiative, she is closing access gaps and building sustainable systems. Her pitch highlighted impact-driven technology with strong scalability. Learn more about her work here 

Oluwabunmi Asaolu_Media Pitch Challenge

Oluwabunmi Asaolu | Founder, Canada CEOs &Hutteywilly Collections

Oluwabunmi is a community builder and digital marketer empowering women and newcomers across Canada to build sustainable, profitable businesses. Through Canada CEOs, she creates visibility, collaboration, and business growth opportunities. Her pitch showcased community-driven entrepreneurship with measurable impact. Learn more abou her work here

Beyond the Pitch: A Room Full of Momentum

The Media Pitch Challenge was not just about winning. It was about positioning.

Each finalist demonstrated:

• Clear brand identity
• Strategic storytelling
• Market awareness
• Growth readiness
• Media potential

This is what happens when women are given both the platform and the preparation. At Women of Rubies, we believe visibility is not accidental — it is intentional, strategic, and transformative.

To our finalists: your courage to step forward has already created momentum. And this is only the beginning.

by
Keep Reading
Bukola Adeolu-Dele
In Inspiration By

Bukola Adeolu-Dele: Empowering Women, Transforming Marriages

For over two decades, Bukola Adeolu-Dele has been dedicated to helping women achieve emotional clarity and purposeful living. As a Counseling and Educational Psychologist, she blends faith, psychology, and practical insight to guide women through life’s challenges, equipping them with the tools to thrive personally and professionally.

Founder of The Single Ladies Preparatory School of Marriage

Bukola’s passion for strong marriages led her to establish The Single Ladies Preparatory School of Marriage, a unique platform designed to prepare women for intentional and fulfilling relationships. Through this initiative, she empowers women with the mindset, practical skills, and wisdom needed to build healthy, lasting partnerships.

A Legacy of Mentorship and Coaching

Over the years, Bukola has coached and mentored countless women, helping them navigate relationships, discover purpose, and embrace their worth. Her approach emphasizes clarity, confidence, and actionable steps, ensuring that each woman is equipped to step into her future intentionally.

Bukola Adeolu-Dele
Bukola Adeolu-Dele, Educational Psychologist

Prolific Author and Thought Leader

Bukola is also a prolific author of 20 books covering relationships, personal growth, purpose, and life transformation. Her work has reached thousands of women worldwide, offering guidance, inspiration, and practical strategies to cultivate meaningful lives and thriving marriages.

Impacting Generations of Women

Through workshops, coaching, and publications, Bukola Adeolu-Dele continues to make a lasting impact on women globally. Her teachings inspire confidence, self-worth, and purpose-driven living, helping women navigate love, life, and career with intention.

Celebrating Women and Strong Marriages

Bukola’s story is a testament to the power of mentorship, faith, and strategic guidance in transforming lives. She continues to empower women to embrace their worth, step boldly into their future, and build strong, fulfilling relationships that stand the test of time.

by
Keep Reading
Hembadoon
In Inspiration By

Hembadoon: Reclaiming Her Voice, Redefining Afro Fusion in Luxembourg

There’s something unmistakable about an artist who returns to their craft with clarity, conviction, and lived experience. Hembadoon is that artist.

Born in Nigeria and now based in Luxembourg, the Afro Fusion singer-songwriter has built a career that spans continents, industries, and creative expressions, from gospel stages and radio charts to theatre productions and international festivals.

But her story is not one of overnight success. It is one of evolution.

From Early Spotlight to Industry Powerhouse

Hembadoon’s musical roots run deep. She began in the gospel group Cyrus, later leading Sunrise Band, and earning national recognition when her single “Odo Aye” reached No. 1 on North Central Nigerian radio charts. The song was later featured in the BBC drama series Wetin Dey.

She went on to work behind the scenes in Nigeria’s entertainment industry, collaborating with record labels, supporting major artists, and serving as a media strategist and On-Air Personality. Her industry experience gave her rare insight into both the creative and commercial sides of music.

The Comeback: “LADY” and TIME Na NOW

After nearly a decade away from releasing her own music, Hembadoon made a defining return in 2020 with her breakout single “LADY.” The record marked not just a comeback,  but a repositioning.

