By Sophia Jacob
On September 25th, 2015, the Diversity Advancement Network held the Inaugural Black Canadian Business Summit across four major cities in Canada.
The Ottawa Edition was held at the Sandy Hill Community Centre. Host of the Ottawa Summit was Sophia Jacob, Founder of Black Ottawa Business Network Social Group. Welcoming message from The Diversity Advancement Network- Executive Director Paul Ade was read by Sophia.
Guest speakers included – Candidate for Ottawa -West Nepean Abdul Abdi, BWCEN Board of Director Lilly Obina, President of the Caribbean Union of Canada Eric Sarah, Psychology and Law Graduate Liliane Tshimanga, Economist and Financial Advisor Magalie Maceus and Founder of Ottawa’s First “Black Church” and Community Leader Bishop McEwan Sr.
Recipients of the Black Canadian Awards held this past June in Toronto were able to receive their awards at the Summit. Ottawa Award recipients included, KellyLee Evans “Best Jazz Artist”, Bishop McEwan Sr., “Inspiration Award” Elcho Stewart “Professional Excellence”(absent)
Inspiring messages of collaboration, community engagement, innovation and “Dreams Come Through” quoted by Bishop McEwan Sr. was what guests heard from the evenings speakers followed by open networking.
Photo credits: Lesline McEwan & Sophia Jacob
About the writer
Sophia Jacob is an Event Specialist and founder of the professional network: Black Ottawa Business Network Social Group. The network hosts a diverse variety of business networking and social events that create an opportunity for engagement, professional development, referrals, collaboration and network expansion for entrepreneurs, business professionals and non profit organizations. Sophia is experienced in social media relations, marketing and fundraising. She is a philanthropist and freely gives of her time to various community projects and charitable organizations to some of which she has created speciality events that raise funds and donate 100 percent of profits raised.
