Lakeridge Health board chair honoured as one of Canada’s 100 Accomplished Black Women

The Chair of the Lakeridge Health Board of Trustees Chair has been recognized among the 100 Accomplished Black Canadian Women.

Cordelia Clarke Julien joins an esteemed list of individuals from all walks of life who have made valuable contributions to Canadian society and to the betterment of Black Canadian women and girls across the country.

“I’m so honoured and grateful to be included in this talented group of Black Canadian women,” Clarke Julien said. “This recognition is not just a reflection of my individual journey, but also a testament to the collective support and mentorship I received along the way from those who believed in me.”

The 100 Accomplished Black Women list is an initiative that began in 2016. All 100 honourees will be included in the 2024 edition of a biennial book meant to inspire Black Canadian girls and women by highlighting those who have made contributions in fields such as government, not-for-profit, financial, legal, real estate, health, education/academic, entertainment and fine arts.

“This is a tremendous accomplishment and wonderful moment for Lakeridge Health,” said Cynthia Davis, President and CEO, Lakeridge Health. “This prestigious accolade reflects Cordelia’s exemplary leadership and outstanding contributions to our community. We’re thankful for her dedication and commitment to helping Lakeridge Health achieve its vision of One System. Best Health.”

As Chair, Clarke Juian has also been instrumental in Lakeridge Health’s inclusion, diversity, equity, accessibility, and anti-racism (IDEAA) efforts, including the release of the IDEAA Multi-Year Action Plan.

“My advice to Black women and girls would be to never diminish the light within you as that is what makes you great,” she said. “I have witnessed too many Black women and girls dim their greatness so that others around them feel better about themselves. So when someone tells you that ‘you are too much,’ just know that your light is shining bright, and they just need to get a pair of sunglasses.”

Cordelia Clarke Julian

The 100 honourees were identified through a nomination process. Each nominee was evaluated based on several criteria, including demonstrated leadership through role modelling and/or volunteer activities and their support related to the efforts of Black girls and women, and organizations and groups that work to advance them.

The award ceremony and 100 Accomplished Black Women book launch will take place September 28 at Woodbine (tickets on sale now) with part of the proceeds going to grass roots organizations that support marginalized Black women and girls, including Gatehouse (ON), Fistula Empowered Paradigm (NS) and National Congress of Black Women (BC).

The Cactus Still Blooms, a poem by 2016 honouree Ettie Rutherford, the founder of the ‘Women are Worthy’ consulting business in Whitby, a retired elementary school principal, the author of the book Women Are Worthy: Why Perch like a Chick When You Can Soar like an Eagle?

Though surrounded by humanities’ arid embrace
The cactus still blooms.
While striving for survival on God’s most hateful soil
The cactus still blooms.
Engrossed with the battering of prejudice’s piercing winds
The cactus still blooms.
Striving beside each other, entwined by time
The cactus still blooms.
Honing skills of survival from plants long gone
Sharing sparse drops of Faith’s enriching waters, with Sisterly love
The cactus still blooms.
Protected by tentacles sharp and protective, while
Embracing the sunshine and blessings from above
It reaches for the sky, Lifting as it climbs,…
The cactus not only blooms
It carries on