Her debut album, “TIME Na NOW,” crafted over five years, tells a story of rediscovery, resilience, and self-definition. It is a sonic blend of Afrobeat, Soul, and World Music,  influenced by legends like Angelique Kidjo and Alicia Keys, yet distinctly her own.

The project captures a woman stepping fully into her voice without apology.

The Lady Force Band & A Growing European Presence

Now firmly rooted in Luxembourg, Hembadoon leads a 7-piece ensemble, The Lady Force Band, delivering high-energy live performances across major festivals and venues including MusiqCITÉ, Black History Month Luxembourg, and international women-focused music festivals in Ghana, Canada, and Cameroon.

Her live showcase series, LADY LIVE, is steadily becoming a recognizable brand, blending powerful vocals, cultural storytelling, and dynamic stage presence.

Beyond performance, she continues shaping culture through her radio shows AFRIKULTURE MIX and NUBIAN LOUNGE, celebrating African creativity and diaspora voices.

Hembadoon

More Than Music

Hembadoon represents a new model of the independent African artist in Europe, creative, strategic, and culturally anchored. She is building not just a discography, but a movement.

Her journey reminds us of one powerful truth: Sometimes stepping away is what prepares you to return stronger. And for Hembadoon, the time truly is now.

by
Keep Reading
Tsitsi Dangarembga
In Inspiration By

Tsitsi Dangarembga: Zimbabwean Literary Pioneer and Advocate for Justice

In the canon of African literature, certain voices do more than tell stories; they shift global consciousness. Tsitsi Dangarembga is one of those voices. As a Zimbabwean novelist, playwright, and filmmaker, Dangarembga carved a historic path when her debut novel Nervous Conditions became the first book published in English by a Black woman from Zimbabwe.

That milestone alone secured her place in literary history. But her impact extends far beyond a first.

The Groundbreaking Power of Nervous Conditions

Published in 1988, Nervous Conditions offered an unflinching exploration of colonialism, gender inequality, identity, and the psychological toll of societal expectations on African women. Through the story of Tambudzai, Dangarembga centered the lived experiences of young Black girls navigating patriarchy and postcolonial Zimbabwe.

The novel was later named by the BBC as one of the 100 books that shaped the world, recognition that underscores its global influence. For many readers, Nervous Conditions was a revelation. It challenged Western literary dominance while asserting African women’s narratives as complex, intellectual, and deserving of global readership.

In doing so, Dangarembga helped redefine African literature for international audiences.

International Recognition and Literary Excellence

Tsitsi Dangarembga’s body of work has earned her numerous honors, including the Commonwealth Writers’ Prize and the PEN Pinter Prize. Her novel This Mournable Body, the third installment in the Tambudzai trilogy, was shortlisted for the Booker Prize, one of the most prestigious awards in global literature.

Being shortlisted for the Booker Prize placed her among the world’s most celebrated contemporary writers, affirming her influence beyond Zimbabwe and the African continent.

Her storytelling blends political awareness with psychological depth. She examines power structures, economic instability, migration, and the intersection of gender and postcolonial identity. Her narratives are layered, intellectually rigorous, and emotionally resonant.

Tsitsi

Literature as Resistance

Dangarembga’s influence is not confined to fiction. In 2020, she peacefully protested for political reform in Zimbabwe and was later convicted in a controversial ruling that was eventually overturned. This moment highlighted her commitment to justice beyond the written word.

Her activism reinforces a long-standing tradition of African writers who use literature as a tool of resistance. Through both her public stance and creative work, she embodies intellectual courage.

In an era where free expression remains contested in many regions, Dangarembga’s voice carries weight. She represents the power of art to question authority and imagine alternatives.

Expanding Space for Black Women Writers

As a Zimbabwean novelist writing in English, Tsitsi Dangarembga expanded access for African women within global publishing spaces. Historically, African literary narratives were filtered through colonial perspectives or male-dominated frameworks. Dangarembga disrupted that pattern.

Her success opened doors for future generations of Black women writers who now occupy international stages, literary festivals, and award shortlists. Representation in literature shapes cultural memory, and her work ensures that African women’s experiences are not erased or simplified.

A Legacy in Motion

Tsitsi Dangarembga’s legacy rests at the intersection of literature, activism, and intellectual leadership. She is not simply a Booker Prize finalist or award-winning Zimbabwean novelist. She is a cultural architect whose work reshaped African storytelling.

