My Story

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From Dream to Purpose

Justina Kanza is recognized by CIBWE as a Canadian Top 100 Black Woman to Watch in 2023; Black Entrepreneur of the Year Award Nominee; Recipient of a Mastercard Foundation Scholarship valued at over $400,000...yet these are not the best ways to describe Justina.

Her story starts with a powerful dream: to equip individuals and communities with the tools to transform their own world. As a Zambian immigrant in Canada, Justina witnessed the struggles and triumphs of newcomers navigating a new path. The lack of resources, guidance, and belonging fueled a fire within her. This led her on a path of purpose, dedicating herself to building bridges and igniting the potential within individuals, communities and organizations.

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From Purpose to Action

Fueled by an unwavering commitment to positive change, I embarked on a journey that has seen me establish not one, but two purpose-driven organizations.

Okwera Recruitment, my thriving for-profit recruiting firm, bridges the gap between companies and talented individuals, fostering growth for both.

Recognizing the immense potential within Black communities and newcomers to Canada, I also founded Okwera Academy. This non-profit equips individuals with the skills they need to thrive in technology, entrepreneurship, and skilled trades, empowering them to launch, accelerate, and scale their careers.

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From Action to Collaboration

My impact extends beyond the walls of my own organizations. Through strategic partnerships, I leverage my expertise to create a wider ripple effect of empowerment. I've collaborated with established organizations like the Black Founders Network at the University of Toronto, serving as a trusted advisor to Black entrepreneurs to facilitate access to the essential ingredients for success: capital, community, and capacity building.

In addition, I've partnered with organizations like Woveo, a FinTech company empowering communities through financial literacy and credit building, by leveraging my skills in program design and implementation, coupled with proven community-building strategies, to develop educational and awareness campaigns, fostering a thriving community around Woveo's program, and collaborating on sales & growth strategies, ultimately contributing to a significant increase in Woveo's positive impact within the communities they serve.

How Can I Support You?