Black Girls Gather

Published purpose

Through this 32-month systemic change project, Black Girls Gather will scale the Graduate to Employment Program to advance women’s economic security and prosperity. It will scale to increase representation in leadership roles in Atlantic Canada. It will address systemic barriers to employment, such as race and age bias, gender-based discrimination, and lack of qualification recognition for internationally trained newcomers, for young, Black women and create pathways to overcome them. The project participants are intentionally matched with a senior leader sponsor who can support them on their transition to full-time employment. Upon completion, participants will be enrolled into an alumni program, where they can continue to access resources and engage in a network of mutual support. The project is rooted in Afrocentric principles and prioritizes sponsors who are equipped to center the experiences of Black women to transform their economic potential. With the supplemental funds and extension provided in early 2026, Black Girls Gather will expand their Graduate to Employment Program in New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island and Newfoundland so that more Black women have access to culturally relevant supports when faced with barriers to their employment security and progression. The organization will also deliver their first participant and alumni conference to bring together Black women from the three Maritime provinces to deepen mentorship and strengthen and help sustain the community of practice. Through this they will further advance Gender Equality.