Her journey reminds us that storytelling is powerful. It documents history, challenges injustice, and preserves identity. Through her novels and advocacy, Dangarembga has ensured that African women’s voices remain central to global literary discourse.

In celebrating Tsitsi Dangarembga, we honor more than literary achievement. We recognize a pioneer who expanded the boundaries of African literature and continues to inspire readers around the world.

by
Keep Reading
Dr. Alexandra Bastiany
In Inspiration By

Dr. Alexandra Bastiany: Canada’s First Black Woman Interventional Cardiologist

In the demanding field of cardiovascular medicine, few specialties require the level of precision, expertise, and urgency found in interventional cardiology. Alexandra Bastiany made history as Canada’s first Black woman interventional cardiologist, marking a defining moment in Canadian healthcare and medical representation.

Interventional cardiology focuses on catheter-based procedures used to treat heart attacks and complex coronary artery disease. These procedures are often performed in emergency settings, where minutes determine survival. Becoming an interventional cardiologist requires extensive medical training, specialization, and mastery of high-risk procedures.

Dr. Bastiany’s entry into this elite field represents both medical excellence and systemic progress.

Academic Excellence and Specialized Training

Born to Haitian parents and raised in Montreal, Dr. Bastiany demonstrated academic distinction early in her career. She graduated as the first Black valedictorian of her medical faculty before pursuing specialized cardiology training.

Her achievement reflects years of disciplined study, residency, fellowship training, and hands-on clinical expertise. Today, she practices at Thunder Bay Regional Health Centre, where she performs life-saving cardiac interventions for patients experiencing acute cardiovascular emergencies.

Her daily work involves restoring blood flow during heart attacks, managing complex coronary conditions, and ensuring improved patient outcomes. In a specialty where accuracy and speed are critical, Dr. Bastiany operates at the highest level of medical care.

Addressing Representation in Healthcare

Cardiovascular disease remains one of the leading causes of death globally. Yet healthcare disparities persist, particularly among marginalized communities. Representation within medical specialties can influence patient trust, cultural competency, and access to care.

Dr. Bastiany’s presence in interventional cardiology challenges long-standing barriers in medicine. Her achievement expands the visibility of Black women in specialized healthcare fields and signals progress toward a more inclusive medical system.

Representation is not symbolic. It directly impacts how communities experience healthcare systems. By occupying space in advanced cardiology, Dr. Bastiany contributes to reshaping perceptions and opportunities for future physicians.

A Legacy in Motion

Dr. Alexandra Bastiany’s career embodies resilience, expertise, and purpose. She stands at the intersection of history and innovation, breaking barriers while saving lives.

Her journey reminds us that progress in medicine requires both technical excellence and inclusive leadership. As Canada’s first Black woman interventional cardiologist, she is not only redefining heart care, she is also building a legacy within modern healthcare.

by
Keep Reading
Khamica Bingham
In Inspiration By

Khamica Bingham: Canadian Olympic Sprinter and Black Excellence on the Track

Khamica Bingham is a Canadian Olympic sprinter who specializes in the 100 metres and has represented Team Canada at the highest levels of international competition. From the Olympic Games to the World Championships, Bingham has established herself as one of Canada’s premier track and field athletes.

Born on June 15, 1994, in North York, Ontario, Khamica Bingham’s journey to becoming a Canadian Olympic sprinter did not begin on the track. She was originally a national-level gymnast before transitioning into sprinting during high school due to the financial burden gymnastics placed on her family. That shift would ultimately shape her legacy in Canadian athletics.

Khamica Bingham’s Early Career and Breakthrough

Khamica Bingham’s speed became evident early in her track and field career. In 2012, she competed in the 100 metres at the IAAF World Junior Championships, finishing fourth and signaling her arrival as one of Canada’s rising sprint talents.

Her development accelerated as she became a key member of Canada’s women’s 4×100 metre relay team. Alongside Kimberly Hyacinthe, Crystal Emmanuel, and Shai-Anne Davis, Bingham helped set a national record, strengthening Canada’s position in global women’s sprinting.

As a Black Canadian athlete, her presence on international relay teams also expanded representation at the highest levels of track and field.

