UNEARTHeD

Black women continue to shape and strengthen higher education through their leadership, expertise, innovation, and service. At the same time, research and lived experience demonstrate that Black women often navigate unique barriers related to representation, visibility, advancement, sponsorship, and belonging within institutional environments. 

UNEARTHeD was created in recognition of both these realities. 

The program acknowledges the challenges that may exist while centering the strengths, talents, aspirations, and leadership potential of Black women. Through coaching, peer connection, and professional development opportunities, participants are supported in navigating their careers while cultivating the confidence, skills, and networks necessary to thrive. 

UNEARTHeD is more than a leadership program. It is an investment in community, capacity-building, and the long-term success of Black women leaders. 

The University of Waterloo is a signatory to the Scarborough Charter on Anti-Black Racism and Black Inclusion in Canadian Higher Education. The Charter calls upon post-secondary institutions to create environments where Black faculty, staff, students, and leaders can thrive while addressing systemic barriers that affect inclusion, participation, and advancement. 

UNEARTHeD represents one way the University of Waterloo is putting these commitments into practice. 

By investing in leadership development, professional growth, and the success of Black-identified women, the program contributes to the creation of a more equitable and inclusive institution. UNEARTHeD acknowledges that meaningful institutional change requires intentional investment in people and the cultivation of environments where Black leaders are supported, recognized, and empowered to succeed. 

Through coaching, development opportunities, and community-building, participants are equipped with tools, relationships, and resources that support both individual success and broader organizational impact. 

How UNEARTHeD Advances Waterloo's Scarborough Charter Commitments 

• Supports the recruitment, retention, and success of Black talent. 

• Invests in leadership development and career advancement. 

• Strengthens pathways for Black women to grow and lead. 

• Fosters community, belonging, and professional connection. 

• Celebrates Black leadership, excellence, and achievement. 

• Contributes to institutional efforts to advance equity and inclusion. 

• Supports the conditions necessary for Black flourishing within higher education. 

UNEARTHeD is grounded in the belief that leadership is not defined by title alone. 

Leadership is reflected in how we influence change, support others, build relationships, champion innovation, and contribute to our communities. Participants bring diverse experiences, perspectives, expertise, and aspirations to the program, and those differences strengthen the collective learning experience. 

By creating opportunities for reflection, growth, and connection, UNEARTHeD helps participants lead authentically, confidently, and purposefully. 

UNEARTHeD is designed for Black-identified women at the University of Waterloo who are interested in investing in their leadership journey. For the 2026-2027 cohort we are excited to bring this program to the University of Waterloo for Black-Identified faculty, staff and grad students (currently in a people leadership role). 

Participants may include: 

Black Identified-women Faculty and Staff who:  

• Existing people leaders and managers. 

• Individuals interested in strengthening their leadership capacity and influence. 

• Employees looking to expand their professional networks and community connections. 

The program welcomes participants with diverse backgrounds, experiences, and career aspirations. 

When Black women are supported to lead, innovate, and thrive, our entire university community benefits. 

UNEARTHeD reflects the University of Waterloo's commitment to creating an environment where Black women can access opportunities for growth, develop meaningful connections, and be recognized for the leadership, expertise, and impact they bring to our institution every day. 

Through leadership development, coaching, and community, UNEARTHeD is helping cultivate a future where Black women leaders are empowered to flourish and where their success strengthens the University as a whole.