Makini Smith: Liberal, Oshawa 

OSHAWA — A motivational speaker and author will represent the Liberal party in the Oshawa riding in the upcoming provincial election. 

Makini Smith won the nomination last Sunday. 

Smith is the author of four books, including her memoir A Walk in My Stilettos, and particularly focuses on the empowerment of women and girls. She is part of CBC’s HERStory in Black campaign which shares the stories of 150 black women who excel in their fields, push for greater diversity and help build their communities.

She was also named a national role model by the Black Canadian Awards and was a featured author for Indigo Canada’s 2015 International Women’s Day events.

An Oshawa resident who has lived in Durham since 2008, Smith said she chose to run because she believes she has the ability to affect people’s lives.

“I can make a change, I can make a difference for the people of Oshawa,” she said.

Smith volunteers at the Massey Centre for Women.

In Oshawa, Smith said her focus would be on improving the downtown as well as south Oshawa.

“I really believe that the residents in south Oshawa need a change and there’s a lot of forgotten areas that I feel I can help make a difference in,” she said.

Smith said she believes the Liberal government has made several positive changes for Ontarians.