BTI Friday Meetup
November #SpeakerSeries Line-Up
Join us at the Black Talent Initiative's Friday Meetup, where our community gathers to learn, share, and engage with talented leaders driving meaningful change. Each week, we come together for insightful discussions, community updates, and inspiring guest speakers. 🌟
Don’t miss this opportunity to connect, learn, and grow with us. We look forward to an inspiring month of community and learning! 📚🤝🌍
Friday Meetup #SpeakerSeries Session Recaps
October 18, 2024, Friday Guest Speaker Recap
Thank you to Kwame Damon Mason, Filmmaker, 7 and Eh Dream Productions INC for joining BTI for sharing his journey as a documentary filmmaker, highlighting his debut film Soul on Ice. He discussed the film's quiet yet significant impact on the hockey industry and its role in shedding light on the experiences of Black athletes in the sport. As Soul on Ice approaches its 10th anniversary, Kwame reflected on the challenges and triumphs of telling Black stories in sports, particularly in a space where diversity has historically been limited. He also invited the audience to join him in his mission to create lasting awareness and support for diversity in hockey.
Soul On Ice: Past, Present and Future Trailer:
Ice Queens Trailer:
For anyone who has follow-up questions, please use Kwame Damon Mason,’s contact information below:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kwamstermonster/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/soulonicemovie/
Email: kwamster007@gmail.com
October 25, 2024, Friday Community Speaker Recap
Thank you to Trystan Anderson, Inclusive Hiring Facilitator, The University of British Columbia for joining BTI to discuss his focus on Indigenous and Black recruitment in British Columbia. He outlined the university’s strategic plans to increase hiring for these groups and described special programs supporting this initiative. Drawing from his experience in Toronto and Vancouver, Trystan shared how he’s building relationships to strengthen recruitment networks and foster a more inclusive hiring process.
For anyone who has follow-up questions, please use Trystan Anderson,’s contact information below:
Strategic Equity and Anti-Racism Framework: https://equity.ubc.ca/stear-framework-and-roadmap-for-change/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/trystananderson/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/trywhat12/
October 25, 2024, Friday Guest Speaker Recap
Thank you to Jerome Chinner, Executive Chair of Corporate Partnerships & Founding Member, of Accelerate Auto for joining BTI to discuss Accelerate Auto and its mission to increase Black representation within the automotive industry. He emphasized the organization's dedication to educating and creating awareness about career opportunities, especially by engaging elementary and post-secondary students. Jerome highlighted key initiatives such as mentorship programs, networking events, workplace showcases, and "Take Your Kids to Work" initiatives designed to inspire and support the next generation of Black professionals in the automotive field. He also shared the impactful role Accelerate Auto plays in fostering diversity and creating pathways for Black talent in the industry.
For anyone who has follow-up questions, please use Jerome Chinner,’s contact information below:
Website: www.accelearteauto.ca
Accelerate Auto LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/accelerate-auto/
Accelerate Auto Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/accelerateauto.ca/?hl=en
Join A BTI Friday Meetup
Our next Friday Meetup will be on November 1st, 2024, with guest speaker Kimberley Doornick, Employee Experience Specialist, Learning & Development, Interac Corporation
BTI Community Initiatives
The Black Automotive Professional Awards (BAPA) Nominations
The BAPA celebrates excellence within the Black automotive community with four prestigious award categories:
1️⃣ Black Excellence Award: Celebrates a Black professional who has demonstrated exceptional leadership, innovation, and impact within the automotive industry.
2️⃣ Women’s Leadership Award: Recognizes an outstanding Black woman who has shown exemplary leadership and contribution to the growth and diversity of the automotive sector.
3️⃣ Young Professional Award: Honours a young Black professional who is making significant strides and showing great promise in the automotive field.
4️⃣ Emerging Leader Award: Highlights a rising Black professional who is quickly becoming a leader in their area of expertise and is poised to make substantial contributions to the industry.
If you know a Black professional making a meaningful impact through innovation, leadership, or dedication, nominate them today and help honour those shaping the future of the industry!
Submit your nominations by January 20, 2025.
BTI Community Events
ONYX Fireside Chat featuring Bryan Brown
Gain valuable inspiration from Bryan Brown, Vice President and Portfolio Manager at CI Financial, as he shares his journey through the investment world. As one of Canada’s few Black Portfolio Managers, Bryan’s story is filled with lessons and insights that resonate with all.
📅 Monday, October 28, 2024
🕔 5:00 PM EST / 2:00 PM PST
Don’t miss this chance to learn from his remarkable path and bring your questions!
Success Becomes Me
Success Becomes Me is a gathering of 200 ambitious women on similar paths, facing and overcoming shared challenges.
From building local connections to fostering regional partnerships and national friendships, this event focuses on creating lasting relationships that empower and support each woman’s wealth journey.
It's more than networking—it's about shared growth, collaboration, and knowing there's a community of powerful women cheering one another on.
Join Cheryl as she speaks at Success Becomes Me, and grow alongside women who inspire, support, and push each other toward greatness.
📅 Date: November 8, 2024
🕕 Time: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM Eastern Time
Secure your spot today! Use code CHERYL to save $50 on your ticket!
ONYX 2nd Annual Celebration Gala
The Second Annual Gala, themed “Honouring the Past, Nurturing the Present, and Investing in the Future,” promises an unforgettable evening. Highlights include:
Keynote Speaker: Zoey W., a trailblazer as the first Black female pilot at her airline and a First Officer on the Boeing 777. Zoey began her aviation journey at 15, earning her first pilot’s license by 16.
Live Performances: Juno Award-winning singer and actress Divine Brown, celebrated for hits like “Old Skool Love” and “Lay It On The Line,” will take the stage alongside soulful favourite Aion Clarke.
Awards Ceremony: Honoring outstanding Volunteers, Employers, Educators, and Community Leaders for their contributions.
And there’s even more to come!
For sponsorship information, individual tickets, tables, the silent auction, or program advertising, please reach out to Andrea Killingbeck at andrea.killingbeck@onyxinitiative.org.
Have a great week BTI community!