Black Women Entrepreneurs (YYC) is a not-for-profit program based out of Calgary. They are a program borne out of thefei, formerly called LCCMedia Foundation
They recently held a networking event for women at the Kahanoff Centre for Charitable Activities. The event explored insights into barriers to business for black women
Black Women Entreprenuers have traditionally encountered structural barriers in attaining funding, business expansion and training in Canada. With Federal funding and support for Black business entreprenuers, organisations like Africa Centre and thefei.ca are poised support businesses in Alberta.
About the panellists:
Tayo Elnathan
Tayo, an experienced accountant with certifications as a CPA and CMA, has a decade-long track record in accounting in corporate and non-profit sectors. Alongside her accounting expertise, Tayo also operates an accounting firm specializing in comprehensive business consulting, tax services, accounting, bookkeeping, and outsourcing solutions. Additionally, serving as the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Financial Empowerment Initiative, a non-profit organization, she leads efforts to provide financial solutions and deliver financial literacy workshops and webinars tailored to the needs of Black individuals, particularly focusing on Black women and entrepreneurs.
Since 2022, Tayo has been actively running a tax clinic catering to low/modest-income earners. Her passion lies in empowering individuals and entrepreneurs to reach their full potential. For further contact, Tayo can be reached at Tayo@tfdadvisory.ca, Tayo.Elnathan@lccmediafoundation.ca, or by phone at 587-708-2682.
Immaculate Byaruhanga
MBA, Diversified Senior Relationship Manager – Business Markets at RBC.
Immaculate has over ten years of experience at RBC in multiple roles from personal banking, leadership and currently in business banking. Her key areas of expertise include everyday banking, credit, cash-flow, risk, employee loyalty and succession planning. Immaculate has financial lending expertise in several industries from retail, aesthetics, transportation and logistics businesses, and franchise restaurants. She is passionate about financial literacy at all levels, engaging in her community from volunteer opportunities with Junior Achievement, whose key focus is financial literacy across educational institutions in Calgary, IBM STEM financial literacy camps, Calgary Catholic Immigration Society and more. Immaculate has garnered multiple awards for her volunteer and engagement work in the community including awards from RBC and the Global Citizen Award in 2022.
Adekunbi Fashakin
Adekunbi, a Nigerian-trained Physiotherapist, stands as the founder and proprietor of Westwinds Corner Physiotherapy, Aviation Physiotherapy, and Alberta Concussion Centre. After graduating with honours from the University of Ibadan in 2000, Adekunbi later relocated to Canada in 2005, where she initially worked as a Physiotherapist in the private sector in Calgary.
However, in January 2007, she made the bold decision to resign from her position and embark on an entrepreneurial journey, giving rise to Westwinds Corner Physiotherapy.
With a remarkable blend of professionalism, entrepreneurship, and adeptness at balancing a thriving business with a vibrant family life, AdeKunbi brings a wealth of experience to her role. Alongside her dedication to her professional endeavours, she is happily married and takes immense joy in raising her three children, who actively participate in competitive sports, filling her spare time with excitement and fulfill
ment.
Danielle Gordon
Danielle, originally from Waterloo, Ont., is a highly accomplished optometrist who graduated with honours from the Doctor of Optometry program at the University of Waterloo. Relocating to Alberta, Danielle has been privileged to practice optometry in diverse settings, ranging from suburban neighbourhoods to rural communities. With a strong passion for comprehensive vision care, Danielle specializes in managing dry eye and ocular surface diseases, controlling nearsightedness in children, and detecting and treating glaucoma. Notably, she has completed all certification modules offered by the Institute of Functional Medicine and obtained her health coach certification in 2022 through the Wellcoaches organization.
Danielle’s dedication to her profession extends to her service as a former board member of the Alberta Association of Optometrists (AAO), and she remains an active member of the provincial association. In addition to her professional endeavours, Danielle has established the Fit To Read Project, an initiative aimed at connecting books with children in need, fostering a community of confident and joyful readers.
