Friday Guest Speaker Recap
Thank you to Peter Odle, Founder at The Urban Guide (TUG), for joining BTI’s last Friday Meetup to share the story of an urban travel business that transitioned to technology. We enjoyed learning more on creating products that keenly observe the distinctive cultural characteristics and business opportunities within the realm of travel and tourism.
For anyone who has follow-up questions, please use Peter Odle’s contact information below:
Website: https://theurbanguide.com/home
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/peterodle/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/urbanexpeditions
Expand your knowledge now by playing Urban Expeditions’ new BHX game series that will help you explore the diversity of Black heritage in Toronto, Niagara, and Southwest Ontario.
Three games. Three regions. And, plenty of opportunity to win.
Sign Up for BTI’s Friday Meetups
We’re back to WEEKLY Friday Meetups! Sign up for our future Friday Meetup #SpeakerSeries events below.
*Please note our next Friday Meetup will be on January 26th, 2024, with guest speaker Lanrick Bennett.
We are looking forward to having you join us!
BTI x Ventura Collective: Black History Month Kick-Off Discussion - Highlighting Black Talent
We're so excited to kick off Black History Month with our community partners Ventura Collective Ltd.!
We invite you to engage with us in this insightful dialogue as we explore ways to contribute to the broader narrative of inclusivity and empowerment. Our very own Hildah Juma and Lushwana Anderson-Stewart will highlight BTI’s mission and work, while speaking on the importance of organization’s moving from diversity quotas to systemic change in order to really support the vast Black Talent in Canada!
Join us, as we dive into a very important discussion around the importance of spotlighting Black Talent and empowering their journeys forward.
BTI x MiQ Partnered Internship Program
🚨 Exciting Opportunity Alert!
We're thrilled to announce the launch of our second internship program in collaboration with our partner, MiQ! This partnership is dedicated to creating pathways for professional development and growth for Black Talent within our community.
🔍 Explore our internship roles:
1️⃣ Marketing Intern: https://lnkd.in/gPfykmn2
2️⃣ Programmatic Trading Intern: https://lnkd.in/gkHsKDnc
3️⃣ Account Management Intern: https://lnkd.in/gN-fxy9p
Why join us? 🌟
✨ Gain valuable skills, mentorship, and hands-on experience.
✨ Thrive in a dynamic learning environment.
✨ Kick-start your career journey or pivot to a new industry.
MiQ, a global programmatic media partner, leads the way in innovative advertising 🌐 Their better-connected approach to programmatic advertising merges data with insights, driving high-performance campaigns for real business outcomes in an increasingly divided world.
Ready to take your career to new heights? 🚀 Join MiQ, a leader in the ad-tech industry, and become part of a community that values your growth and success 🌱
Applications close on March 1, 2024. Apply now through the respective links above!📌
Join us at BTI’s Ignite Conference
At Black Talent Initiative, we're not just dreaming of change; we're actively sparking a revolution🎇 #IGNITEBHM2024 is more than a mission—it's a commitment to transform the landscape of innovation, success, and impact within Black communities and industries. A journey to invest in the growth and prosperity of Black talent and businesses.
Our “Why” is crystal clear: to innovate, to inspire, to impact, and to invest in Black talent and Black communities.
Join us at Ignite and be a part of the movement toward a brighter future! 🌠
Dive into the future of professional development with Ignite! The Black Talent Initiative's Ignite platform proudly presents dynamic session types to fuel your growth and success 🚀
Explore interactive workshops, thought-provoking panels, and engaging masterclasses curated to elevate your skills and knowledge. Ignite is more than a platform; it's a transformative experience 🔥
Ready to #IgniteYourPotential? Join us on this journey of learning, networking, and empowerment by securing your Ignite passes here: https://lnkd.in/g7-qNbqQ
Stay tuned for schedule and speaker announcements – coming to you very soon!
Don't miss the chance to connect with industry leaders and fellow professionals. Let's elevate together! 🏔️
📆 Date: February 27-29, 2024
🕰 Time: 9:00 AM -5:00 PM EST
📍 Location: IGNITE will be taking place at the Microsoft offices in Toronto CIBC Square, 81 Bay St., Toronto, ON, M5J 0E7
🎟 Tickets will go on sale in the first week of January 2024 at
BTI Community Initiatives:
THRIVE 2024 Virtual Leadership Program
The ten-week virtual program known as THRIVE aims to cultivate the development of the upcoming generation of Two-Spirit, queer, and trans people managers. Participants will receive exclusive access to prominent queer and trans leaders operating at the upper echelons of Canadian business. They will actively partake in significant peer-to-peer discussions. The fourth THRIVE cohort will harness their potential as openly LGBTQ+ leaders through live Zoom sessions, collaborative group study, and self-directed work.
The fourth cohort of THRIVE aims to foster a positive learning environment and facilitate peer-to-peer learning. The application process for interested participants will commence on Thursday, December 7th, 2023. The application deadline is set for Wednesday, January 31st, 2024. Individuals selected for the THRIVE cohort will be required to pay a participation fee of $1,500 (plus applicable taxes) for Pride at Work Canada’s Proud Partners employees and $2,000 (plus applicable taxes) for employees of other organizations, payable upon acceptance.
Self-employed applicants working for a nonprofit or registered charity can express their interest in being considered for a THRIVE scholarship. Those granted a scholarship will not be charged any participation fees.
All sessions will be on Tuesday evenings, beginning at 6 PM ET and running 2-3 hours, depending on the speaker. The deadline for applications will be Wednesday, January 31st, 2024.
Black Beyond Sports Podcast Episode with BTI’s Very Own, Mark Harrison
Learn about Mark Harrison’s path to success and what lead him to created his agency, which is the only Black-owned agency in Canada.
It was incredible to hear what has shaped him, what the future holds, and why it is important to be Black in Sport Business.
I Will Make A Difference: Free DEI Workshops for Black History Month 2024
Taijah Cox-Armstrong, Executive Director at I Will Make a Difference is excited to announce a unique and valuable opportunity for elementary schools to participate in a FREE Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Workshop / Assembly, aimed at promoting a more inclusive and culturally aware educational environment for students aged 7-14 during Black History Month 2024.
The DEI Workshop / Assembly Includes:
The importance of diversity
Embracing differences
Promoting empathy and respect
Combating stereotypes and biases
Celebrating individual identities
Interactive Activities: Our engaging and age-appropriate activities make learning fun and memorable
At present, they have 7 spots available and would love to include schools anywhere in Ontario!
To take advantage of this opportunity, please email: change4thought@gmail.com
Upcoming Guest Speakers
January 26th, 2024 - Lanrick Bennett
February 2nd, 2024 - Hugh Lawson, Purpose-Driven People-Centric Leader, Intersectional Business Builder, Social Justice Advocate
February 9th, 2024 - TBA!