Legacy in Action: Honouring Black Leadership and Community Impact
Details
Event Description
Join YWCA BC’s Racial Equity committee in celebrating Black legacy, community impact and the stories of leaders and changemakers shaping our future.
This event highlights local Black leaders and the lasting impact of prominent members of the Black community through a moderated panel discussion and collective storytelling. We’ll honour the trailblazers who helped advance civil rights, social justice and community progress, while also uplifting emerging leaders, innovators and changemakers shaping the future.
Arrive early at 5pm to enjoy a reception featuring African drumming, food from local Black vendors, along with traditional beverages including ginger beer and sorel.
This gathering offers space to connect, reflect and learn while strengthening relationships, deepening understanding and celebrating the contributions of Black communities.
Event Agenda
5:00 PM
Food, drumming, mingling
A reception featuring African drumming, food from local Black vendors, along with traditional beverages including ginger beer and sorel.
6:00 PM
Panel discussion
Moderated panel discussion and collective storytelling. Featuring Adrianna Spyker, Nerissa Allen B.Sc. and Dr. Maya Callender.
Panelists
Adrianna Spyker
Adrianna Spyker holds a Master of Public Policy and Global Affairs from the University of British Columbia. Actively involved in community well-being, she serves on the boards of three local non-profits in Metro-Vancouver. As a university lecturer in Sustainable Development and Global Affairs, Adrianna collaborates with local non-profits on policy and development initiatives. Currently, Adrianna works as a Community Health Specialist for a local health authority, fostering collaborations with various stakeholders to promote healthy public policy. With a focus on health equity and social determinants of health, she leads efforts in housing, food security, climate emergency, and more, aiming for meaningful systems change. Adrianna chairs the Black, African and Caribbean (BAC) Advisory in Surrey, advocating for equity and anti-racism in community food systems and amplifying voices for inclusive policy-making.
Dr. Maya Callender
*Dr. Maya Callender, daughter of the late Nalda Callender, will be speaking about her mother’s legacy as a respected community leader who built lasting community power in Vancouver and across Canada through mentorship, advocacy and the institutions she helped establish.*
Dr. Maya Callender is the Owner and Speech-Language Pathologist at All Children's
Speech Therapy.
Dr. Callender is passionate about supporting children at reaching their highest potential and believes that early intervention is key for success! Her proven clinical experience is a result of working in both private and public schools, early intervention and private practice settings. Dr. Callender has completed a Masters of Science in Emotional Disturbances and Learning Disabilities with a specialization in Early Intervention, a Masters of Science in Speech-Language Pathology and a Ph.D. in Communication Sciences and Disorders at Florida State University. Dr. Callender has also been an instructor at Western Washington University where she taught Preschool Language Disorders. From all of these experiences, she hopes to support children and families here in the lower mainland by providing high quality and evidence-based practice that enables children and youth to develop across domains and to enjoy themselves in the process!
Nerissa Allen B.Sc.
Nerissa Allen is the Co-Founder & President of Black Business Association of BC and has propelled the organization forward using hybrid business strategies and progressive solutions. During her 20 years of continued public service Nerissa has earned two Presidents awards for her Exceptional Service Delivery leading the strategic plan for the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Games and recognition for exceptional Inter-Branch Partnerships.
Leading and implementing several strategic development projects has honed her skills and allowed her to build a team able to execute progressive solutions for our clients.
Nerissa’s deep passion for a healthy work life balance led her to embark on world travel which she credits for enhancing her global perspective. Serving on several boards including the Vancouver Economic Commission Advisory Board and the Barbados Cultural Association of BC keeps us engaged with the community enabling us to merge perspectives and curate strategies that are progressive and sustainable.
Nerissa has spent the last 22 years creating a legacy of professional and service excellence. Nerissa Allen is the Co-Founder & President of Black Business Association of BC and has propelled the organization forward using hybrid business strategies and progressive solutions. During her 20 years of continued public service Nerissa has earned two Presidents awards.