BLACK WEALTH MATTERS
This movement encourages Blacks to enter entrepreneurship and calls on the general public and especially Black communities to consume products made by Black people. The primary goal is to eradicate poverty and foster economic strength among the most vulnerable communities in North America: Blacks. This movement quickly spread to Canada and Quebec.
We will discuss with several creators and followers of this movement to better understand it and to confront ideas on its potential advantages, limitations and disadvantages.
Moderator
Catherine Verdon-Diamond: TV Personality, Current Weather Reporter for CBC Montreal Host of Right Now with CVD
On top of being a morning TV host, Catherine hosts numerous galas and charity events, from the Montreal Children’s Hospital Foundation to the Israel Day Rally, making her a sought-after host in the Montreal community. She became a weather & traffic host when CITY TV opened its doors in 2013 with Breakfast Television Montreal. For 6 years, this talented and energetic woman packed in daily traffic and weather reports from 6 am to 9 am. She also produced and hosted her own “Mom Talk” segment on a weekly basis and would often head out on the road to cover community events.
Panelists
Meryl Afrika: President Emeritus and Chair of CAUFP Advisory Board and the recipient of the 2019 Women in Finance diversity ambassador of the year award
Meryl Afrika has over 10 years of experience in Sales and Product Management having worked for Mogo Finance Technology Inc., CIBC, Scotiabank and Peoples Group. Meryl served as President of CAUFP from 2019 – 2020 and Chairs the advisory board. She is a regular contributor on the CBC Weekend Business panel, BNN Bloomberg and has been featured in the Globe & Mail, Wealth Professional and Bay Street Bull. Meryl is also the recipient of the 2019 Women in Finance Diversity Ambassador award and CIBC’s 2017 Diversity & Inclusion Team Impact Award.
Mathew J. Martel: Chief Operating Officer Black Business Initiative
Matthew James Martel is the Chief Operating Officer at the Black Business Initiative (BBI). He was born in Cape Breton, moving to Halifax to obtain a Bachelor’s degree in Management from Dalhousie University, followed by a Master’s degree in Technology, Entrepreneurship, and Innovation from the Sobey School of Business.
Frantz Saintellemy: CEO and COO of LeddarTech - President of Groupe 3737
Saintellemy is an internationally recognized expert in advanced technologies, with over 20 years of experience in the high tech and automotive sectors. Successful entrepreneur, angel investor, mentor, coach and philanthropist, he is co-founder and chairman of Groupe 3737, an incubator / accelerator and entrepreneurial innovation centre that helps visible minority founders and entrepreneurs leverage technology and innovation to massively scale their start-ups and to transform one of the most underprivileged neighbourhoods in Canada. President and COO of LeddarTech, an autonomous driving technology unicorn. He is a recognized public speaker with more than 500 conferences, publications and presentations across the globe on technology, innovation, entrepreneurship, leadership diversity, and his unique leadership approach based on "Competitive Fitness".
