Trailblazers and Pathfinders - A Networking Event!
Trailblazers to Pathfinders: Empowering the Next Generation of Black Women
Join us for an inspiring and transformative event, Trailblazers to Pathfinders, where young Black girls aged 16-26 will have the opportunity to connect, learn, and grow with some of the most accomplished and influential women in various industries. This exclusive networking event is designed to offer guidance, mentorship, and actionable career advice to help shape the next generation of leaders.
Dress Code: Professional
Register here to find your path: Register Now
Part of the Black Women's Economic Security (BWES) project:
Trailblazers to Pathfinders
Meet accomplished professionals—trailblazers who will share invaluable insights, personal stories, and expert advice to help empower your unique career path. Whether you're passionate about entrepreneurship, technology, healthcare, media, or social impact, this event offers the rare chance to engage one-on-one with women who understand the importance of representation and guidance.
More than just networking, this is an opportunity to be inspired, gain clarity about your future, and make meaningful connections that will last a lifetime. Walk away with the tools and confidence to navigate your professional journey, supported by the mentorship needed to thrive in today’s fast-paced world.
Key Highlights:
One-on-one mentoring with top women leaders across various industries
Tailored career advice and insights to help you discover your path
Exclusive networking opportunities with fellow ambitious young women
An empowering environment where you can connect with like-minded peers and professionals
Don't miss this powerful opportunity to be part of a movement that uplifts and equips young Black women to take charge of their futures and become the pathfinders of tomorrow.
MEET THE KEYNOTE SPEAKERS
Anika Forde
Director, Entrepreneur and Investor
Anika is a dynamic leader and innovator, currently serving as the Director of Research & Programs at the Jean Augustine Chair in Education, Community & Diaspora, and is the Founding Principal at Forde Consult Group. A believer in lifelong learning, she is pursuing her doctorate, focusing on how we can leverage technology, education, and our experiences to dismantle barriers and advocate for equitable, human-centered approaches to AI use in our daily lives. As a committed angel investor, she champions women-led tech startups and maintains diverse investments in tech, agriculture, and real estate spanning Canada, US, West Africa and the Middle East.
Anika is deeply passionate about the practical applications of AI, exploring how artificial intelligence is transforming work, education, and entrepreneurship. Through her work, she focuses on harnessing AI and learning from failures to propel us forward, advocating for a future where technology amplifies human potential and inclusivity. Part of being a leader and a lifelong learner is "failing forward"—what tools, resources, and supports are needed for us to normalize failure, leverage the power of technology and our stories so that we can lead together.
Anika F. - Keynote Title “Cultivating Connections That Power Your Path” — We often hear about networking, but what does that really mean? Isn't true networking about connecting first, then mutually deciding if someone is right for your circle? This session is all about unpacking the real power of connections, pushing through fears holding you back from putting yourself out there and consciously building your network. We'll dive into practical tools and tips that can help you identify key individuals who can significantly impact your journey and connect genuinely. Plus, you'll get to put these new skills to the test with a hands-on networking challenge. My hope is that each of us walks away feeling empowered with the confidence to build relationships that are not just wide, but deep—relationships that truly propel us forward. Exciting to be joined by attendees as we build connection wealth together!
Saddiya Rose
Learning & Development Consultant, Career Strategist and Interview Coach.
Saddiya has worked in post-secondary education, corporate recruitment, and workplace training for over 12 years. She completed a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Education from Brock University and currently works as a Career Educator at the University of Toronto. In this role she helps students explore career options, develop job search strategies and prepare for graduate school or further education. In addition to her work in higher education, Saddiya is the Co-Founder of The Learning Partner, where she designs training programs and delivers career development services for businesses and private clients.
For the past nine years, she has been deeply involved in community programs aimed at expanding access to education, training, and employment for underrepresented groups, including marginalized youth, Indigenous Peoples, newcomers to Canada, and individuals facing unemployment or underemployment. Through her work, she has helped countless individuals transition into post-secondary education, apprenticeships, and meaningful careers.
