About Us

Principal Investigator

Dr. Patience Adamu

Dr. Patience Adamu is an impassioned champion of diversity, equity and inclusion with over 15 years of experience. Currently, she serves as a Director of EDI of a Canadian corporation working to cultivate a more diverse and equitable workforce. She holds a PhD in Policy Studies from Toronto Metropolitan University. Her doctoral research focused on “How Does Blackness Affect Labour Market Outcomes and Experiences in Ontario and Quebec”, reflecting her commitment to examining and redressing inequities faced by Black communities.

Outside of work, Dr. Adamu lends her scholarship and leadership to empower marginalized groups. She has conducted studies on representation of racial minorities in leadership roles and distinct experiences of Black women founders in Canada. Most recently, she co-founded a foundation serving Black Canadians with disabilities, disrupting traditional dialogues dominated by non-disabled and white voices. Dr. Adamu continues leveraging her academic expertise and lived experience to promote social justice through innovative research, advocacy and community building.

Resource and Engagement Manager

Jhannell Edwards

Jhannell Edwards, is the Resource and Engagement Manager for the study. She is a seasoned Real Estate professional with eight years of experience, blends urban development with a Master’s in Global Real Estate Development, poised to bring innovative solutions. She collaborates with communities and city planners, fostering inclusivity and reinvigorating urban spaces. Her diverse background, including roots in farming, fuels her passion for growth and determination.

Research Program Coordinator

Omine Ijevu

As a Program Assistant at Dream Legacy Foundation, Omine Ijevu plays a pivotal role in facilitating program-related communications, organizing events, managing social media accounts, conducting research, and providing administrative support. With a passion for community engagement and a commitment to excellence, Omine ensures the smooth execution of various programs and initiatives aimed at empowering individuals and making a positive impact in the community.

Project Phases

Phase I

Building the foundation through stakeholder connections, team assembly, communications, research planning, participant recruitment, and baseline data collection.

Phase I

Building the foundation through stakeholder connections, team assembly, communications, research planning, participant recruitment, and baseline data collection.

Phase II

Continued data gathering and analysis paired with knowledge sharing and partner engagement.

Phase II

Continued data gathering and analysis paired with knowledge sharing and partner engagement.

Phase III

Presenting the final report and findings while completing knowledge transfer activities. Publishing documentary for public view.

Phase III

Presenting the final report and findings while completing knowledge transfer activities. Publishing documentary for public view.

Phase IV

Presenting the final report and findings while completing knowledge transfer activities. Publishing documentary for public view

Phase IV

Presenting the final report and findings while completing knowledge transfer activities. Publishing documentary for public view

ORGANIZATIONS

Pitch Better

Established in 2019, Pitch Better is a non-profit organization that develops and scales diverse-led small businesses through market research and capacity building. Pitch Better works to facilitate economic inclusion for diverse entrepreneurs, and start-ups in the BIPOC communities. Pitch Better’s core values of research & innovation, education & capacity building, and networking & financing push back the barriers hindering BIPOC businesses.

DLF

Dream Legacy Foundation (North York, ON) is a non-profit organization focused on entrepreneurship programming and funding. It aims to improve social and economic inclusion by dismantling systemic barriers and promoting and legitimizing the contributions of underrepresented groups through grassroots capacity building.