Since starting her life in Edmonton in 2011, Jeanne Lehman has made a meaningful impact supporting Black and Francophone communities. Originally from Cameroon, Lehman lived, studied and worked in Paris and Montreal before moving to Edmonton. As a Black Francophone woman, one of Lehman’s first major initiatives was the creation of an organization focused on supporting African Francophone immigrants, particularly in navigating employment opportunities.
“I met a lot of Black women, including newcomers from Africa, who wanted a place to talk not just about the challenges they were facing, but also solutions, which I was really happy to hear,” Lehman says. “So I asked myself, what can I do?”
Lehman consulted with Black women in her communities and learned that the majority of them wanted support with starting or scaling a business, but were intimidated by accessing available resources because they didn’t know whether they’d be welcomed into established business communities.
In 2017, Lehman founded Black Canadian Women in Action Society (BCW), an organization focused on empowering and mentoring Black women and girls. BCW’s initiatives include a business department that provides training, networking, and other resources for Black women entrepreneurs and their businesses. BCW has also expanded to include a community department with mentorship and social programs for Black girls and their families.
BCW is now a vital resource in six provinces, including Alberta, and provides support for women at all stages of their business journey. Lehman’s mentorship has led to numerous success stories, including someone who started a skincare line in Edmonton and, thanks to the resources available through BCW’s business department, now sells in major retailers and is on track to break into the American market. Through the community department, Lehman is proud of the support for a young woman who dreamed of becoming a psychologist but had never seen a Black woman in the field. After pairing her with someone who could mentor her and provide some guidance, this young woman felt more confident about pursuing her dream career.
Lehman admits the work can be challenging, but it is all worth it when she hears from people who have succeeded because of her referrals, assistance, or programs. “Someone told me, ‘thank you so much, we are benefiting because of all the work you did. I got a job because of you, your assistance was really beneficial,’” Lehman recalls. “There is a lot on my shoulders, but then when I see how much I’ve helped others, I know I have to continue.”
Though the personal stories of success from those she has helped are most meaningful to Lehman, her hard work has not gone unnoticed by broader communities. In December 2024, Lehman was recognized with the prestigious Order of Canada award.
“I am someone who is a dreamer,” Lehman says. “I think we live in a world where we can all benefit. I don’t believe people should be left behind, and I just want to do my part.”
This article appears in the Jan/Feb 2025 issue of Edify
