Charity That Begins at Home and Transforms a Community

At BCW, we see empowerment as multifaceted, encompassing social, cultural, and economic dimensions. While our work supports community programs for women and girls, BCW is also proud to be the first Black-led organization to initiate business-focused programs in Western Canada. 

We believe economic empowerment is critical for creating resilient communities, and we partner with organizations and leaders who share this belief. By extending community-centred learning and opportunities for entrepreneurship, we ensure that women and girls not only have access to essential services but also pathways to business ownership, skill-building, and wealth creation.

Drawing Inspiration from Ancestral Wisdom

I deeply admire the “palaver hut” model in African communities. It’s a space where everyone, regardless of status, comes together to discuss, resolve, and co-create solutions. These traditional systems prioritized dialogue, collective wisdom, and mutual support. They inspire us at BCW to ensure every voice is valued and that decision-making is collaborative.

One of our community programs brings women and girls (moms and daughters) together in safe, supportive spaces, reflecting this communal approach. In our business centre, we take this further by offering entrepreneurship workshops and collaborative learning opportunities, ensuring that economic empowerment is also a shared journey. We also believe that our entrepreneurs will reach their full potential by connecting, networking, and learning from the mainstream.

Technology as a Tool for Connection and Preservation

We have embraced technology as a tool for expanding our reach and impact. From virtual workshops to online resources, we connect women and girls across Edmonton, Calgary, and Regina. Our business centre uses technology to provide training in hair services and AI programming, equipping participants with digital skills that support their entrepreneurial goals.

Location-based tools can also be powerful connectors, reestablishing relationships to place and community, echoing the importance of rootedness in traditional systems. For newcomers, these tools help identify culturally relevant spaces, services, and business opportunities. At BCW, we see location-based technology like The Nod App as a way to bridge gaps for the communities we serve by helping individuals find supportive networks and create new economic pathways that honour their cultural identities.

Reclaiming Our Right to Prosper

While BCW is committed to social and cultural empowerment, our role as a trailblazer in business development for Black communities is foundational to our mission. We believe that economic empowerment is essential to addressing the broader issues our community faces, and we’re committed to ensuring that this dimension is always part of the conversation.

I am genuinely excited about the potential of The Nod Vanguard to bring together leaders who share these values of community, resilience, and economic empowerment. I look forward to speaking soon!

Warm regards,
Jeanne Brigitte Lehman, CM.