She converts barriers into lasting positive impact for millions.
From rural Ethiopia to the streets of Edmonton, navigating economic hardship as a single mother.
For more than 24 years her work has examined how economic, employment, and technological systems shape risk, resilience, and long term outcomes, particularly for women, Black communities, newcomers, and other equity deserving groups.
Record
2019
National Economic Harm Awareness Day
Begun in Canada on 26 November. Now shaping awareness efforts in the United Kingdom, Australia, and New Zealand.
2021
Canadian Centre for Women's Empowerment
A leading institution on economic security, consumer protection, and financial justice.
2023
Bill 41, and the Google Canada CWE Award
Testimony on protection from coerced debts incurred through human trafficking.
2025
Federal Budget, and the Governor General's Award
Keynote remarks in Parliament on Canada's first national Code of Conduct for financial institutions.
Founded
Five institutions, two continents.
Canadian Centre for Women's Empowerment
Founder and chief executive
Canadian Institute for Research on Economic Justice
Founder
AI Nexus for Black Innovators
Founder
Maternity Today
Founder
Tenawo Health
Co founder. Ethiopia's first multi user health services application
In Ottawa she mobilised 21 schools, co authored a Black youth employment booklet, and established the city's first credit repair initiative for survivors of coerced debt.