Page 35 - 01-Jan-Feb-2025

BUSINESS
“I AM
SOMEONE
WHO IS A
DREAMER.”
Jeanne Lehman came to Edmonton 14 years ago; she’s made
a world of difference to the lives of Black women since then
S
ince starting her life
in Edmonton in 2011,
Jeanne Lehman has
made a meaningful
impact supporting Black and Franco-
phone 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 estab-
lished business communities.
In 2017, Lehman founded Black Cana-
dian 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 entre-
preneurs 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 depart-
ment, now sells in major retailers and
is on track to break into the American
market. Through the community depart-
ment, 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 commu-
nities. 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.”
by BREANNA MROCZEK
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