Nadine Spencer, CEO of the Black Business and Professional Association (BBPA), has been named a member of the Toronto Police Services Board, according to the Jamaica Gleaner.

Spencer was sworn in to the seven-member civilian body that oversees the 7,600-member Toronto Police Service.

“As a Black woman, a Torontonian, and an advocate for equity and justice, I am honoured to have the opportunity to serve on the Toronto Police Services Board,” Spencer said in a statement. “This position affords me a unique and important opportunity to bring my perspective to bear on the real issues faced by the city and people of Toronto, particularly as they relate to policing.”

She will be formally introduced during a meeting on April 28.

“I take this responsibility very seriously and hope to make meaningful contributions that will help move policing and community relations forward in a positive and productive direction,” she told the Gleaner.

As a leader of the BBPA, Spencer oversaw several initiatives, including the RiseUp pitch competition and entrepreneurship training program, the Business Advisory Implementation Development Services (BAIDS) program, and more.

“The board looks forward to working with Spencer and welcomes the unique expertise and important perspective she will bring as a visionary entrepreneur, as well as a collaborative, inspirational, and dedicated community-builder,” interim TPSB Chair Ann Morgan told the Gleaner.

Dahabo Ahmed-Omer promoted to CEO of BlackNorth

Dahabo Ahmed-Omer has been appointed CEO of the BlackNorth Initiative. Previously the executive director, she is leading the organization’s work on anti-Black racism and programs to boost Black entrepreneurs.

“I am truly honoured to lead our extraordinarily dedicated team. This evolution speaks to the visionary leadership of our Board of Directors, the maturity of our organization, and its continued growth. As our organization works towards increasing Black leadership across the country, there is a striking gap of representation in corporate Canada, and I firmly believe that we need more Black women at the C-suite level,” Dahabo Ahmed-Omer, CEO of the BlackNorth Initiative, said in an Instagram post. “This shift leads the example on how we can eradicate systemic barriers that Black women continue to face in Canada’s corporate landscape.”