Khamica Bingham at the Olympic Games

In July 2016, Khamica Bingham was officially named to Canada’s Olympic team, achieving one of the most significant milestones in any athlete’s career. Representing Team Canada at the Olympic Games placed her among the elite 100 metre sprinters in the world.

She later competed at the 2020 Summer Olympics, further solidifying her reputation as a consistent and high-performing Canadian Olympic sprinter.

Competing at the Olympic Games, Pan American Games, Commonwealth Games, and World Championships demonstrates not only speed but longevity and resilience in an intensely competitive sport.

From Gymnastics to 100 Metres Specialist

Khamica Bingham’s transition from gymnastics to track and field is a defining part of her story. Switching sports at a young age required rebuilding her athletic identity, retraining her body, and developing elite sprint technique.

Her success illustrates adaptability and determination, qualities essential for sustained performance in professional athletics.

For many young athletes, particularly those navigating financial or structural barriers, her story proves that a change in direction does not mean a loss of potential.

Khamica Bingham
Photo: Khamica Bingham (Instagraam)

Representation and Black Excellence in Canadian Sport

As a Black Canadian Olympian, Khamica Bingham represents visibility and excellence in women’s sport. Track and field has long been a space where Black athletes have made global impact, and Bingham continues that tradition within Team Canada.

Her achievements contribute to Canada’s growing legacy in women’s sprinting and inspire the next generation of athletes who aspire to compete at the Olympic level.

Beyond medals and race times, her career symbolizes perseverance, discipline, and national pride.

Khamica Bingham’s Legacy in Motion

Today, Khamica Bingham remains recognized as one of Canada’s top 100 metre runners. Her participation in multiple Olympic cycles and international competitions reflects both elite performance and enduring commitment to her craft.

From a young gymnast in Ontario to an Olympic sprinter competing on the world stage, Khamica Bingham’s journey is one of transformation, speed, and impact.

She is not just running races — she is building legacy in Canadian track and field.

FAQ: Khamica Bingham

What event does Khamica Bingham compete in?
She specializes in the 100 metres and also competes in the women’s 4×100 metre relay.

Has Khamica Bingham competed in the Olympics?
Yes. She represented Canada at the 2016 Olympic Games and the 2020 Summer Olympics.

Where is Khamica Bingham from?
She was born in North York, Ontario, Canada.

by
Keep Reading
Jully Black
In Inspiration By

Jully Black: Canada’s Queen of R&B and a Cultural Force Beyond Music

Born in Toronto to Jamaican immigrants and raised Pentecostal in the Jane and Finch neighbourhood, Jully Black’s story is rooted in faith, culture, and resilience. Exposed to music at an early age, her undeniable talent led to her discovery by Warner-Chappell Music at just 19 years old.

She later joined the Hip Hop collective The Circle alongside artists such as Kardinal Offishall and Tara Chase, a formative moment that would shape her sound and presence in Canada’s music scene.

Earning the title “Canada’s Queen of R&B,” Jully Black has released four studio albums and collaborated with global artists including Nas, Destiny’s Child, and the Black Eyed Peas. Her contributions to music earned her a Juno Award in 1997, followed by numerous nominations throughout her career, cementing her as one of Canada’s most respected vocalists.

But Jully’s influence extends far beyond music.

In 2008, she hosted the Canadian Radio Music Awards and later became a celebrity reporter for CTV’s entertainment program Etalk. In 2021, her decades-long impact was recognized with an induction into Canada’s Walk of Fame, a defining milestone in her legacy.

In 2023, Jully Black made national and international headlines during her performance of the Canadian national anthem at the NBA All-Star Game. By changing the lyrics to “our home on native land,” she sparked powerful conversations about truth, reconciliation, and Indigenous recognition, a moment that led to her being honoured by the Assembly of First Nations.

Her artistry also shines on stage and screen. From Da Kink in my Hair (both stage and television) to the critically acclaimed stage production of Caroline, Or Change, Jully has proven her range as a performer. Her theatrical work earned her both the Toronto Theater Critics Award for Best Lead Performance and the Dora Mavor Moore Award.

Beyond performance, Jully Black is a committed social activist. In 2018, she launched 100 Strong and Sexy, a wellness membership program focused on women’s physical and mental health. In 2022, she founded the Jully Black Family Foundation in honour of her late mother, Agatha Gordon, supporting the education of young women in Ontario.

