§ Social Impact & Education

Okwera Academy.

A non-profit I founded to create economic sovereignty for BIPOC communities across Canada — from urban tech ecosystems to rural innovation hubs. Four pillars, one Digital Inclusion Hub, and a podcast.

Okwera Academy cohort working together
Okwera Academy · Canada — coast to coastokwera.academy ↗
§ Our Four Pillars + The Hub

Programs built to elevate.

Applications Closed

ElevateHer Leadership

Advancing BIPOC Women Leaders

For BIPOC women who are emerging and current leaders — tools, strategies, and community to advance the next stage of the corporate and career leadership journey.

  • ▸11-Module Leadership Curriculum
  • ▸Executive Coaching & Mentorship
  • ▸Peer Support Sessions
  • ▸Leadership Community Network
  • ▸Career Advancement Strategy
Learn more ↗
Now Accepting Applications

Built in the Valley

Rural Entrepreneurship for BIPOC Communities

You don't have to be in Silicon Valley to build a successful venture. Our flagship 9-week incubator in the Cowichan Valley empowers BIPOC entrepreneurs in rural communities to turn ideas into thriving local businesses.

  • ▸Rural Innovation Incubator
  • ▸Local Market Development
  • ▸Community-Based Mentorship
  • ▸Startup Funding Access
  • ▸Urban–Rural Tech Bridge
Learn more ↗
Applications Closed

Black in Sales

Tech Sales Accelerator

An accelerator for Black youth entering tech sales — the skills, mentorship, and industry connections needed to excel in the dynamic world of technology sales.

  • ▸Sales Methodology Training
  • ▸One-on-One Industry Mentorship
  • ▸Real-World Role-Playing
  • ▸Networking & Job Placement
  • ▸Interview Preparation
Learn more ↗
Rolling Sessions

Okwera Hours

Your Hour of Elevation

"Okwera" means "Elevate" in Nyanja. Drop into our recurring virtual sessions for high-impact career support for BIPOC professionals and rural community members — think "office hours" for your career journey.

  • ▸Resume & Cover Letter Support
  • ▸Drop-In Career Coaching
  • ▸Skills-Based Workshops
  • ▸Mock Interviews & Feedback
  • ▸Networking Events
Learn more ↗
Ongoing

Digital Inclusion Hub

Bridging the Digital Divide

Access to digital skills training, AI literacy, mentorship, and career development — helping bridge the gap for BIPOC communities in urban and rural Canada. Houses AI 101 Accelerator and Content Creation as a Career.

  • ▸AI 101 Accelerator — 8-week cohort
  • ▸Content Creation as a Career — year-long
  • ▸Digital Literacy & Access
  • ▸Tech Career Pathways
Learn more ↗
§ Okwera Podcast

Amplifying BIPOC and rural voices.

Authentic conversations about career journeys, entrepreneurship, and community building.

Listen now ↗
§ Support Okwera Academy

Sponsor. Mentor. Partner.

Fund a cohort, mentor a founder, or open doors to work placements. Every hour turns into elevation for someone.