In honour of Black History Month, this session centers on the lived experiences, leadership, and contributions of Black professionals in healthcare, while examining how diversity, equity, and inclusion strengthen workplace safety and patient care.

Black History Month is not only a time to reflect on the past, but to recognize the present-day impact of Black healthcare workers who continue to lead, advocate, and care in complex systems. Nurse and mental health advocate Sosa Eweka-Valentine shares her journey in healthcare — including the challenges of underrepresentation, the impact of microaggressions, the breakthroughs that shaped her leadership, and the lessons learned as a Black woman in the sector.

Drawing from frontline experience, this webinar explores what it means to care for others while also finding the courage to navigate bias, advocate for yourself, and support your team.

Viewers of this session will be able to: 

• Reflect on the impact of diversity, equity, and inclusion in frontline healthcare settings and how these principles influence workplace safety and team culture. 
• Understand key insights from Sosa's journey in healthcare — including the challenges, breakthroughs, and lessons learned as a Black woman in the sector — and how lived experience can inform leadership and inclusive practice. 
• Identify practical strategies for navigating microaggressions, bias, and underrepresentation in professional healthcare environments. 
• Recognize the importance of representation in healthcare leadership and its connection to resident and client trust, team morale, and culturally responsive care. 
• Apply sustainable self-care and resilience strategies to prevent burnout and advocate for personal and team well-being. 
• Explore mentorship and peer-support approaches that strengthen networks, foster belonging, and contribute to safer, more inclusive workplaces.