When I reflect on my journey as an immigrant, a mother, a wife, and a professional, I remember what it felt like to navigate systems that were not built with me in mind. I have faced the barriers that so many Black women in Alberta and across Western Canada face: discrimination, cultural isolation, underrepresentation, and lack of access to capital or leadership opportunities. These experiences are real, and they are layered.
HER-conomy was created in response to those realities. It was intentionally designed to support Black women through the challenges we often face alone. My role as Program Director is not just professional. It is deeply personal. HER-conomy reflects not only the needs I have observed, but the ones I have lived. I lead with empathy because I understand what it means to walk this path.
Built on Sisterhood and Solidarity
At its core, HER-conomy is about creating a safe, inclusive space where Black women can connect, support one another, and grow together. From the moment a woman joins the program, she becomes part of a circle where every voice matters.
We use a cohort-based model that encourages peer support and accountability. In this space, women are free to share their stories, learn from each other’s experiences, and offer support without judgment. There is no competition here. Just shared understanding and collective problem-solving. We remind each other that we are not alone.
This sense of sisterhood and solidarity is not something we just talk about. It is something we practice through group projects, community-led sessions, and shared resources. We know that when one woman rises, others should rise with her.
Supporting Growth Beyond the Individual
HER-conomy takes a different approach to success. Instead of focusing only on individual achievement, we prioritize collective care and shared progress.
We do this through healing circles, community storytelling, and shared resource hubs. These are spaces where women give and receive support, learn together, and build each other up. Many participants say these are the moments where real transformation begins.
I believe true empowerment for Black women is not possible in isolation. HER-conomy nurtures a culture where women do not just focus on their own goals. They actively support the success of others. It is a system of care that helps prevent burnout, builds trust, and creates lasting impact in businesses, homes, and communities.
Access to Capital, Mentorship, and Leadership
Access to funding has always been a barrier for Black women. That is why HER-conomy has built strong partnerships with financial institutions and created micro-grant and pitch competition opportunities. For some participants, this is their first time accessing capital.
One of the success stories I am most proud of is a mother of three who launched her organic skincare line after securing business funding and mentorship through HER-conomy. Her journey is a reminder that with the right support, we can build what we envision.
Alongside funding, we offer expert-led sessions with accountants, strategists, and digital marketing professionals. Our leadership development includes workshops on public speaking, advocacy, and board governance. We want women to start businesses and also be prepared to lead.
Removing Real-Life Barriers
Communication gaps like accent bias, language differences, or digital literacy can create real obstacles for Black women trying to access opportunities. We recognize this, and we have addressed it.
HER-conomy integrates business communication training and digital upskilling directly into our programming. These sessions are designed to meet women where they are, using language and methods that reflect their lived realities.
Our facilitators are Black and racialized experts from across Canada. Sessions are delivered in hybrid formats, both virtual and in person. We offer translation support, childcare stipends, and flexible scheduling to ensure that no woman is left out. We do not ask women to adjust to the program. We adjust the program to meet the women.
Staying Responsive to Our Community
We are constantly evolving because we stay close to the community we serve. I stay in touch with our participants and alumni through regular check-ins, consultations, and listening sessions. This helps us stay grounded and ensures that HER-conomy remains responsive to real, emerging needs.
In the months ahead, we are planning to launch a digital platform that offers continuous learning and networking opportunities. We are also expanding our mentorship network and working to introduce a legacy-building fund focused on long-term wealth for Black families. We are building with the future in mind.
Real Relationships, Real Support
What makes HER-conomy special is the genuine connection among women. From day one, participants form bonds based on honesty, encouragement, and shared experience. Women share wins, resources, and moments of vulnerability. They celebrate each other every step of the way.
Mentorship is an important part of our model. We pair participants with Black women leaders from across the country. These relationships help preserve cultural wisdom and bridge generational gaps. We have also hosted intergenerational panels where mothers, daughters, and elders share experiences, lessons, and hope for the future. That kind of exchange builds something deep. It keeps us grounded and inspired.
HER-conomy is about more than business. We recognize that Black women carry a lot emotionally, mentally, and socially. We have built support into our structure with wellness workshops, mental health check-ins, and spaces for healing. We make room for conversations about rest, balance, and self-compassion. These are not extras. They are essential. For Black women to succeed long term, we must also feel whole and well.
The Work Ahead
HER-conomy is not just a program. It is a commitment. A commitment to doing things differently. A commitment to building with and for Black women. A commitment to rising together.
I do not take this work lightly. Every story, every success, every challenge reminds me why we started and why we must keep going.
We are building something lasting, and we are doing it in community, with courage, and with care.
