Ottawa Young Black Professionals

07/21/2026

New YBP Profile featuring Richard Sharpe!

This month, we're proud to feature Richard Sharpe—a strategist, speaker, presenter and dedicated community leader whose work has influenced conversations on equity, accountability, and systemic change across Canada.

Richard has worked alongside communities, governments and organizations to advance meaningful approaches to addressing anti-Black racism and other forms of discrimination. His leadership has also supported initiatives connected to the United Nations International Decade for People of African Descent, helping strengthen opportunities for Black communities through collaboration and action.

In this profile, Richard shares his motivations, thoughts on his community work and reflects on having a purpose driven life.

Take a few minutes to watch, be inspired and let us know what resonates most with you.

https://youtube.com/shorts/5Q_FEw3POVU?si=7pYJYmiKwpzJqz1w

07/07/2026

Thank you to everyone who joined us for our June YBP Dine & Connect!

It was an incredible evening of connection, conversation and community.

This event was especially meaningful as we officially launched INSPIRE—the values that will guide how YBP builds community and supports Black professionals:

Integrity. Never Give Up. Serve. Progress Over Perfection. Innovation. Respect & Authenticity. Enjoy Life.

Community is about showing up for one another, sharing our experiences, offering support, and growing together.

Thank you for helping us launch this next chapter of YBP. We can't wait to continue building with all of you.

Stay connected—there's so much more to come.

06/02/2026

INSPIRE: The Code We Live By

Launching at the next YBP Dine & Connect

Every Black professional who has ever walked into a room where they were the only one, negotiated for a seat at a table that wasn't built for them, or quietly carried the weight of representing an entire community, knows that the journey demands something deeper than talent alone. It demands a code to live by.

Join us as we officially launch the YBP INSPIRE Framework and explore how these values can help us thrive in our careers, strengthen our communities, and create lives filled with purpose, connection, and joy.

- June 25, 2026
- Lil’ Negril Island Grill, 261 Centrepointe Dr.
- 5:30PM - 7:30PM

Register today: https://www.ottawaybp.com/event-details/ybp-dine-connect-2

YBP Dine & Connect. Real Conversations. Real Growth. Real Community.

Success is not only about what we achieve, but how we lead, how we support one another, and how we build community. Join us for dinner and networking as we officially launch the YBP INSPIRE framework.

05/29/2026

Hey YBP!

We’re back with another YBP Profile. This series shines a light on the incredible leaders, entrepreneurs, and changemakers in our community who are creating spaces of connection, support, and opportunity.

Today, we’re featuring Chuks Onwuachi, Co-Founder and Executive Director of The Brotherhood Coalition—an organization dedicated to redefining Black masculinity, fostering connection, and supporting the wellness and advancement of Black men and boys.

His story is a reminder that meaningful change happens when people step forward to create the communities they know are needed. As part of this work, The Brotherhood Coalition (BHC) will also be hosting its 2nd annual Black Males in Excellence Conference on Saturday, July 18, 2026.

For more information, follow BHC on Instagram and LinkedIn.

Check out the latest profile.

https://youtube.com/shorts/aIenMv3P-98?feature=share

Enjoy the videos and music you love, upload original content, and share it all with friends, family, and the world on YouTube.

04/30/2026

Hey YBP! We’re back with another YBP Profile—and this one is just as inspiring.

This series is all about highlighting the incredible leaders, entrepreneurs, and community members around us who are creating change and bringing people together.

Their stories remind us that when we support one another—whether by showing up, sharing opportunities, or investing in our community—we all move forward.

Check out the latest profile on Joanne Robinson, Executive Director and Founder of Flo’s Seniors. Watch, get inspired, find ways to support and stay connected 🤎

https://youtube.com/shorts/EP6a6GzlCyA?feature=share

YBP Profile: Joanne Robinson

04/16/2026

We’re still feeling the impact of our YBP Dine & Connect event on April 9th!

