Celebrating Black HerStory

Join us for a powerful and intergenerational International Women’s Day gathering celebrating Modern Day excellence. This event creates a space for young women to be able to see themselves reflected in stories of those who came before them and paved a path. Through an engaging panel conversation featuring Maudeleine Myrthil, Joanna Kanga, and Dr. Myrna Lashley, speakers will share their journeys, challenges, and wisdom, offering honest reflections on navigating purpose, resilience, and success on their own terms. Their stories speak to both legacy and possibility, affirming that there is no single path to leadership or fulfillment.

Grounded in community connection and collective reflection, this event invites you to explore the power of mentorship, representation, and asking for guidance as acts of strength. By honouring the legacy of Black women in Montreal while uplifting present-day excellence, the event encourages the next generation to move forward with confidence, clarity, and pride.

Together, we will reflect on how the contributions of Black women continue to shape our communities, and how the next generation can build futures rooted in courage, connection, and celebration.

How can you participate? Join us in person starting at 2pm by filling out the form or online at 2:30pm by registering for the Zoom Meeting or watching live on YouTube.

Have questions? Send them to info.4@concordia.ca

Dr. Myrna Lashley

Dr. Lashley is an Associate Professor in Psychiatry at McGill University and a passionate advocate for culturally informed mental health. She brings decades of experience as a researcher, teacher, and consultant, working with communities locally, nationally, and internationally, including First Nations and Jewish communities.

Throughout her career, Dr. Lashley has broken barriers and built bridges, serving as the first Black Associate Dean at John Abbott College, advising institutions on equity and cross-cultural understanding, and leading initiatives that connect research to real-world impact. She is also the Honorary Consul of Barbados in Montreal and a Member of the Order of Canada, recognized for her lifelong commitment to equity, mental health, and community leadership.

Dr. Lashley’s work blends insight, compassion, and mentorship, making her a leader who inspires the next generation to embrace their identities, pursue their ambitions, and make meaningful change in their communities.

Maudeleine Myrthil

Maudeleine Myrthil is the CEO of 3737, a leading innovation hub dedicated to supporting entrepreneurs, creators, and changemakers from underrepresented communities. A passionate community builder, she is deeply committed to creating spaces where Black women and youth feel supported, seen, and empowered to pursue their goals. Through her leadership at 3737 and her broader community work, Ms. Myrthil champions mentorship, access, and opportunity, believing that success grows when people are surrounded by care, collaboration, and possibility. Her work is rooted in lived experience and a strong belief that innovation and leadership thrive when communities are given the tools and trust to lead themselves.

Ms. Myrthil brings a grounded, inspiring presence to every space she enters, encouraging the next generation to dream boldly, ask for support, and build futures that reflect who they truly are.

Joanna Kanga 

Joanna Kanga is currently serving as Lead Press Secretary to the Mayor of Montréal. She has provided strategic communications advice at the highest levels of federal and provincial governments, as well as executive leadership, across complex and high-profile portfolios.

She was actively involved in her community through mentorship initiatives for young Black girls and served on the boards of organizations advocating for the interests of English-speaking youth. Joanna was also a CBC media panelist and a regular commentator across diverse media platforms.

Organized by Black Girl Magic Canada in collaboration with the Black Perspectives Office and Barbados House Montreal