Velma Morgan

Velma Morgan

Chair

Velma Morgan is a leader with proven experience in creating and implementing policies and programs in the provincial government for over 10 years. Her comprehensive knowledge of government and public policy processes allows her to quickly decipher and analyze complex issues and positively contributes to a solution.

Velma’s recent work in government included working on the highly successful Pan/Para Pan American Games, the creation of the province’s Sports plan and the creation and passing of two legislations: The Ontario Immigration Act and Ontario Black History Month. She co-organized the first Black Political Leader summit in Nova Scotia.

Velma is the co-author of a document entitled “Blurred Vision” that provides strategies to educators on how to harness diversity within the classroom and school system. She wrote an on-line course for the Toronto District School Board entitled “Successful Teaching in a Culturally Mosaic Classroom”. She also contributed to the book “Brave New Teachers: Doing Social Justice Work in Neo- liberal Times”, with her piece on “Making Literacy Work for Everyone”.

Through her positions in the provincial government and work in education, she ensured that the voices of marginalized communities were reflected in policies and government’s communications. She also helped to strengthen collaborative ties between racialized communities, youth and government in new and innovative ways. Community and business leaders of a variety of backgrounds regularly solicit Velma to deliver results in the area of policy, community and social development.

As Chair of Operation Black Vote Canada, she is the architect of the first ever Black Community provincial leaders debate, Black Women’s Political Summit and Next Generation Political Summit. Velma is also involved in a myriad of community and not-for-profit associations. Some of her roles includes: City of Toronto Canada 150 Committee, Advisor, Jean Augustine Chair in Education, past Chair of Election Readiness, Equal Voice Toronto Chapter, former National Board Member of Equal Voice, Black Experience in Toronto Project; former Board Member of Big Brothers and Big Sisters of Toronto, several board positions in the John Brooks Community Scholarship Foundation, advisory board, Innoversity – Roadmap 2030 conference, advisor and planning committee member, GTA Political Summit, Canadian Centre for Political Leadership, and she continues to participate in election campaigns at the Municipal, Provincial and Federal levels across Ontario.

Velma has been featured in the following publications: When Ackee meets Codfish, a special 50th anniversary publication that celebrates Jamaica Canadians and their achievements and contributions to Canada over the past 50 years, Sway, ETFO Voices, and York University’s Alumni Magazines. She has been a repeat speaker for ETFO “And Still I Rise” conference and Women in Politics forum.

Velma is the recipient of the John Brooks Community Foundation Scholarship Fund Community Service Award, the TNT Eagles Community Service Award, the Ontario Ministry of Citizenship and Immigration Volunteer Award for her service and commitment to youth and her community,  the Canadian International Black Women’s Enterprise 100 Black Women to watch 2015 and 100ABC women 2018.

More Members

Kevin Modeste

Kevin Modeste

Treasurer
Zoya Kodu

Zoya Kodu

Director, Multi-media
Ian Allen

Ian Allen

Vice-Chair
Lawrence Dawkins

Lawrence Dawkins

Director at Large