It was a powerful reminder of what happens when we intentionally create space for community—people came ready to connect, share, and support one another in meaningful ways.

From the conversations we had to the feedback we’re receiving, it’s clear that there’s a real desire for more opportunities like this—to build relationships, exchange knowledge, and grow together.

At YBP, this is exactly what we’re committed to: creating spaces where people feel seen, supported, and connected.

Thank you to everyone who joined us and helped make the evening such a success.

We’re excited for what’s ahead—stay connected for the next event.

04/06/2026

Reminder: This Thursday, YBP Dine & Connect!!

YBP Dine & Connect
Honest conversations about work, life, and thriving

📅 April 9, 2026
📍 Lil’ Negril Island Grill — 261 Centrepointe Dr.
⏰ 5:30–7:30 PM

Join us for an evening that brings together young, seasoned, and retired Black professionals to build a community rooted in genuine connection. Through informal conversations and shared experiences, we’re creating a space that supports you through challenges and celebrates your personal and professional growth.

When Black professionals gather, we multiply our knowledge, our resources, our joy — and our ability to thrive.

We’re excited to host our next event at Lil’ Negril, a cherished local island restaurant now celebrating 15 incredible years in the community.

Register today:
https://www.ottawaybp.com/event-details/ybp-dine-connect-1

03/21/2026

Hey YBP!

We are having another YBP Dine & Connect -
Honest conversations about work, life and thriving.

Join us for an evening that brings together young, mid career and retired Black professionals to build a community rooted in genuine connection. Through informal conversations and shared experiences, we’re creating a space that supports you through challenges and celebrates your personal and professional growth.

When Black professionals gather, we multiply our knowledge, our resources, our joy — and our ability to thrive.

We’re excited to host our next event at Lil’ Negril, a cherished local island restaurant now celebrating 15 incredible years in the community.

📅 April 9, 2026
📍 Lil’ Negril Island Grill — 261 Centrepointe Dr.
⏰ 5:30–7:30 PM

Register using the link below.

https://www.ottawaybp.com/event-details/ybp-dine-connect-1

Honest conversations about work, life, and thriving

03/18/2026

Hey YBP!

The Ottawa Black Film Festival - OBFF returns March 20–24, 2026, proudly celebrating Cultural Diversity and Creative Excellence with 40 remarkable films from around the globe. This year’s hybrid edition offers both in‑person and online screenings, plus signature events like their Opening Night on Friday, March 20, and the always‑popular Black Market Panel on Saturday, March 21.

Rooted in its theme, OBFF continues its commitment to elevating bold, authentic voices in cinema. The festival champions independent filmmaking and highlights stories that reflect the realities, experiences, and vibrant diversity of Black communities worldwide.

Explore the films, join the conversations, and support Black artistic expression.

https://ottawablackfilm.com/

The Ottawa Black Film Festival (OBFF) is dedicated to showcasing unique voices in cinema, offering audiences fresh perspectives on the world. With a mission to support the growth of independent filmmaking, OBFF highlights stories that reflect the realities, experiences, and diversity of Black commun...

03/10/2026

Hey YBP!

Welcome to our very first YBP Profile!

YBP Profile celebrates the power of individuals to drive collective action and meaningful change within their workplaces, communities, and beyond. We aim to honour those in our midst who stand boldly in their purpose, charting paths for others to follow. We recognize the ability each of us has to be a light for those in front of us, beside us, and behind us, and we express deep gratitude for the visionaries who lead with courage, clarity, and impact.

Today we are featuring the incredible Diane Watson, an experienced, dynamic and award winning leader in the tech industry, working with Ribbon Communications as a Product Security Program Manager.

After listening, we hope you feel inspired and reminded that meaningful change often starts with just one person taking action.

Check it out here: https://youtube.com/shorts/cwLAt00aj18?si=C6_80mvdnQnqAJg1

Welcome to the very first YBP Profile featuring Diane Watson, an experienced, dynamic and award winning leader in the tech industry, working with Ribbon Comm...