Jully Black represents more than musical excellence; she embodies courage, culture, and community leadership. Her voice has not only shaped Canadian sound but continues to influence national conversations around identity, equity, and empowerment.

Her legacy is still being written boldly.

by
Keep Reading
Nifemi Fagbohun_Laureate
In Inspiration By

Dr. Oluwanifemi “Niffy” Fagbohun Makes History as 2026 Black History Month Laureate in Montreal

In 2026, history was made at Montreal City Hall as Dr. Oluwanifemi “Niffy” Fagbohun signed the Canadian Historic Golden Book as a laureate during Mois de l’Histoire des Noirs (Black History Month). Recognized alongside the Mayor of Montreal and directors of the Round Table for Black History Month, she became the first Nigerian in Montreal, Quebec, to receive this prestigious honor, cementing her place in history while celebrating Black excellence and cultural legacy.

This recognition is a testament to Dr. Fagbohun’s decades-long dedication to empowering women, uplifting entrepreneurs, and championing inclusive communities. She is a multi-award-winning entrepreneur, bestselling author, internationally trained Chemical and Polymer Engineer, brand strategist, and dynamic speaker. Over the past 20 years, she has blended innovation, beauty, and social impact to create safe spaces where women can thrive in business and wellness. Through her work, she has empowered over 15,000 individuals globally and leads a worldwide community of more than 40,000 beauty enthusiasts.

As the Founder of Montreal Vendors, a business growth hub, Dr. Fagbohun supports over 17,000 entrepreneurs across Canada, providing visibility, strategic growth opportunities, and advocacy for inclusion. Through her vegan and cruelty-free beauty brand, Niffy Signature, and her Niffy Wellness Foundation (@niffywellnessfoundation), she redefines beauty through health, sustainability, and empowerment.

Her work has earned her a place among the Forbes Universal Women Network, leadership boards, and global mentorship programs, including the Gemstar Circle of Excellence Scholarship Program for Black youth in Montreal. Featured internationally by media outlets like CityNews Montreal, Ticker News Australia, and The Guardian, Dr. Fagbohun continues to shape global conversations around leadership, cultural pride, and entrepreneurship.

A Historic Recognition at Montreal City Hall

In 2026, history was made as Dr. Fagbohun signed the Canadian Historic Golden Book as a laureate during Mois de l’Histoire des Noirs (Black History Month) at Montreal City Hall. Recognized alongside the Mayor of Montreal and directors of the Round Table for Black History Month, this milestone marks both a personal achievement and a collective victory for representation, excellence, and community impact.

A First for Nigerian Representation in Quebec

In the 35-year history of Montreal’s Black History Month, which honors 12 laureates annually, Dr. Fagbohun became the first Nigerian in Montreal, Quebec, to receive this prestigious recognition. Her accomplishment underscores the power of representation and highlights the importance of visibility in shaping inclusive narratives.

Empowering Through Entrepreneurship and Leadership

Dr. Fagbohun’s work extends far beyond personal achievements. As the Founder and Director of Montreal Vendors, she provides Canadian entrepreneurs with visibility, mentorship, and strategic growth opportunities. Through Niffy Signature, she promotes safe and informed beauty practices globally, while her Niffy Wellness Foundation serves girls aged 10 and above, as well as women across Montreal, focusing on wellness education, confidence-building, and empowerment initiatives.

Her influence spans public speaking, authorship, mentorship, and cultural advocacy. Proudly rooted in her Ijebu heritage, she champions cultural relevance while shaping global conversations around leadership, representation, and diversity.

A Global Voice and Community Champion

Dr. Fagbohun’s work has been featured by CityNews Montreal, Ticker News Australia, and The Guardian, among others. Her recognition as a 2026 Black History Month Laureate affirms her dedication to empowering women, supporting entrepreneurs, and elevating Black excellence across Canada and beyond. She also serves as a Doctoral Fellow at the Global Institute of Leadership and Development and mentors young people, including Black youth in Montreal, through the Gemstar Circle of Excellence Scholarship Program.

Nifemi Fagbohun Laureate

Celebrating Black Excellence and Cultural Legacy

Black History Month is a time to reflect on resilience, celebrate achievements, and recommit to building equity for future generations. For Dr. Fagbohun, this recognition is not just personal, it is a testament to community-driven leadership, cultural pride, and the transformative power of consistent effort.

