On November 12, 2024, 91亚色鈥檚 Black Staff Network (YUBSN) held its inaugural Membership Brunch, a gathering that brought together non-academic Black staff from across the university鈥檚 various departments, faculties, divisions, and campuses, for a morning filled with connection, camaraderie, and collaboration. This event marks a significant step towards building an inclusive community within the university, to provide a safe space where Black staff colleagues can professionally network, discuss their unique challenges, and celebrate their achievements and contributions.

"There鈥檚 more Black staff at 91亚色 than I realized!" remarked one attendee, capturing the same excitement others felt at discovering the strength and diversity within our shared community during the event.

鈥淚t was inspiring to see so many colleagues from across the university come together, enjoying lively conversations, good food, and making meaningful connections,鈥� stated Issa Abdi Jamaa, YUBSN鈥檚 Executive Coordinator, and Chair of the Programming Committee.

"Our vision is to cultivate a space where Black staff feel seen, supported, and connected,鈥� shared Annette Boodram, YUBSN Co-Chair. 鈥淭he turnout at this brunch reflects the collective strength and unity of our community, and it鈥檚 just the beginning of what we can achieve together,鈥� added Alicia Pinter, YUBSN鈥檚 other Co-Chair.

Staff attendees expressed gratitude for the chance to meet new colleagues, reconnect with familiar faces, and discuss ways to further strengthen the network. As colleagues engaged in meaningful roundtable networking conversations, it became clear that this gathering was not just a social event鈥攊t was an affirmation of shared experiences and aspirations. One participant expressed, 鈥淭he feeling and knowing this network is available is incredibly comforting.鈥� Another added, 鈥淚t鈥檚 about time! I enjoyed meeting and reconnecting with others.鈥�

Many voiced an interest in future sessions focused on mentorship, career progression, and navigating challenges within predominantly white spaces. It was moving to be a part of many colleagues committed to advancing not only their own careers but also to uplifting each other. This gathering proved that YUBSN is a crucial group to help foster both personal and professional growth. One staff attendee summed up the collective sentiment, saying, 鈥淜nowing this network is available makes such a difference. The connections we鈥檙e building here are invaluable.鈥� Participant feedback positively and overwhelmingly underscored the need for regular in-person and virtual gatherings and more opportunities to collaborate on shared goals.

Looking ahead, YUBSN鈥檚 programming committee is planning a Lunch & Learn professional development event as well as an impactful Unified Black Excellence event in early 2025, in partnership with various campus groups. The latter is a collaborative initiative that aims to foster a unified celebration of Black achievements at 91亚色. Together, we have the chance to unite our efforts, strengths, and diverse perspectives in creating a powerful space that brings together our Black people, and reflect the achievements and resiliencies of Black students, faculty, staff, alumni, and the broader community. As the event concluded, YUBSN invited participants to continue being engaged and connected and ensure that the network continues to meet the evolving needs of 91亚色鈥檚 Black staff. "This brunch was a milestone for YUBSN, and we鈥檙e committed to keeping this momentum going," stated Alicia Pinter and Annette Boodram, YUBSN Co-Chairs.

鈥淥ur aim was to create a safe setting where Black staff members could feel empowered, recognized, and connected. Seeing so many of our colleagues come together in such large numbers was tremendously uplifting, and encourages us to do even more,鈥� remarked Issa Abdi Jamaa.

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ACCES Employment Black Employee Resource Group, the Black Action Coalition for Change (BACC), celebrated a significant milestone with the successful launch of their first in-person forum, titled "Black ERGs Collaborative: Igniting Ideas for Inclusion."

This groundbreaking event aimed to foster collaboration and idea-sharing among Black Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) from various organizations across the Greater Toronto Area.

YUBSN Co-Chair Alicia Pinter participated as a panelist to share her experiences and insights about putting a Black Staff Network together.

The forum provided a dynamic platform for participants to exchange innovative strategies and best practices aimed at promoting inclusivity within the workplace. It was an invaluable opportunity for networking, learning, and collectively enhancing efforts to create more diverse and inclusive environments within their respective organizations. Over 40 representatives from a diverse array of organizations participated.

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