Welcome OUR NEWEST TORONTO BOARD MEMBERS
EmpowHERto has welcomed three new members to the Board of Directors at our Toronto branch. They each bring a wealth of experience to the board and a passion for helping young women and girls gain the skills and expertise needed to become future leaders. Here’s what they hope to accomplish as new members of the board.
Adé Adeyemi
Adé is a business transformation expert, bringing over a decade of experience across diverse industries and deep expertise in marketing communications and strategic operations. Her career includes impactful roles at Google, Renmoney, Wakanow, and most recently at Scotiabank, where she has led initiatives driving significant social impact, a central passion in her professional journey. Adé holds a certificate in professional marketing from CIM U.K., a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in English from the University of Lagos, Nigeria, and an MBA with a Certificate in Social Impact from Queen’s University, Canada, where she served as president of the Women in Leadership club. Beyond her professional achievements, Adé supports immigrants and Black communities in Canada, mentoring for the Toronto Region Immigrant Employment Council (TRIEC) and co-directing the Buddy Program for the Scotiabank Black Employee Network (SBEN).
Adé's commitment to tackling issues impacting women and her passion for female empowerment began in 2012 when she taught reproductive and sexual health to adolescent girls in a program co-created by UNICEF and NYSC. Since then, her passion for empowering women and girls has continued to grow, aligning perfectly with EmpowHERto’s mission and values. At EmpowHERto, Adé aims to empower young Black girls with the knowledge and tools she wished she had while growing up in Lagos, Nigeria. As a woman in finance, she is dedicated to helping women and girls acquire financial literacy and other essential skills.
"I am passionate about initiatives and programs that support Black girls, as I now recognize the profound impact of having the right resources at a young age. I understand that Black girls face unique challenges due to various levels of intersectionality. It is difficult to navigate life as a girl, and even more so as a Black girl. For me, it is a personal mission and commitment to do everything in my power to drive positive change for young Black girls. This dedication is one of the key reasons I joined this organization."
Kadine Cooper
Kadine Cooper is a Certified Executive Coach, Facilitator, and Speaker with a passion for guiding individuals. With her expertise in organizational and people strategies, she empowers professionals and organizations to thrive in the face of change. With over 19 years of HR experience as a Talent Manager, Kadine has established herself as a trusted advisor and coach to executives and managers across multiple industries. Now in her private practice, Kadine focuses on assisting professionals in crafting a career brand that aligns with their purpose and propels them towards their dream jobs.
Kadine aims to help young women and girls learn lessons she wishes she had been taught in her youth. Her drive and desire to help young women and girls step into their ideal selves is what brings her to EmpowHERto. As a board member, she wants to see EmpowHERto thrive and gain visibility. Kadine hopes to empower, inspire, and equip as many women as possible, helping them achieve their goals.
“It's motivating, empowering and inspiring as many young women as we can as possible to be, do, and have whatever they want. So to equip as many women I would say, as possible, on the career trajectory or journey that they have for themselves. As many as we can, while I'm here to help as many women, young women as I can,”
Jennifer Christian
Jennifer has nearly 10 years of experience in the public health care system and the health tech space. During her time in public health, Jennifer drove change by uplifting the most disenfranchised and helping to provide equitable access to healthcare services and resources. She is currently the Chief of Staff at a tech company that specializes in serving populations facing healthcare barriers. Having worked on various public health projects, such as virtual care for seniors and the provision of adequate clinical tools for quality patient care, Jennifer has demonstrated a strong commitment to establishing equity and accessibility. Additionally, she has volunteered for McMasters Habitat for Humanity and mentored with another organization specializing in youth. As a board member, Jennifer aims to connect with the youth in EmpowHERto and see the outcomes of the work being done to empower minority girls, particularly in their leadership skills and professional acumen.
“I am thrilled to join the EmpowHERto Board at an exciting time of growth in programming and reach. With its diverse array of programs spanning technology, leadership, and mental health, EmpowHERto is equipping young girls with invaluable tools to thrive. I'm eager to be part of this journey, working to enhance EmpowHERto's impact and contribute to empowering young girls to overcome systemic barriers.”