About
Let's Talk Careers in Entrepreneurship offers African Black Caribbean students access to Black professionals, industry knowledge, and pathways to careers in entrepreneurship. Connect & network in facilitated table groups with professionals from U of T and the broader African Black Caribbean community. Gain new insights into various entrepreneurship careers. Receive tips, tools, strategies, and funding leads.
Things to keep in mind:
- This event is for African, Black or Caribbean students only.
- Before the main event – from 5:10 PM to 5:45 PM only – you are welcome to pick up a light snack while attending the introduction to the entrepreneur professionals
- Optional: The deadline for registrants with dietary requirements and other accommodation needs is March 1. Please contact Adonica Huggins.
Given the closeness of the seating, we would feel more comfortable if medical-grade masks are worn, if you are able.
Speakers
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Susan Henry
Susan Henry has over 25 years’ experience working with underserved and underrepresented individuals, organizations, and communities with a focus on the foundation of “Financial Inclusion for all”. She was instrumental in leading the launch of Alterna Savings’ award-winning Community Microfinance Program and the Community Loan Funds Partnership Programs, where since its inception in 2000, over $8.6M in loans have been disbursed. Susan is now responsible for the strategic direction of Alterna’s Community Impact Department, including oversight of the portfolio in affordable housing, non-profits, the charitable sector, the Community Microfinance Program, Community Financial Education Program, and Granting Programs.
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Efosa Obano
Efosa Obano manages a U of T program that supports Black founders with capital, community and capacity building. He also started and leads the African Impact Initiative, which invests in young African innovators. He has experience with using technology to create social impact, invest with impact, and build early-stage ventures. Until recently, he led a team that guided startups on their digital transformation journeys with Dell. He also led community outreach for Dell Canada's Social Impact Team & Black Networking Alliance.
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Melissa Allen
Melissa Allen began her career in digital marketing and sales working for tech companies such as Torstar Digital and Google, before pivoting to an award-winning career in financial services. Combining her passions for tech and finance, she became an angel investor and Limited Partner in 2019. After selling her financial practice in 2020, Melissa began lending her expertise in advisory and leadership roles at several startups and venture firms before founding her Venture Capital firm, Capital M, and joining League of Innovators as the Executive Director.
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Malcolm Wright
Malcolm Wright is an entrepreneur and Founder of Wrightway Education Inc. With close to a decade of experience within the field of Education, he is an Education Consultant that recruits international students and places them throughout Canadian educational institutions based on their aspirations. As a community leader, Malcolm recognizes the importance of diversity and an equitable future for Black entrepreneurship.
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Kathryn Lawrence
Kathryn Lawrence is one of the Co-Founders and the Brand Director of Nobellum Enterprise, a female-led non-profit organization with the mandate of supporting the start-up of 100 Black-owned businesses in STEM by 2025. Additionally she is a licensed Interior Designer with experience working on small to large scale corporate, government and institutional projects. Kathryn has also founded an initiative based in her home country Jamaica, The Ubuntu Creative Arts Project, with the aim of providing exposure to emerging creative professionals from and within the Caribbean.
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Rae Massop
Rae Massop is the Founder and CEO of Aworie Health, a mental health service that provides private psychotherapy to low-income Canadians using a sliding scale fee structure. She is a registered Psychotherapist, holds a Master of Social Work degree from the University of Toronto, and has membership affiliations with the U of T entrepreneurship community and the Black Founders Network. Rae has done extensive health equity research for hospitals such as Sunnybrook Hospital and Ontario Shores, and her team's mission is to provide equitable psychotherapy services to help enable marginalized Canadians to thrive.
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