Saddiya enjoys hosting games night, playing with her toddler and cozying up with a good book.
Saddiya Rose, Keynote Title: Rooted in relationships: cultivating growth through mentorship
We will begin with a personal reflection on the highs and lows of building a network, followed by an interactive session to debunk common networking myths. Then, I’ll share practical tips on how to bring value to your relationships and foster meaningful connections.
Next, we’ll explore the power of your strengths—identifying what you bring to the table and sharing it with others. We’ll also focus on the power of connections, where you'll set a personal or professional goal, connect with a Trailblazer, and receive valuable advice to help you achieve it.
Finally, we’ll wrap up with a call to action, encouraging you to put your new insights into practice and build stronger, more impactful relationships.
Emma Asiedu-Akrofi [she/her]
Chief Executive Officer, Fora: Network for Change
Emma Asiedu-Akrofi is a dedicated advocate for women and girls, committed to addressing gender-based inequalities, with over 10 years of experience in the charitable sector. She currently serves as the Chief Executive Officer of Fora: Network for Change. Through renowned leadership, advocacy, and community-building programs, Fora is advancing the full participation of young women and gender-marginalized youth leaders in decision-making spaces to change the status quo. Before joining Fora, Emma was the Executive Director of the Jean Augustine Centre for Young Women’s Empowerment. As a Black Canadian woman of Ghanaian descent, Emma’s work is grounded in an intersectional, anti-oppressive, and inclusive framework. She emphasizes the importance of addressing the intersecting forms of discrimination and oppression that individuals face and is committed to creating a more inclusive and equitable society.
Emma’s passion lies in opening pathways for underserved groups to access the resources and support they need to reach their full potential. Whether advocating for gender equality, empowering marginalized communities, or championing social justice, she remains steadfast in her personal and professional dedication to these causes.
AGENDA - Trailblazers & Pathfinders Networking Event
4:30 PM – 4:45 PM | Arrival & Networking Bingo
Guests check in, grab a drink, and dive into an interactive Networking Bingo activity designed to spark conversations and connections. Complete your card for a chance to enter the grand prize draw of the day!
4:45 PM – 4:50 PM | Welcome & Land Acknowledgement
Formal welcome by Future Black Female
Land Acknowledgement
4:50 PM – 5:20 PM | Keynote Speaker #1 – Anika Forde
“Keynote Title: Cultivating connections that power your path”
Introduction of speaker
Keynote Address (30 mins)
5:20 PM – 5:40 PM | Networking Session #1
Guided networking with conversation prompts
5:40 PM – 6:10 PM | Keynote Speaker #2 – Saddiya Rose
Keynote Title: “Rooted in relationships: cultivating growth through mentorship”!
Introduction of speaker
Keynote Address (30 mins)
6:10 PM – 6.30PM | Networking Session #2
Guided networking with conversation prompts
6:30 PM – 7:00 PM | Keynote Speaker #3 – Emma Asiedu Akrofi
Keynote Title: “Building Authentic Networks and Leading with Purpose”!
Introduction of speaker
Keynote Address (30 mins)
7:00 PM – 7:20 PM | Networking Session #3
Guided networking with conversation prompts
7:20 PM – 7:30 PM | Closing Remarks
Final reflections
7:30 PM | Dinner
Let’s Eat & Banter
MEET THE KEYNOTE SPEAKERS
Anika Forde
Director, Entrepreneur and Investor
Anika is a dynamic leader and innovator, currently serving as the Director of Research & Programs at the Jean Augustine Chair in Education, Community & Diaspora, and is the Founding Principal at Forde Consult Group. A believer in lifelong learning, she is pursuing her doctorate, focusing on how we can leverage technology, education, and our experiences to dismantle barriers and advocate for equitable, human-centered approaches to AI use in our daily lives. As a committed angel investor, she champions women-led tech startups and maintains diverse investments in tech, agriculture, and real estate spanning Canada, US, West Africa and the Middle East.
