One week ago, students, faculty and staff gathered to celebrate a successful mentorship program aimed at uplifting Black voices in the University community. From its inception last spring to last week’s finale, the Magnifying Black Voices (MBV) pilot program provided student mentees and faculty and staff mentors with the opportunity to come together, cultivate connections and inspire one another.

In recognition of Black Excellence Day, the Office of Equity and Inclusion is sharing this reflection on early goals and ongoing dreams for the MBV program:

Since the establishment of the Office of Equity and Inclusion, we have pursued bold and ambitious goals. At the heart of all our initiatives lies a single driving purpose: to build a community that genuinely cares for one another. This vision extends beyond the confines of the workday, aiming to create a foundation where care influences how we live, work and grow together. It is this ethos that informs every action we take.

When the Ignite and Inspire Investment Fund was announced with the launch of UNBC’s new strategic plan Ready in the fall of 2023, we began to dream: how could we consciously and systematically encourage members of our community to connect, to build meaningful relationships and to feel seen and valued?

Then, we asked ourselves a bigger question: how do we build a platform to redistribute wealth in a way that reflects care, equity, and intentionality? A platform that shows our Black students, staff, and faculty that they are not alone, that they are supported and celebrated. And from that dream, the Magnifying Black Voices project was born. A first-of-its-kind program designed to facilitate community, amplify voices and invest directly in the people who make this community vibrant. This wasn’t just another program; it was a declaration, a commitment to creating spaces where care and connections thrive.

We were fortunate to secure the funding to bring this vision to life. The journey began with our first event on March 15, 2024, where we introduced the community to this initiative and invited them to join us in building something unprecedented. That day, we planted the seeds of connection, setting the stage for the meaningful work ahead.

One of the most important parts of the MBV program was the process of matching mentors with mentees. The process was approached with intentionality, ensuring that the relationships formed were meaningful and rooted in the unique needs of each individual. This wasn’t just about pairing people, it was about building relationships that could make a real difference.

The mentors played an extraordinary role in this journey. Their commitment of time, energy and knowledge-sharing was invaluable, and we extend our deepest gratitude to them. This was about more than mentoring, it was about showing up for community in a way that was selfless, impactful and deeply meaningful. Their contributions have laid the foundation for a program that will continue to grow and thrive.

Once the matches were made and the bursaries disbursed to mentees, it was time to bring everyone together. On September 12, 2024, we hosted the Magnifying Black Voices Kickoff Event, which marked the official start of the program. The evening was filled with an electric energy. We laughed, we connected, we played games and we got to know each other in ways that went beyond surface introductions. Attendees left inspired and eager for the year ahead, and it was a powerful reminder of the potential of this initiative.

On November 14, 2024, we held the Magnify Your Potential event – an evening that was all about vision and possibility. It was a space for everyone to dream boldly and envision a future that reflected their highest aspirations. The most powerful part of the event was hearing from Black professionals who are experts in their field. People who have walked the path and now stand as examples of what is possible. They did more than share their personal stories and insights, they illuminated pathways to success. 

On January 9, MBV participants and supporters came together for the program finale to reflect on the journey shared, celebrate the community connections build and acknowledge the goals achieved.

What began as an idea has grown into something tangible and impactful. This program stands as a testament to what can be accomplished when equity and inclusion are prioritized and centred.

To our mentees: you are now alumni of a program with a lasting legacy. We hope you view yourselves as future contributors to this initiative, returning to one day guide others as you have been guided. Thank you for entrusting us with your aspirations.

This is not the end. It is the beginning of something enduring and transformative. Together, we will continue to build on this foundation, ensuring that care, connection and equity remain at the core of everything we do.