Members of the Kindred Credit Union Centre for Peace Advancement are excited to welcome the newest participants in the Grebel Peace Incubator. Hana H., Lena Thibeh, and Razan Qaoud are the team behind BWOSS, a professional development program that empowers Black, Indigenous, and Women of Colour (BIWOC) to thrive in the tech sales industry.
Hana describes BWOSS as an organization that “empowers excellence and champions diversity.” BWOSS is committed to providing BIWOC affordable access to a variety of professional development resources in an environment that values and respects cultural diversity. Through their unique program, BIWOC gain access to comprehensive upskilling opportunities, receiving training and skills to thrive in their field. Additionally, holistic career coaching and mentorship is offered to guide and support individuals on their career journeys.
Established in 2020, BWOSS was inspired by “a pressing need to address the unique challenges faced by BIWOC in revenue-generating roles across Canada, the United States, West Africa, and the United Kingdom.” Hana noted that male dominance in the tech sector often “overshadows the potential and voices of BIWOC.”
The COVID-19 pandemic exposed the harsh reality of gender disparities in the workforce, with women disproportionately impacted by its economic toll. This glaring inequity became a rallying call for the founders of BWOSS, inspiring them to take meaningful action. Recognizing the urgent need to support their community, they embarked on a mission to equip women with tools to succeed. Through their efforts, BWOSS has become a source of inspiration and strength, providing the resources for BIWOC to not only recover from the setbacks of the pandemic, but to become significant leaders in the tech sales industry post-pandemic.
BWOSS is aligned with several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) established by the United Nations, making a significant impact in several key areas. BWOSS is committed to supporting BIPOC and actively makes efforts to promote gender equality, work and economic growth, quality education, and community-wide sustainability. “We’re not just transforming lives; we’re contributing to the global effort to achieve a more sustainable and inclusive future,” Hana shared.
BWOSS also provides an opportunity for BIWOC to apply for Google Career Certificate Scholarships in partnership with Google. These scholarships offer a pathway to enhance expertise in crucial fields, such as cybersecurity, project management, and UX design. This initiative not only fosters diversity in tech, but also opens doors to promising career opportunities, ensuring that underrepresented voices are heard and empowered in the digital
world. It’s a powerful step toward a more inclusive and equitable tech industry.
To connect with BWOSS and explore the valuable opportunities they offer to support BIWOC on their professional journeys, visit their website, bwoss.ca.
The Grebel Peace Incubator supports participants like BWOSS through impactful mentorship, funding, and space for networking and community-building in a vibrant, peace-centered setting. New ventures interested in connecting with the Centre for Peace Advancement are always welcome to apply to the Peace Incubator Program. BWOSS’s involvement with the Peace Incubator will provide them with the space to grow and flourish.
By: Sophia Pettit