Anika is deeply passionate about the practical applications of AI, exploring how artificial intelligence is transforming work, education, and entrepreneurship. Through her work, she focuses on harnessing AI and learning from failures to propel us forward, advocating for a future where technology amplifies human potential and inclusivity. Part of being a leader and a lifelong learner is "failing forward"—what tools, resources, and supports are needed for us to normalize failure, leverage the power of technology and our stories so that we can lead together.
Anika F. - Keynote Title “Cultivating Connections That Power Your Path” — We often hear about networking, but what does that really mean? Isn't true networking about connecting first, then mutually deciding if someone is right for your circle? This session is all about unpacking the real power of connections, pushing through fears holding you back from putting yourself out there and consciously building your network. We'll dive into practical tools and tips that can help you identify key individuals who can significantly impact your journey and connect genuinely. Plus, you'll get to put these new skills to the test with a hands-on networking challenge. My hope is that each of us walks away feeling empowered with the confidence to build relationships that are not just wide, but deep—relationships that truly propel us forward. Exciting to be joined by attendees as we build connection wealth together!
Saddiya Rose
Learning & Development Consultant, Career Strategist and Interview Coach.
Saddiya has worked in post-secondary education, corporate recruitment, and workplace training for over 12 years. She completed a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Education from Brock University and currently works as a Career Educator at the University of Toronto. In this role she helps students explore career options, develop job search strategies and prepare for graduate school or further education. In addition to her work in higher education, Saddiya is the Co-Founder of The Learning Partner, where she designs training programs and delivers career development services for businesses and private clients.
For the past nine years, she has been deeply involved in community programs aimed at expanding access to education, training, and employment for underrepresented groups, including marginalized youth, Indigenous Peoples, newcomers to Canada, and individuals facing unemployment or underemployment. Through her work, she has helped countless individuals transition into post-secondary education, apprenticeships, and meaningful careers.
Saddiya enjoys hosting games night, playing with her toddler and cozying up with a good book.
Saddiya Rose, Keynote Title: Rooted in relationships: cultivating growth through mentorship
We will begin with a personal reflection on the highs and lows of building a network, followed by an interactive session to debunk common networking myths. Then, I’ll share practical tips on how to bring value to your relationships and foster meaningful connections.
Next, we’ll explore the power of your strengths—identifying what you bring to the table and sharing it with others. We’ll also focus on the power of connections, where you'll set a personal or professional goal, connect with a Trailblazer, and receive valuable advice to help you achieve it.
Finally, we’ll wrap up with a call to action, encouraging you to put your new insights into practice and build stronger, more impactful relationships.
Emma Asiedu-Akrofi [she/her]
Chief Executive Officer, Fora: Network for Change
Emma Asiedu-Akrofi is a dedicated advocate for women and girls, committed to addressing gender-based inequalities, with over 10 years of experience in the charitable sector. She currently serves as the Chief Executive Officer of Fora: Network for Change. Through renowned leadership, advocacy, and community-building programs, Fora is advancing the full participation of young women and gender-marginalized youth leaders in decision-making spaces to change the status quo. Before joining Fora, Emma was the Executive Director of the Jean Augustine Centre for Young Women’s Empowerment. As a Black Canadian woman of Ghanaian descent, Emma’s work is grounded in an intersectional, anti-oppressive, and inclusive framework. She emphasizes the importance of addressing the intersecting forms of discrimination and oppression that individuals face and is committed to creating a more inclusive and equitable society.
Emma’s passion lies in opening pathways for underserved groups to access the resources and support they need to reach their full potential. Whether advocating for gender equality, empowering marginalized communities, or championing social justice, she remains steadfast in her personal and professional dedication to these causes.