This milestone is dedicated to the supporters, collaborators, mentees, and global audiences who believe in her vision. It is a celebration of collective advancement, cultural representation, and the enduring impact of Black excellence in Canada and worldwide.

Looking Ahead

As we honor the 2026 laureates of Mois de l’Histoire des Noirs, Dr. Oluwanifemi “Niffy” Fagbohun’s journey serves as a beacon of inspiration, reminding us that entrepreneurship, wellness, and community impact can coexist to create lasting change. Her story continues to inspire a new generation of leaders, innovators, and changemakers committed to leaving a mark on the world.

Congratulations to Dr. Oluwanifemi “Niffy” Fagbohun on this historic achievement.

by
Keep Reading
Amanda Parris
In Inspiration By

Amanda Parris Is Redefining Black Storytelling in Canada

Storytelling shapes memory, culture, and power. When Black stories are told with care, context, and intention, they become tools for preservation, resistance, and transformation. Few voices in Canadian media embody this responsibility as thoughtfully and consistently as Amanda Parris.

Amanda Parris is an award-winning Canadian broadcaster, writer, playwright, and cultural curator whose work has helped reshape how Black stories are told and received across Canada. Through journalism, television, theatre, and documentary storytelling, she has created space for Black voices to be heard without dilution or compromise.

A Career Rooted in Culture and Curiosity

Amanda is an arts reporter and producer with the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC). Over the years, she has hosted and contributed to several CBC platforms, including The Filmmakers, Exhibitionists, From the Vaults, and the CBC Music radio series Marvin’s Room. Her work spans television, radio, digital media, and live cultural conversations, positioning her as one of the most respected cultural commentators in the country.

She also writes Black Light, a weekly column for CBC Arts that explores Black creativity, identity, and cultural expression with depth and insight. In 2016, she co-hosted the Polaris Music Prize ceremony alongside Tom Power, further cementing her role as a trusted voice within Canada’s arts and music landscape.

Storytelling Beyond the Screen

Amanda’s impact extends far beyond broadcasting. In 2017, her debut theatrical play, Other Side of the Game, was staged by Toronto’s Obsidian Theatre and Cahoots Theatre. The play offered a deeply nuanced exploration of Black womanhood, ambition, and identity. After being published in book form, it went on to win the Governor General’s Award for English-language drama in 2019.

Her work continued to evolve across mediums. Other Side of the Game was later adapted into a three-part release for the theatre podcast PlayME in 2021, expanding its reach to new audiences.

Another notable work, The Death News, written by Amanda and directed by the late Charles Officer, is a filmed stage monodrama set in a near-future where premature Black death is treated as inevitable. Commissioned as part of 21 Black Futures, an anthology series for CBC Gem, the piece responds to the question of what the future of Blackness looks like. Inspired by radio death announcements in Grenada, Amanda envisioned the work as a form of resistance to mainstream media’s failure to tell nuanced and humane Black stories.

Education, Advocacy, and Cultural Leadership

Before joining CBC, Amanda co-founded Lost Lyrics alongside Natasha Daniels, an arts education initiative that used theatre, poetry, dance, music, and film to engage youth at risk of dropping out of school. This early work reflects a consistent thread throughout her career: storytelling as a tool for empowerment and social change.

In 2022, Amanda was recognized with the Academy of Canadian Cinema and Television’s Changemaker Award, alongside Kathleen Newman-Bremang and Kayla Grey. She has also received multiple accolades for her work, including recognition for Best Writing in a Web Program for The Death News.

That same commitment to innovation continued with projects such as Revenge of the Black Best Friend, a comedy web series she created in 2022, and the launch of For the Culture with Amanda Parris in 2024. The documentary series profiles pressing issues within Black culture, continuing her mission to center Black voices with honesty and care.

Honouring Her Impact This Black History Month

Women of Rubies celebrates Amanda Parris for her unwavering commitment to authentic storytelling and cultural preservation. Her work reminds us that representation is not just about visibility, but about intention, integrity, and truth.

By centering Black stories across platforms and generations, Amanda Parris continues to redefine what it means to tell stories that matter, stories that endure, and stories that truly belong to the people they represent.

by
Keep Reading

©2025. WomenofRubies. All Rights Reserved.