A Season of Impact: Winter Recap And Summer Preview
EMPOWERING FUTURES THROUGH GROWTH, CONNECTION, AND IMPACT
Exciting opportunities are on the horizon for the ALA community!
From investment programs to transformative trips and community summits, the Afrodescendant Leadership Alliance (ALA) is unlocking opportunities you won't want to miss!
Our Angel Investor Program has already kicked off , and we’re just getting started. This summer, we’re bringing bold ideas and brilliant minds together — don’t miss our upcoming summit in Montreal, where innovation, leadership, and community take center stage.
Mark Your Calendars - ALA SUMMER SUMMIT
On Friday, June 13, we’ll be gathering in Montréal for our inaugural ALA Summer Summit, featuring insightful discussions with Paul Desmarais III (Sagard), David Fialkow (General Catalyst) and other visionary leaders. Together, we’ll explore how Venture Capital, AI, and storytelling are shaping the future.
Back to the Roots – Canadian Professionals and Entrepreneurs Forge Global Connections in Africa
As we kicked off the year, we embraced the spirit of connection and discovery with Back to the Roots, a transformative trade mission that brought together 20+ Canadian entrepreneurs, investors, and professionals to engage with Africa’s dynamic business landscape.
One of the organizers and participants of the trip, Estelle Vancol, shared her reflections:
“Organizing the Back to the Roots trade mission was a true privilege. As a Canadian, connecting with local diplomatic agencies and understanding the tools accessible to me was incredibly valuable. I had the chance to meet some truly inspiring startups and NGOs that are driving impactful change.
As someone born in Africa and an avid traveler on the continent, it was especially meaningful to experience the journey through the eyes of participants visiting Africa for the first time—it was a powerful reminder of the continent’s richness, potential, and the deep connections waiting to be rediscovered.”
This initiative reinforced the importance of bridging communities, fostering meaningful exchanges, and unlocking opportunities that benefit both local and international ecosystems.
Welcoming Cohort 5 – Meet our Newest Leaders
In late January, we had the pleasure of welcoming Cohort 5 into one of the many thriving segments within ALA. To mark the beginning of their journey, we hosted both an online and in-person meeting in both Montréal and Toronto, creating space for new and returning members to connect, exchange ideas, and set the tone for the months ahead.
These sessions were filled with insightful discussions, shared experiences, and a strong sense of community. It was especially great to see Cohort 5 naturally connect with one another, building relationships that will strengthen their journey ahead. Their enthusiasm and engagement have been inspiring, and we’re excited to see how these connections continue to grow, fueling collaboration and inspiring each other's missions within the network.
Black History Month Highlights
February was a month of reflection, celebration, and empowerment. As we honoured Black excellence, we engaged in meaningful conversations, recognized achievements, and fostered connections. Here’s a recap of the impactful events:
Fasken Event – Bridging Law, Business, and Networking
In collaboration with Fasken, we hosted an insightful event on February 6th, bringing together brilliant speakers to discuss global trade, governance, and entrepreneurship. Our esteemed panelists—Marc Lorfils Milord, Erandi Motte Cortés, Amanda Arciero, and Hervé PRINCE AGBODJAN—shared valuable insights into international markets, entrepreneurship, and policymaking.
Our fellow members, Estelle Vancol and Marc Lorfils Milord, shared their reflections on the transformative Back to the Roots trip. This journey provided a deeper understanding of Africa’s economic evolution and its shift from being viewed through the lens of aid to one of opportunity and strategic partnerships.
Marc Lorfils Milord captured this shift perfectly, stating:
"Twenty to thirty years ago, when people talked about Africa, the discussions revolved around charity and humanitarian aid. Today, Africa stands as a dynamic market driven by strategic business partnerships. With a population projected to reach 2.5 billion by 2050, Africa is becoming one of the largest and most dynamic markets in the next decades. The question is no longer whether Africa is a promising market but rather, how to establish mutually beneficial partnerships that drive sustainable growth and development across the region."
His reflection highlights the importance of fostering strong, long-term business relationships that contribute to Africa’s economic expansion and global influence.
