Future Black Female

Published purpose

This 33-month project, expanding the “Providing Culturally Relevant and Responsive Career Pathways for Black Women in Ontario” regional initiative, aims to enhance the economic participation, security, and prosperity of Black girls and women in Ontario’s education system and labor force. Specifically, Future Black Female (FBF) will tackle systemic barriers that impede Black women aged 16 to 22 from succeeding in high school, entering post-secondary education, and securing prosperous employment. FBF will mobilize community partners, businesses, and enterprises to address these barriers and improve economic security. By facilitating knowledge exchange and translation, FBF will advocate for significant change through stakeholder and employer-focused workshops in sectors where Black women are under-represented. Additionally, FBF will provide tools, resources, and spaces for Black girls and women to drive systemic change as community advocates. Black-focused Affinity Groups and Clubs in educational institutions will set goals to promote culturally relevant care and leadership opportunities. FBF will also foster ongoing collaborations with community and corporate organizations to mitigate barriers to the economic security and prosperity of Black women in Ontario. With the supplemental funds and extension provided in early 2026, the Future Black Female will: 1) establish a Black Women’s Economic Mobility Data Hub, 2) implement employer accountability frameworks in the technology and entrepreneurship sectors, and 3) pilot institutional policy-to-practice models with education and workforce partners. Through this, they will further advance Gender Equality.