Monday 19 February 2024
by Joy Osiagwu, Editorial Associate
Ingrid John-Baptiste is a household name in Ottawa, especially in the African, Caribbean, and Black (ACB) communities, due to her passion for community and volunteering initiatives. She relocated from Trinidad, her place of birth, to Canada in 1973 after obtaining a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of West Indies.
She joined the Government of Canada in 1975 and served for thirty-five meritorious years. However, Ingrid has continued serving the community by mentoring ACB people, especially as the President of the Trinidad and Tobago Association of Ottawa (TTAO) for many years.
In an insightful conversation with Black Ottawa Scene, she went down memory lane to share about her early years in Trinidad, her years as a teacher in the Bahamas, moving to Ottawa, and her life in the capital region over the years.
Some of her volunteering services include events Coordinator at Christ’s Chapel Bible Church, host of the TV program “Caribbean Calendar”, and President of the Trinidad & Tobago Association of Ottawa of which she is still the President. Ingrid has received several awards for selfless service to several organizations over the years, namely. Servant of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago, Lignum Vitae Lifetime Achievement Award, National Institute of Jamaican Canadians, and Community Builder Award Black History Ottawa.
In her bag of Awards, we also found the Community Builder Award United Way, Certificate of Recognition Network of Black Business & Professional Women, Community Leader Trinidad and Tobago Association of Ottawa, and Community Builder Award Global Community Alliance.
Ingrid and her husband, Carl, spend quality time with their children and grandchildren despite her busy life as a volunteer.
Photo credit: TTAO
Children: (Blended Family) (oldest to the youngest)
Nia Bruno-Gibson
Chad John-Baptiste
Nyesha Bruno
Kara John-Baptiste
Grand Children:
Blended Family (oldest to the youngest):
DaVina Bruno-Dodd
Denzel Bruno-Dodd
Vitalia Mirambeau
Demani Bruno-Dodd
Alyeena John-Baptiste
Emmitt Gibson
Imara John-Baptiste
Click on the link for a full video of her story.