Black Youth Excellence Event – Shaping Future Leaders
Two notable Black Youth Excellence (BYE) events took place earlier this year.
The first event, held in collaboration with CDPQ, aimed to accelerate the growth of university students by offering the guidance and resources necessary for a smooth transition into the workforce. The event was a resounding success, offering students from the Black youth Excellence (BYE) Program invaluable networking opportunities and industry insights. Participants engaged with Carlyle, VP of Talent and Culture, as well as recruiters and interns, gaining firsthand knowledge of career pathways and professional expectations.
Afterward, BYE students attended CDPQ’s annual Black History Month celebration, where they had the opportunity to connect with employees at various levels in a vibrant and welcoming setting.
The second BYE event held in March, was a collaboration between BYE and Osler. It provided an enriching experience for students, offering a deeper understanding of the corporate landscape. The event featured a dynamic panel discussion with two Osler lawyers who shared their experiences navigating the corporate world, offering practical advice on career growth and workplace success. The session sparked engaging discussions and meaningful exchanges, providing students with valuable perspectives on professional development.
The Power of Community – Strength in Unity
A powerful gathering organized by the Black Founders Network (BFN) and co-founded by us at the ALA, this event focused on collective success and economic empowerment, highlighting the impact of collaboration within our community. Executive Director, Roxane Ducasse, and Toronto Chapter Lead Josh Lokko represented the ALA, with our team serving as a community partner. We delivered the opening remarks and hosted a booth to promote the ALA brand and Angel Investor Program.
The event showcased the strength of Canada’s Black entrepreneurship ecosystem, bringing together top Black founders, investors, and corporate partners dedicated to advancing Black innovation across the country.
Women’s Month: March Focus on Empowerment
As we transitioned into March, we shifted our focus to celebrating the achievements of Black women. We enjoyed engaging discussions, mentorship opportunities, and special events dedicated to amplify the voices of women in our community.
Africa Diaspora – Spotlighting African and Caribbean Heritage and Contributions
In 1919, Jamaican leader and visionary Marcus Garvey launched the Black Star Line, a shipping company designed to open economic pathways for Black communities and foster connections between North America, the Caribbean, and Africa. His initiative was rooted in a belief that global collaboration and self-determination could elevate Black communities across borders. As Garvey himself proclaimed: “Liberate the minds of men and ultimately you will liberate the bodies of men.”
That vision of global connection continues to evolve. In November, Ghana granted citizenship to 524 members of the Black diaspora, mostly African Americans. Across sectors, Black funders are directing capital toward Black-owned organizations, while social platforms are increasingly spotlighting Black-owned businesses that are often overlooked—tour companies in Colombia, restaurants in Seattle, and innovative product lines around the world. There’s a growing awareness that unlocking economic opportunity means broadening the lens to include underrepresented suppliers, entrepreneurs, and voices in global trade.
This movement isn’t about building separate communities cut off from the world—it’s about creating space within it. These connections serve as a reminder: progress comes from recognizing potential where others may overlook it. Perhaps the growing alignment between the African continent and the global Black community is more than a trend—it’s a signal. A signal that collaboration, respect, and shared purpose are not just ideals, but strategies for building something lasting.
This is the world we must strive for—a world where love is stronger than hate, where collective good moves faster than the forces that seek to divide us. A world where we embody the spirit of Ubuntu: “I am what I am because of who we all are.”
We need to believe that we can move forward together. In fact, it’s the only way to progress.
One Big Number
$124 trillion
A report from Cerulli Associates estimates that the total amount of wealth expected to change hands by 2048 is $124 trillion. Women are set to get most of that great wealth transfer.
Interesting Reads
📽️ Filming is underway for the movie adaptation of Children of Blood and Bone, a fantasy novel inspired by West Africa.
🎨 Modernist African art is gaining belated international recognition in galleries and the market.
📖 A new book offers a fresh perspective on African folktales with 50 stories from across the continent.
More to come!
Stay tuned for more info about new initiatives, public events, strategic partnerships, and exclusive networking opportunities.
Thank you for being a part of our journey. Together, let's continue to grow, connect, and uplift one another!
