HALIFAX, NS – The Africadian Empowerment Academy (AEA) hosted its Annual General Meeting (AGM) on Saturday, March 8, 2025, aligning the event with International Women’s Day (IWD) to specifically celebrate the achievements and resilience of Black women in skilled trades.1
The event, held at the Theatre of the Nova Scotia Community College (NSCC) Akerley Campus, welcomed over 60 guests, including partners and community members. Under the theme, “Black Women in Skilled Trades: Celebrating Resilience and Achievement,” the AGM featured a dynamic panel discussion. The discussion aimed to inspire, educate, and foster meaningful connections by offering attendees valuable insights into the experiences, challenges, and opportunities for Black women in the skilled trades sector.1
Dr. Wanda Thomas Bernard, Africadian President, emphasized the significance of the date, stating, “it is no coincidence that our AGM and the International Women’s Day are happening on the same day, there is no better day to recognize the growing influence black women in the male-dominated industry. We need to highlight and celebrate their impact as well as their contributions to the Skilled trade industry sector”.1 The Africadian Empowerment Academy (AEA) is dedicated to empowering, equipping, and inspiring members of the Nova Scotia community of African descent to pursue and fulfill their lifelong dreams and aspirations. The event underscored AEA’s commitment to encouraging greater representation and support for Black women in skilled trades.