On July 5th, 2025, YYWC (Yes Youth and Women Can) proudly partnered with the African Women in Leadership Organisation (AWLO) to host the AWLO Canada 2025 Convention — a powerful gathering of women leaders, changemakers, advocates, and entrepreneurs united under the theme:
“Minds, Market, and Movements: Elevating Women’s Leadership for Global Impact,”

Held in Courtyard by Marriott Brampton 90 Biscayne Crescent, Brampton, Ontario, Canada, the one-day convention brought together more than 300 women and allies for a day of learning, networking, recognition, and vision-setting. From opening prayer to closing gala, the convention pulsed with the energy of possibility — and the strength of sisterhood.

Why This Convention Matters

In a time when women’s voices are shifting global narratives, the AWLO Canada Convention provided a platform for women of African descent and their allies to gather, strategize, and scale their impact.

YYWC, as an impact partner, believes in the power of partnerships to elevate purpose — and AWLO’s vision aligned perfectly with ours: to amplify women’s leadership across all spheres — from boardrooms to grassroots movements.

Together, we curated a dynamic convention that wasn’t just inspiring — it was action-driven.

6 Panels. 6 Conversations That Moved the Room.

The day’s agenda featured six strategic panels, each packed with powerhouse speakers and thought-provoking dialogue:

1. She Leads: Power, Politics & Visibility in the Diaspora
   Women leaders unpacked the challenges and breakthroughs of navigating leadership as Black and African women in Canada and abroad.
2. She Codes: Education, Innovation & the Future of Work
   A forward-looking discussion on tech access, digital skills, and preparing girls for a future where innovation is key.
3. She Heals: Mental Health & Trauma Recovery for Women
   A deeply personal panel on wellness, healing, and intergenerational trauma, featuring therapists, survivors, and advocates.
4. She Invests: Women, Wealth & Economic Power
   From real estate to crypto, panelists explored how women can build generational wealth and invest in themselves and others.
5. Business & Entrepreneurship Panel
   A space for founders, side-hustlers, and CEOs to share the highs and lows of building women-led businesses in today’s economy.
6. Finance & Fundraising for Nonprofits
   Designed for women running nonprofits and community organizations — this panel offered insights into funding strategy, storytelling, and accountability.

Each panel was moderated by seasoned professionals like Dee Burrowes, who also served as MC for the day — bringing warmth, humor, and poise to the room.

Speakers Who Brought the Fire

Among the incredible speakers were:

• Mercy Osayi and Dr. Christine Obaigwa (She Leads Panel)
• Svetlana (Finance & Fundraising), whose organization also brought volunteers
• Austine Abolusoro, CEO of Linearsend – Revve, who offered a male ally’s perspective on investing in women

Their sessions were filled with not just advice, but vulnerability — creating space for learning, unlearning, and building.

Capturing the Moments

The event was fully covered by our Afrodiaspora media team, with:

• High-res red carpet photos
• Behind-the-scenes interviews
• Panel highlight reels
• Social media story takeovers

These assets not only celebrated the day but will serve as promotional material for future conventions and campaigns.

Our Role at YYWC

As the organizing partner, YYWC facilitated venue logistics, volunteer coordination, and community outreach for the event. The success of the convention also deepened our collaboration with AWLO for future projects — both in Canada and internationally.

It’s part of our broader mission to support intersectional leadership, economic opportunity, and global visibility for women in African and diaspora communities.

The AWLO Canada 2025 Convention wasn’t just an event. It was a declaration — that women lead, build, heal, code, invest, and rise.

We, at YYWC were proud to stand in the gap and light the way.