The Saint John Newcomers Centre is celebrating Black History Month by featuring Black community partners who are making a significant impact in Saint John. The center aims to shed light on the contributions of these partners and their influence on the local community. The series highlights the stories and achievements of individuals and businesses within the Black community, emphasizing their cultural, social, and economic contributions to Greater Saint John. This initiative aligns with the center’s mission to promote equality for all cultural groups and improve the well-being of both existing residents and newcomers in the region.
Ovunda Green is an experienced project manager with proven track record in program coordination, education, and community outreach. Adept at cultivating meaningful relationships with stakeholders to foster engagement and support for organizational initiatives. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Geology and Mining, a Master of Science in Energy Economics, an MBA in project management, and a Ph.D. in Petroleum Economics. Presently, he serves as the Program Director for Skills for Success at Black Lives Matter New Brunswick. Additionally, he volunteers as the Project Coordinator at Black Business and Professional Network (BBPN) Inc.
What does Black History Month mean to you, and why is it important?
Black History Month (BHM) represents a period of reflection as it should stir up series a of conversations, questions, and honest answers from all stakeholders. The outcome should make way for policy changes that ensures an equitable future for the Black community. Reflection is a very powerful way to honor the resilience, achievements, and contributions of the Black community in the past, it also examines the present and envisions a future where the Black individual will have equal access to opportunities, resources, and rights.
Engaging this tool during the Black History Month is strategic as it spotlights the historical injustices, current disparities, and the work that remains to be done. I expect the focus of this celebration to be on dismantling racism. It’s a time for introspection and collective dialogue, as we continue to build on the current effort towards promoting equity, justice, and inclusivity for the Black community.
Who are some Black leaders that have inspired you, and how have they impacted your career or personal development?
Growing up has been an adventure for me due to my craving for change. I am passionate about this concept and find myself always meditating on how I can stimulate positive change in myself, individuals around me, organizations, and the society. This passion for change is cardinal to my choice of Black leaders who inspire me.
Through my personal development journey, I have had the privilege of connecting with some remarkable Black leaders across different fields who have profoundly impacted and inspired me to strive for excellence. While their names may not resonate widely, their influence on my leadership journey is undeniable. These leaders, through their resilience, determination, and vision, have guided me towards becoming the best version of myself.
In particular, when reflecting on the critical issue of racial discrimination and the ongoing fight to dismantle systemic racism, I draw inspiration from the transformative leadership of individuals like Nelson Mandela. His unwavering commitment to justice, reconciliation, and equality in the face of immense adversity serves as a beacon of hope and guidance for me.
Studying Mandela’s life and legacy has not only deepened my understanding of the complexities of racial injustice but has also fueled my determination to contribute meaningfully to the ongoing struggle for equity and inclusion. His ability to lead with empathy, integrity, and humility resonates deeply with my own values and aspirations as an individual committed to driving positive change.
Striving to emulate the remarkable qualities of Nelson Mandela is undoubtedly a noble aspiration; nevertheless, I will be grateful to even be a fraction of what he represents. Today, I am excited to collaborate within teams dedicated to advocating for equity and inclusion for the Black community in New Brunswick. Our collective efforts are yielding significant results, with a notable increase in the representation of Black individuals in the trade sector, coupled with the provision of support systems that empower them to thrive.
What advice would you give to young Black professionals considering a career in your field (e.g., entrepreneurship, community work, etc.)?
Currently, I’m the Project Director for the Skill Success Program at Black Lives Matter. I also volunteer as the Project Coordinator at Black Business and Professional Network Inc. Both organizations focus on community building and empowering the Black individual through education, advocacy, training, building partnerships, and networking. Program coordination plays a vital role in delivering projects that align with organizational objectives.
For young Black professional considering a career in this field, I would encourage you to believe in yourself, embrace your identity, and find purpose in your work. Your unique experience, and perspectives are invaluable assets that can contribute significantly to your success. Also, volunteering is another invaluable avenue for young Black professionals to gain hands-on experience and develop essential skills in program coordination. It also offers the opportunity to give back to our community, fostering a sense of connection, belonging, and responsibility. Young Black professionals can seek volunteering opportunities in organizations that share similar core values. Additionally, investing to grow your skills, submitting to mentorship, and maintaining a strong resolve for success are essential components of personal and professional development.
How do diverse teams improve the work in your industry, and what benefits have you observed from working in a diverse environment?
Diversity within a team encompasses various dimension including, race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, age, religion and more. Having people from all kinds of background, cultures, and experiences enriches the workplace and makes it more exciting. It helps organizations to tap into a wealth of talent, ideas and insights, enabling them to adapt and thrive in an ever-changing world. From my experience as a program coordinator in a Black-led organization, diversity within our team promotes a range of cultural perspectives and insights that enables us develop programs that are culturally relevant and responsive to the needs of the black community. Embracing diversity as a core value and harnessing the collective strengths of our team, have equipped us to navigate challenges, seize opportunities, and create meaningful change for the Black community we serve.
What are some challenges or opportunities you have encountered as a Black professional in your field, and how have they shaped your approach to your work?
As a Black professional in my field, I’ve navigated a landscape marked by both challenges and opportunities. While acknowledging the hurdles, I’m particularly eager to highlight the positive experiences and opportunities that have shaped my journey.
One remarkable opportunity I’ve had is working in a team of professionals at Black Lives Matter New Brunswick to provide paid skill training programs specifically tailored to empower Black men and women. Witnessing individuals from the Black community gaining access to these opportunities and forging meaningful careers in the trades has been immensely gratifying and reaffirmed the importance of our advocacy work at Black Lives Matter New Brunswick.
Furthermore, I’ve been fortunate to organize networking events and programs while volunteering at Black Business and Professional Network (BBPN). The organization, through its founders and current president, gave me the first opportunity to showcase my skills in program coordination and provided mentorship that prepared me to take on more robust responsibilities. The events at BBPN are geared towards connecting members of the Black community with valuable opportunities. These events serve as catalysts for collaboration, partnership, and professional growth, enabling individuals to expand their networks, explore new ventures, and access resources that were previously out of reach. Seeing firsthand the tangible impact of these networking initiatives on the economic empowerment of Black community has been truly inspiring and reinforced my commitment to fostering meaningful connections and opportunities for our community.
What would your colleagues be most surprised to learn about you?
My unmistakable enthusiasm for soccer often leads colleagues to quickly assume it’s my favorite pastime. However, they may be pleasantly surprised to learn that chess holds the title as my ultimate game of choice. My only challenge has been finding someone who shares similar passion for the game. Are you that person? Let’s connect!
