Visionary Canadian Black Women Reshaping Culture.

Dr. Rita Shelton Deverell is an award-winning media pioneer, theatre artist, and scholar whose career spans CBC, Vision TV, and APTN.
A champion of inclusivity, she has mentored generations of journalists, artists, and leaders, while shaping Canadian broadcasting and arts policy. An Officer of the Order of Canada, her work bridges media, education, and activism to amplify underrepresented voices

Cherene Francis is an actress, writer, producer, and entrepreneur whose work spans film, TV, and digital media. Her productions explore cultural, psychological, and spiritual themes, blending entertainment with thought-provoking insight.
A versatile storyteller and brand strategist, she empowers audiences and businesses alike to connect, engage, and inspire.

Tonya Williams is an award-winning actress, producer, and activist best known for her two decades as Dr. Olivia Winters on The Young and the Restless. As founder of Reelworld Film Festival and Reelworld Screen Institute, she has spent over 20 years transforming Canada’s screen industries to include racially diverse voices at every level.
Through advocacy, training, and the Access Reelworld database, Tonya continues to dismantle barriers and create lasting opportunities for underrepresented talent.

Joan Jenkinson is the inaugural Executive Director of the Black Screen Office, championing the creation and global reach of Black Canadian stories.
A former Vice-President of Independent Production at VisionTV, she commissioned and produced hundreds of hours of award-winning content and launched the groundbreaking DiverseTV/NSI initiative.
She also led Women in Film and Television – Toronto (WIFT-T), creating impactful training and networking opportunities for women in screen-based media.

Ella Cooper is an award-winning producer, director, writer, multimedia artist, and cultural leader whose 25-year career spans film, photography, illustration, and education.
She is the founder of Black Women Film! Canada and Brown Rabbit Studios, creating transformative programs and producing acclaimed works for TV, arts, and children’s content. Her films, photography, and installations have been showcased nationally and internationally, earning awards, critical recognition, and lasting impact.

Trey Anthony is an award-winning playwright, producer, and speaker whose work blends comedy, theatre, and personal truth to empower and inspire. Creator of the record-breaking play and TV series ’da Kink in My Hair, she is a trailblazer for Black women in Canadian arts and media.
Through storytelling, coaching, and her bestselling book Black Girl In Love (With Herself), Trey challenges stereotypes and champions self-love.

Jully Black — Canada’s Queen of R&B/Soul — is a multi-award-winning singer, songwriter, actress, and television personality whose career has shaped the nation’s music and arts landscape. A passionate advocate and philanthropist, she uses her platform to champion wellness, equity, and empowerment across communities. From platinum hits to acclaimed theatre performances, Jully’s artistry and activism continue to inspire and break boundaries.